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 Design 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 Pastor Ross ...............................................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries .................................................................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page 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 ..............................................................page
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
SAVE THE DATE - OCTOBER 19th
Encore Potluck Luncheon @ 11:00am in the Pahl House Dear Church Family, Can you believe 2017 Operation Christmas Child collection week is just weeks away. Donna and I are looking forward to a great year. We realize that folks in our area have gone through some stressful times with all of the flooding and storm damage that hit South Texas. Even so it has been heart warming to see how people have pulled together to help each other. Operation Christmas Child is another way to pull together and help kids that have had little or nothing most of their lives. When one in ten kids that gets one of these shoeboxes also meets Jesus and is saved it is certainly a worthy endeavor. If we as a church could put together 400 shoeboxes 40 kids will get saved. Likewise if we reach the set goal of 4,500 shoeboxes collected from the area then 450 kids will be saved. Collection dates this year are November 13th thru November 21st. It will be a busy and a good time for those that get involved. About the 15th of October I will begin taking names of those that wish to volunteer. Your faithful help in this project is always appreciated. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support concerning Operation Christmas Child. Yours in Christ, David May
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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR
OCTOBER-
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FBCS- Scholastic Book Fair 8:00am Piece Makers 9:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:00am FBCS - Grandparent’s Day/Lunch11:00am Ladies Bible Study Fellowship 9:30am Sweet Hour of Prayer 10:00am Lord’s Supper - Both Services Vision Sunday - Both Services Vision Gathering Q&A 4:00pm Budget Council Meeting 5:00pm Precept Bible Study Resumes 9:00am Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:00am Precept Bible Study Resumes 6:30pm Vision Gathering Q&A 6:30pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship 9:30am Sweet Hour of Prayer 10:00am 5th Quarter 5:00pm Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:00am Sweet Hour of Prayer 10:00am Handbells - 8:30am Worship Service Men’s Prayer Breakfast 6:00am Sweet Hour of Prayer 10:00am World Hunger Offering - Both Services
Pahl House Student Center Sycamore House Sycamore House Sycamore House Room 112 Room 112 Pahl House Sycamore House Pahl House Room 112 Sycamore House Sycamore House Gym Sycamore House Sycamore House Sycamore House Sycamore House
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
October begins an important time in the life of our church. During this month, we begin the process of taking a big step forward in the first phase of our relocation. Before we look ahead, let me take the opportunity to remind us of how far we’ve come:
-During the intentional interim period, 2011-2013, before I came as your pastor, the church went through a period of discernment concerning whether or not the church felt led to continue a process of relocation. The consensus of the church was that we discerned that God was leading us to continue this journey. -We discerned that we felt led to purchase 33 acres on S. Market St. for our relocation. Interestingly, this property was the land we originally desired to purchase, but, at that time, the owner was not ready to sell. The 51 acres that was purchased in the past was then put up for sale. God willing, we hope to close soon on the sale of the 51 acres. The potential purchaser is finishing up some due diligence research on the land. If the purchase of the 51 acres goes through, it will net to the church 2.34 million dollars. -We went through a process of interviewing and selecting our architecture firm, construction management firm, and civil engineers. -We worked through a process of developing the Master Plan and Phase One floor plans. This included numerous meetings for the Relocation Committee and many opportunities to solicit feedback from the church. All of this has brought us to a place where we are ready to propose the design of Phase One and begin our capital campaign during this month. There are numerous people I want to thank: -Thank you to the hard to work of our Relocation Committee: David Baker (co-chair), Brandon Musser (co-chair), Heather Kirby, Robert Haydon, Arlen Thielemann, and Stephen Puckett. They have given countless hours to bring us to where we are today. -Thank you to our ministerial and admin staff. They have been helpful in providing feedback and helping make sure certain tasks were done. -Thank you, church, as well, for your feedback and encouragement through this process. I’ve heard many horror stories of similar processes in other churches, but I’m thankful that this was not the case in our church. As we now prepare to take these important steps, please remember this process is not just about facility building but about faith building. In fact, the theme of our capital campaign will be “Faith Building.” (As a side note, we have an excellent Capital Campaign leadership team. The leadership team is led by Charlie Matejowsky and includes Mindy Holster, Sam Bell, Fred Moorhead, and Shirley Herring. There are also numerous others who will be helping!) As excited as I am about our new facilities, I’m more excited and hopeful that this process will be an opportunity for you to grow in your faith. Therefore, what is most important during this process is prayer. Pray for the unity and excitement of our church. Pray for financial provision. Pray for protection of our leaders against the work Satan and the demonic. Pray for me as I seek, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to lead and guide us during this process. Thank you, church. I look forward to seeing what God is going to do. 5
MUSIC MINISTRY
Christmas Choir
Christmas Choir rehearsals have gotten off to a great start, but it’s not too late for you to join us as we prepare to share an amazing presentation in December entitled, SING GLORIA. Practices are on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm in the sanctuary.
Praise Choir
Worshippers wanted for our 11am Contemporary Service Praise Choir! No handheld microphones, no sheet music, no mandatory rehearsals. All that’s required is that you be a least high school age, love to worship, and are willing to listen and learn a few great worship songs at your leisure each week!
Kids’ Choir
Kids’ Choir is well underway at 5:30pm on Wednesday evenings and going great! We’ve got a really good number of singers already and would love for any / all 1st graders – 6th graders to come join us each week in the Choir Room for music, fun, and food! *We will not have Kids’ Choir rehearsal on Wednesday, Oct. 4th (Homecoming Parade) *Kids’ Choir is singing in both morning worship services on Sunday, Oct. 15th! For more details, see Charles Covin! ccovin@fbc-brenham.org
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ADULT MINISTRIES PIECE MAKERS 210 fleece bears accompanied Chad and the mission team to Colombia in mid-September and were presented to Colombian orphans. These bears were made by Piece Makers with some help from others during craft time at VBS for Seniors. Focus projects for October and November will be baby quilts for the Pregnancy Assistance Ministry in Brenham. We meet in the Student Center the first Tuesday of every month from 9 am until 2 pm. We stitch a variety of projects for charity and enjoy getting together for prayer and fellowship as we sew. Piece Makers has a sewing machine for you to use if you need one. All are welcome and encouraged to come and stitch something for someone to love.
Welcome New Church Members Gladys Johnson Mary Sparks Kim Lytle First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team. Each Sunday, We have greeters in 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 and our Welcome Guest Greeter 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.
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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE
Men’s Prayer Breakfast Studying “The 10 Command” Wednesdays, 6:00am Sycamore House Sweet Hour of Prayer Thursdays, 10:00am Sycamore House Garage Pastor’s Bible Study “Pastor’s Bible Study & Prayer Time” Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 112 Ephesians: Faithful Followers at Full-Tilt! Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Room 111 NEW! Young Married Bible Study: You and Me Forever, Marriage in a light of Eternity by Francis & Lisa Chan Sunday Mornings at 9:45am in room 203
Ladies Bible Studies Studying “Finding I Am” by Lysa TerKeurst. Wednesdays 6:30pm Sycamore House Ladies Bible Study Fellowship Class Studying the book of “Romans” Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, in the Sycamore House Precept Bible Study Tuesdays, 9:00am - Pahl House Wednesdays, 6:30pm - Pahl House Starts 10/10 & 10/11
HOME TEAM GROUPS UPDATES!
Widows & Single Ladies – Various Topics. Pahl House 1st & 3rd Monday 6:00pm.
Schroeder – “The Bait of Satan” by John Bevere 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – Prayer and fellowship 9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjects
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ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS
CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAYS! Bobbie Doty Sarah Fraley Gayle Wells Arlie Eckermann Glynette Smith Diane Houston Thomas Messick Loretha Baker Gladys Johnson Diana Batdorf Dagmar Poteet Lynne Hollowell Sam Bell Don Kramer Sami Rahman Bette Sommers Phyllis Glasscock Kathy Landrum Lee Bufkin Joe Williams David Towell Will O’Brien Buford Langston
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David Beyer Peggy Marshall Kathy Japp Richard Miller Audrie Martin Sandra Smith Jolynn Anderie Marsha Legard Johnnie Pitts Candy Arth Pat Brannen Margaret Walker Kim Sales
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SAVE THE DATE - NOVEMBER 10th First Baptist Church School Veterans Day Program and Luncheon- 10:00am
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A LETTER FROM REBA Today I find myself thinking about recent events across the Gulf Coast. I have friends who have lost everything they have worked so hard for. The thing that brings joy to my heart is how Christians have some forth to supply needs all across the South. Here in Texas the Texas Baptist Men have shown everyone how to minister to those in times of need. Christian groups of men women and even children have been on the frontlines sharing the love of Jesus with whoever they happen to be helping that day.
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH: “WHERE EVER THERE IS A HUMAN BEING, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KINDNESS.”
My take on all of this is that God is awakening his people to “let our little light shine”, and I think we have. What I hope to see in future months and years is that our country is still talking about how God used his people to help before any charities stepped in. I also am so thrilled that our church here in Brenham stepped up and out on faith to help those with losses through donations, days of working on homes, feeding the National Guard who were working out of Brenham. I am also so happy that we are a mission minded church as well. He has blessed us in that we have been able to send teams out into the world with three mission trips abroad this year. Let me wrap this up saying let us keep our light shining here and around the world. May you all have a blessed fall season. Blessings, Reba
SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come ye blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungered, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me, Then the righteous answer him, saying Lord when saw we thee hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:34-40
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STUDENT MINISTRY
By the time you read this I will have gotten back from a mission trip to Bogota, Colombia. This is my fourth international trip in seven months. Even though it has been busy, man have I seen the Lord work. I can not thank you enough church for all the prayers that were spoken and support that was given. Truly God is working through His people here at Brenham’s FBC. My prayer is that you see Him working when you hear our testimonies and know what a vital role you played in supporting us and encouraging us.
Here are just a few of the exciting things that took place this summer and early fall: We got to see our ladies blessing other ladies in a Bible study in Honduras. I want to say thank you to Jamie Ward and Sami Rahman for leading out in such an awesome way. Our men and young men led out by building and painting the church in Honduras. Thank you Arlen Thielemann and Ron Upchurch and many others for using your God-given talents for His Glory. Our Piecemakers are the hardest working ladies around. They continue to make all kinds of wonderful things not only for our mission trips but for our community and more. Thank YOU Sara Byman for having such a huge heart for this ministry. Your leadership among the ladies of our church is second to none and you and your team have blessed so many children, men and women in Washington County and around the world. Thank you to the Student Ministry, FBC School, VBS kids and many others that helped us raise money for the water well. I had the privilege of helping to install this well at a school in Tanzania that will serve the kids of the school and the surrounding village with a population of 3,000. These wonderful people now have safe, clean, drinking water for years to come. The well project has also opened up the opportunity for the Good News to be shared. Thank you so much to Brenham’s FBC ministerial team and support staff for your unwavering support of our mission efforts. Thank you so much to my wife, Bobbye Marrs, who constantly helps me and supports my dream of evangelism and for holding our home together when I am gone. I love you. Don’t forget…Be On Mission Every Day at your work, school, home, and neighborhood.
In Him. Bro. Chad
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” Psalm 71:17 Good Morning, Partnering with parents to raise kids who will run after God. Does this phrase look familiar to anyone? I hope so, because it is the motto that drives a lot of what and how we operate within the children’s ministry of Brenham’s FBC. It is a simple statement, which, we hope, serves as a reminder that we pair together to accomplish a big goal of raising kids who are super excited about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an idea that springs from an empirical finding. Two combined influences make a greater impact than just two influences. This was revealed to me from Orange (our curriculum strategy provider) and is on a coffee cup on my desk as a constant reminder. Basically, two different groups will accomplish more of the same goal if they work together than they would if they worked independently. This is our motto, and every parent who has children entering the ministry is educated as to its meaning. However, my inbox remains fairly empty with requests to partner or assist. Every now and then I will get a plea for how to talk to kids about sex or bad behaviors, but not near the volume that a ministry our size should warrant. So, I want to re-iterate: We are here to partner with parents to raise kids who will run after God. That is not just when they are here on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, VBS or Camp. We are here when they are in the hospital and you need a break. We are here when you have reached your limit or you have just received the best news ever. My door is open. My E-mail is ready to receive. My phone is working. Please use the children’s ministry as a resource for raising your kids to run after God. We are about to start a new phase in the life of our church when we build a new church home on South Market. It is going to cost a Taking care of what you have because it all lot of money. I think you would agree with belongs to God. me that the combined influences of us all will accomplish more than if we were to try to accomplish it on our own individually. The spiritual lives of your children can be just an overwhelming task. We can have greater impact if we combine our influences. I’m ready. Pick up the phone, type that request or just come by. We’ll talk. We’ll pray. We’ll come up with a plan. His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex
october’s big idea:
Stewardship -
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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES This past month our preschoolers have been learning how to be “Super Kids”. We have talked about four super friends that showed bravery, strength, courage, and wisdom. First there was Elijah the Brave, then Esther the Strong, Rahab the Courageous, and last but not least Joshua the Wise. All these super friends believed, loved, trusted and obeyed the one true God. They knew that God would help them and do His part. We all enjoy watching all those super hero movies and shows, but to hear about real people from the Bible who were super heroes in their own time all because they did it God’s way. How awesome is that? We don’t need a cape to be super; we just need God in our heart, believing, loving, trusting and obeying is where super starts. I am so proud of our preschoolers. They got to participate in their own mission project. They baked yummy treats and gathered donations for a great organization. With God’s help and yours our preschoolers were able to raise around $1,800.00 for Bread Partners here in Washington County. I am so proud of our “SUPER KIDS”! Thank you for your help in teaching our little ones how to help others in need. -I can believe like Elijah! That will make be brave! -I can love like Esther and grow stronger every day! -I can trust like Rahab for courage to do what is right! -I can obey like Joshua, making me wise day and night! Many Blessings, Stacey
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
NOLAN YELDERMAN 10-10-16 TIBERIUS PHILLIPS 10-21-16 WYATT CLARK 10-23-13 MOLLY EBERLY 10-26-13 JEDD GESSNER 10-27-15 13
FBC SCHOOL & EEC Happy Fall Y’all! Our annual book fair is this week. It is being held in the Pahl Street House. Please feel free to come by and shop for your family. All proceeds go towards our library. We will also be taking donations for two teachers in the Katy area that are native Brenhamites, Kate Gillespie and Lucy Boe. Donations will allow them to purchase Scholastic books for their classrooms. They each lost most everything in the flooding. Thank you to our Rita Homeier, our librarian, for her hard work! for including FBCS in the
Thank you
Our mission focus in September was on prayer walk for our community! Adam’s Angels Ministry and assisting the church with personal hygiene bags for What a blessing! hurricane victims. We appreciate the opportunity to help where there is a need. It helps our students to start noticing needs around them, and it shows them that they can make a difference in someone’s life! We are making plans to help with Operation Christmas Child for our next mission. God is moving in the hearts of our staff and students. Please pray for His spirit to overflow in all we do! Blessings, Nancy Jahns
We are planning our 40th Celebration for January 27, 2018. If you have any memorabilia, stories, or would like to help, contact the school office at 836-6411.
UPCOMING EVENTS October
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Begin 2nd Six Weeks Volleyball @ Allen Academy 4:30 Book Fair Ms. LouLou – preschool chapel Grandparents day @ book fair/lunch Ms. LouLou – for elementary Volleyball @ BCA 4:00 Student Holiday– school closed/EEC open/staff workday Volleyball @ St. Paul’s 4:00 Football @ St. Paul’s 5:30
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FROM TROY’S HEART The next two months are BIG in the life of our church! Over the course of the next eight weeks, we will prayerfully consider what God would have us give toward the Faith Building Capital Campaign. In preparation for those prayers, I want to remind us of three things: •God loves people not buildings! We are not going into a “building” campaign, we are on a mission to help God build people. The Great Commission is about God and people, we are too. •Buildings are tools not objects of worship. Our facilities facilitate ministry and as attractive as we want them to be, they are not our primary focus, God is. •Faith Building is not about money, it is about our relationship with God. We want each of you to follow the Lord. Ask Him what He would have you do during the campaign. Whatever He directs you to do, do it! Those are pretty simple reminders, but sometimes easily forgotten in the middle of a lot of activity. As things ramp up this month, do me a favor, commit these principles to memory. I believe these reminders will help us stay focused on what is really important. I love you, Troy
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Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
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