IN THIS ISSUE : Church Announcements ...............................................page 2 Church-wide Calendar .................................................page 3 A Letter from Pastor Ross .............................................page 4 Music Ministry .............................................................page 5 Adult Discipleship ........................................................page 6 Encore Ministry ............................................................page 8 Youth Ministry ..............................................................page 10 Children’s Ministry .......................................................page 11 Preschool Ministry........................................................page 12 FBC School ..................................................................page 13 Special Announcements...............................................page 14 From Troy’s Heart ........................................................page 15
CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS REGULAR WEDNESDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES RESUME SEPTEMBER 2nd MARY HILL DAVIS OFFERING - Our goal is $10,000. Prayerfully consider what God would have you give. NEW SECURITY CHECK-IN- Our new Sunday School security check-in officially started August 23rd for Children and Preschoolers. MOTHER’S DAY OUT FALL ENROLLMENT - Enrollment for the new school year is going on now. MDO starts on September 8. Packets are available online, or at the church office. Enrollment fee of $100 secures your spot.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Welcome New Church Members: Steve and Sheila Suders
CHURCH STAFF
Ross Shelton, Pastor rshelton@fbc-brenham.org Troy Sikes, Associate Pastor tsikes@fbc-brenham.org Charles Covin, Music Minister ccovin@fbc-brenham.org Alex Morrison, Minister to Children amorrison@fbc-brenham.org Chad Marrs, Minister to Students cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org Stacey Strickland, Preschool Ministry sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org
2
Teresa McGlasson, Office Manager tmcglasson@fbc-brenham.org Annette Guenther, Comptroller aguenther@fbc-brenham.org Donella Peevler, Church Receptionist dpeevler@fbc-brenham.org Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech elewis@fbc-brenham.org O’Dell Merryman, Facilities Manager omerryman@fbc-brenham.org Nancy Jahns, School Administrator njahns@fbcsbrenham.org Kristie Mendoza, Mother’s Day Out Director mdo@fbc-brenham.org
CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR SEPTEMBER: 1 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am - 12:00pm 2 Wednesday Evening Activities Resume 6:00pm 6 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30 - 11:00am 6 Deacon’s Meeting - Room 111 2:00 - 3:00pm 6 Family Life SS Party - Sycamore Living Room 12:00 - 2:00pm 7 Church Office Closed - Labor Day 8 Security Committee Meeting - Pahl Garage 6:00 - 7:00pm 8 Mother’s Day Out - Stone House Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am - 2:30pm 13 Ceremony For Bracy Bledsoe - Gym 5:00pm 14 Finance Committee Meeting - Room 111 6:30 - 7:30pm 15 Precept Bible Study - Pahl House 9:00 - 11:00am 16 Precept Bible Study - Pahl House 6:30 - 7:30pm 16 Ladies Bible Study - Sycamore House Upstairs 9:00am 16 Ladies Bible Study - Sycamore House 6:30pm 17 Ladies Bible Study Fellowship - Sycamore House 9:30 - 11:30am 23 Coffee With The Pastor - Room 112 6:00 - 6:30pm 27 Business Meeting - Gym 5:00 - 6:00pm OCTOBER: 4 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30 - 11:00am 4 Deacon’s Meeting - Room 111 2:00pm - 3:00pm 5-9 FBCS Bookfair - Pahl Garage 8:00am - 5:00pm 6 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am - 12:00pm 7 Kid’s Choir Resumes - Sanctuary 5:30 - 6:30pm 10-16 Colombia Mission Trip 12 Budget Planning Meeting - Room 112 5:00 - 8:00pm 13 Security Committee Meeting - Pahl Garage 6:00 - 7:00pm CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. First Baptist Church Contact Info: Ph: (979) 836-2807 Fax: (979) 830-0122 info@fbc-brenham.org Mailing address: PO Box 600, Brenham, TX 77834 LINKS TO CHECK OUT ONLINE CHURCH & SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.fbc-brenham.org CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/BrenhamsFirstBaptistChurch SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/Brenhamfbcs
3
FROM PASTOR ROSS As we begin the fall, we enter an important season in the life of our church. Beginning this fall, we are going to have some important times of discussion, prayer, and decision that will help chart the course for our church. The opportunities include the following: - We will go through a deliberative, structured, prayerful process that will focus on working through and clarifying the relationship we desire to have with our school and Early Education Center (EEC). Please be alert to the opportunities that will be presented for us to reflect and pray together. - The Relocation Committee will hopefully make a recommendation to the church concerning the architecture firm we believe is the one to assist us in developing a master plan and phase one relocation. - We will have the opportunity to reflect, pray, and decide on a mission statement, discipleship process, vision statement. These are all important items for our church. Right now, all I ask is that you pray. Pray for our church. Pray for our leadership. Pray for me. I’m excited about the possibilities of what God can and will do through our church. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Ross
4
WORSHIP & MUSIC MINISTRY I’ve settled in nicely to my new office in the Choir Room! The new location and set up are great and are making my job much more convenient. There are a lot of great things happening in the music ministry! Here are few ways YOU can get involved:
Christmas Choir
Christmas Choir rehearsals are under way! I want to invite any of you Who are interested to come join us for, what promises to be, a fantastic experience this December. Practices are on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm.
Praise Choir
Worshippers wanted for our 11am Contemporary Service Praise Choir! No handheld microphones, no sheet music, no mandatory rehearsal. All that’s required is that you be at least high school age, love to worship, and are willing to listen and learn a few great songs at your leisure each week!
Kid’s Choir
Kid’s Choir will kickoff on Wednesday, October 7th. 1st graders - 6th graders, join us at 5:30pm in the Choir Room for music, cctivities, and food! Contact Charles at ccovin@fbc-brenham.org for more details!
5
ADULT MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASSES
At BFBC we offer fifteen different Sunday morning Bible Studies for YOU! Each Sunday @ 9:45am, you will find people eager to meet you and engage you in friendly discussions of faith and life from the Bible. Agape (various ages) Rm 213 Friendship (Ladies) Rm 104 Virtuous Women (Ladies - various ages) Scripture Searchers (Men) Rm 111 Adult 2 (Sr. Adults - all ages) Syc Liv Rm Pahl Living Rm Hope Class (Ladies all ages) Syc Gar Life Applications (various ages) Rm 110 Covenant Keepers (Senior Married Family Life Class (various ages) Rm 214 Couples) Syc Liv Rm Choices (various ages) Rm 103 Adult 3 ( 60’s) Pahl Garage CSI: Brenham (Open to All) Rm 205 Adult 4 (50’s & 60’s) Rm 105 Adult 1 (Sr. Adults) Rm 112 Adult 5 (50’s) Stone House Joy (Ladies) Rm 112 MINSTRY MOMENTS: New Ministry Tool Coming! With our new church database, we have a new ministry tool, Access ACS, designed to help us stay connected. Some of our leaders are “test-driving” it during September. By the first part of October, we hope to open it to all church members. What can you do in Access ACS? • Update your personal records and photos • View the church calendar • Send group communications via email • Leaders can make contact • Search for church member’s addresses assignments • Print a directory • Register for events and make • View your contribution records payments online Watch the Sunday worship guide during September for more information!! PIECE MAKERS
Several members of the Piece Makers sewing group presented 23 handmade baby quilts to the Pregnancy Assistance Ministry in August. These quilts will be included in Mommy Bags given to new mothers after attending parenting classes. Melinda VanOstrand, Executive Director of New Beginnings Life Ministries was most appreciative of the donation. Piece Makers meets the first Tuesday of each month from 9 am until noon in the Student Center. Questions or donations? Please call or email Sara Byman at 979 830-8555 or sara@kangablue.com.
6
BIBLE STUDIES & MORE CONNECT & SHARE LIFE TOGETHER IN ONE OF THESE GROUPS! Schroeders - Study: Marriage, 620 Country Place West, We will start meeting on September 20 (3rd Sunday) at 5pm. Koenig/Sossaman (Ladies/Widows) Study: Missing Pieces- 402 Magnolia, 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 6pm. Exception of September due to Labor day. September 14th & 28th. Then October 5th & 19th, November 2nd & 16th, and then on December 7th. Bishop/Doebler - 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Starting September 8th. Yeakleys - (Excellent Way Bible Study Group)- Study: The Acts of The Apostle, 800 Loesch St, Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Atkins - 9250 Lake Dr. - Various times and subjetcts.
W EEK LY B I B LE S T UDI ES & FEL LO W SHIP Men’s Study/Prayer Breakfast Studying: What Every Christian Ought to Know Wednesdays, 6:00am - Sycamore House Sweet Hour of Prayer: Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00am - Sycamore House Garage Sharing Jesus Without Fear: Starting September 9th, Room 111, 6:30pm. All of us have fears when it comes to telling people about our faith in Jesus. Let’s come together and find out how to diminish those fears. Taught by Troy Sikes
L ADI ES B I B LE S T UDIES STARTING SEPTEMBER 16th • Wednesday 9:00am class “1000 Gifts” by Ann Voskamp Sycamore House upstairs. (Childcare available) • Wednesday 6:30pm “1000 Gifts” by Ann Voskamp Sycamore House. (Childcare available)
PRECEPT CLASSES STARTING SEPTEMBER 15th & 16th: WILL BE STUDYING JOEL/OBADIAH • Tuesdays 9:00am-11:00am in the Pahl House. • Wednesdays - 6:30pm-7:30pm in the Pahl House. LADIES BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP CLASS • Will resume Thursday, September 17th. Meeting on Thursdays, 9:30am - 11:30am, in the Sycamore House.
7
ENCORE MINISTRY NEWS THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING!
Our Encore Ministry is comprised of Adults 55 yrs of age and above who know God has more for each of them to accomplish for His kingdom. Therefore, our Encore adults are growing in faith, community, ministry, missions and their love for others. John 15:12,13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. CELEBRATE OUR SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS! Debbie Goss 9/1 James Presswood Steve Mossbarger 9/2 Jerry Legard Chris Dalrymple 9/2 Sylvia Price Kitty Cook 9/3 Jeanette Carlson Ron Upchurch 9/3 David Meier John Bryant 9/3 Sidnie Byrket Howdy McCracken 9/3 Glenda Graham J W Burchfield 9/4 Jerry Black Danny Batdorf 9/5 Don Longhofer Florence Smith 9/8 Sherry Lacy Terry Roberts 9/8 Sherry Heitmann James Carstarphen 9/10 Marsha Dannhaus Cheri Baker 9/10 Lavangie Dillard Mary Helen McDaniel 9/12 Don Smith Syble Vick 9/15 Gilbert Welty Jack Brannen 9/15 Susan Jenkins Jeff Stoltenberg 9/15 Tricia Turner Donna Culliver 9/15 Annetta Black Rodney Williams 9/16 Joanne Sossaman Pat Tahaney 9/16 Pam Briley T K Condron 9/17 Bud Lovell Susan Karisch 9/17 Michael Jenkins David Yeager 9/18 8
9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/22 9/22 9/23 9/23 9/23 9/24 9/24 9/25 9/25 9/25 9/25 9/26 9/27 9/28 9/29 9/30 9/30
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As I sit down to write, I would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy Grandparents Day. We always enjoy that day since we get to go to our grandson’s school for lunch with him. This will be our last year to do that, because next year the youngest will be too old for us to come to middle school. We love it and he always loves it. He lets us know the night before what he wants us to bring him for lunch. Then he takes us to the school library to shop for books. I love that he loves books like those that our older grandsons have in the past. It is always right after the new school year begins so everyone is still a little excited about new books, new teachers, and new friends. A new school year can be compared to becoming a new Christian in that it is a new beginning, a fresh start if you will. Isn’t it great that as Christians we are given a chance for a fresh start each and every day with Christ? Do you ever stop and think of how great a gift we have been given through Christ? It is mind boggling if you really stop and think about it. Let it be our goal to take advantage of that fresh start every day that we have. Even if we cannot get out and go, we can stay at home and pray for those who can go! Happy Grandparents Day to each of you grandparents out there. Blessings, Reba Pair BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need - words that will help others become stronger.” Ephesians 4:29
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH “What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in Abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort lessons in life. And most importantly cookies.” Rudolph Giuliani
9
STUDENT MINISTRY This is my favorite time of the year! From my back yard, I can hear the whistles blowing, the drums getting louder, and the popping of football pads from the practice. You know what that means - football season is back! All we need now is just a little cold snap and I would be on cloud 9. Slap on the face paint and yell so loudly that you can’t talk the next day. You know what I am talking about - cheering for your favorite player! Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, and band - whatever gets you excited and fired up. The best fans make for the best game, right. I often wonder what kind of impact we would have on our friends and people we come in contact with if we shared the highlight and stats of what God is doing in our everyday life and how He enables us to carry on in our life when we feel we can’t go on. Church Family I want you to know there are many out there who need to hear that and not just about, how you feel He has blessed you monetarily. So let’s join together and cheer the loudest for The Lord Jesus Christ… Not just fair-weather fans who only come around, talk about or support when we are winning… truth is we have already won!!! Go team! Bro. Chad
10
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’– Joshua 4:6 The summer is over and students have started practicing for their fall events. Since my new office is in the Kids KlubHouse, I now have an elevated front row seat to the FBCS volleyball practice, and I can see them learning how to volley, lob, set and spike. This year, there is a new player that has particularly caught my attention. It is my daughter – Mariah. Despite my disbelief, she is already old enough to play for the school. Today, as I walked by the window, I noticed my son leaving the gym. Naturally, I searched the gym for my soon-to-be volleyball star, but my glance failed to find its target. There were only four girls on the court. Where could she be? Why was her brother here but she was not? Then I noticed a tall girl with hot pink kneepads just like Mariah’s. Then, I remarked how that girl had the same shoes that Mariah wore. Wait a moment. Who is this mature girl? This couldn’t be my little girl. Just then, she turned, and I saw her face – it was my youngest child and only girl, Mariah. Continue reading at http://www.fbc-brenham.org/kids-klub-news/ Septempber-newsletter-2015/
THANK YOU
Thank you to Joanne Sossaman for the delicious lunch she prepared for our Movin’ On Up event to welcome the incoming 1st grade families into the Kids Ministry.
BFBC KIDS KLUB MONTHLY BIG IDEA Initiative is seeing what needs to be done and doing it.
WEEKLY BOTTOM LINE Initiative is seeing what needs to be done and doing it. Weekly Bottom Lines: 1. When you see something big to be done, ask God for help. 2. When you see what needs to be done, don’t wait for someone else to do it. 3. When you see people in need, don’t wait for someone else to help them. 4. You can trust God to help you do what needs to be done.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE “Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord.” - Colossians 3:23a (NIrV) “
11
PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES SUNDAY MORNINGS IN SEPTEMBER BASIC TRUTH: GOD LOVES ME. KEY QUESTION: WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF ME? BOTTOM LINE: GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ME. MEMORY VERSE: “MY GOD WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS.” PHILIPPIANS 4:19 NIV
Christmas in September: This year we want to be a blessing to over 100 young girls at the Para del Niña orphanage in Columbia. The Encore Ministry made toiletry bags at VBS this summer and now our Preschool Ministry wants to raise funds to fill them with the needed supplies. So, on Sunday, September 27th we will be seeking your donations for baked goods that our little ones will have worked very hard on. Please stop by our tables in the lobby areas outside the sanctuary and show them your support. Thanks!
It is time to visit the We Care Pet Shop where we care for your pets and you! The First Look team had tons of fun planning this month’s curriculum for us. It is full of dogs, frogs, birds, and mice! Oh my! Our kiddos are sure to have fun, but more importantly, they are sure to learn about caring and that God cares for them. That is what we want our little ones to walk away with this month, the knowledge that “God will take care of me.” What a powerful thing for our little ones to know. No matter what, God will take care of them. God will take care of them when they are in a new place, just as He took care of Esther when she went to a new city to become queen. God will give them people to protect them just as He used Rahab to protect the spies and the spies to protect Rahab. God will put people in their lives to help them just like He introduced Elijah to the widow and her son, and God helped them never run out of oil and flour. Finally, God will provide for them just as He showed the well to Hagar when she and her son were so very thirsty. God will take care of them! The Pet Shop theme will help them connect to what that means as they play and take care of pretend pets of their own all month long.
Stacey 12
Parent/Child Dedication on November 8th Please contact Stacey Strickland (Director of Preschool Ministries), at sstrickland@fbc-brenham.org or by phone 979-836-2807, ext. 217. No later than October 11, 2015.
FBC SCHOOL & EEC Exciting things are happening at FBCS & EEC! We have had a great start to the new year. Our theme this school year is: “Ready! Set! Serve!.” Our verse is “God has given each of you a gift…use them to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10. Our spiritual goal is to show students and families that we all have special gifts that God has given to us. No matter how old we are, we are capable and called to serve others. Our staff is fabulous! We are ready to live out 1 Peter 4:10. We are blessed; our school families mean the world to us, and we treat them like they are a part of our extended family. God is continuing to bless us through them! Feel free to check us out and join the FBCS & EEC family! Nancy Jahns FBCS Administrator MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA
Mother’s Day Out is excited to begin the 2015-2016 school year! First day of school begins Tuesday, September 8th. We are accepting enrollment now for ages 15 months through 5 years. Our theme for this year is “God’s Little Explorers”, and we will be journeying through the Bible, exploring God’s word! Chapel time at MDO is every Thursday morning. We introduce a Bible story each week, a video that goes along with the story and a craft during this time. If you are interested in picking up a packet, please go to the church office or you can download the packet online at http://www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/mothers-day-out/ If you love children and would have an interest in volunteering for chapel, I would love to talk to you more! MDO is always looking for substitute teachers! If you are available Tuesdays and/or Thursdays and love children, then I would love to visit with you more about being on our substitute teaching list. Also, remember our school is open for tours! Our teachers have made our program into an enjoyable experience for all! Even if you do not have little ones but want to know, what our ministry is doing for the community, please feel free to come by during our school hours and visit the school! MDO has been a wonderful experience for children and their families of this community. We hope to continue this ministry and serving these needs for a very long time. 13
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: David May and family in the loss of his mother Louise May. Martin Gessner and family in the loss of his grandfather. Dayna Heine and family in the loss of her dad Fred Gray. Nancy Tahaney and family in the loss of her mom Marjorie Tarver.
Church Thank Yous:
Dear Church Family, What a blessing it is to be a member of the First Baptist Church Family. You’ve shown your compassion, love and most of all your prayers were answered. The visits and phone calls were deeply appreciated. Bracy Bledsoe Thank you For the donation to the Sole Hope! We appreciate you!! The Sole Hope Team Dear FBC Family, Thank you for the plant sent to our house here. Thank you for the cards and phone calls. It feels good to have our church family show their love and concern. You are appreciated. David & Donna May and Family Dear FBC, On behalf of the Board of Adam’s Angels Ministry, I say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, and THANK YOU. AAM is so blessed to call FBC our home. We love each and every one of for your gift of service, whether it be prayerfully, physical or financially. It takes all of us to make a difference in the lives of the childhood cancer families AAM serves. God uses all of us in different ways. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to be the “hand and feet” of Jesus by personally developing relationships with these families. This is all possible because of the “Angels” that have been put in my life and the life of this ministry Once again, thank you for your continued prayers and service to AAM. LOVE MY FBC FAMILY! Dear Brenham FBC Family, Thank you very much for the beautiful plant you gave me. It was very nice and thoughtful. Thank you for the prayers. Love, Dayna Heine Dearest Church Family, I’m not sure who to thank for the gas card I received. I know it was given out of love. I am blessed to be part of a family of believers that do not just talk the talk but walk the walk. God is good. Your sister in Christ, Rola
14
FROM TROY’S HEART The “Great Church Office Exodus” is now complete! We have made the move from the Chase Bank building to our church campus. If I ever have to move another file cabinet, I may run down the street screaming!! With the office relocation, some things are different and some new surprises are happening. As a person of habit, I am establishing new patterns to make me comfortable. My interior designer did a great job with my office. She arranged photos and memorabilia in such a way as to bring joy and familiarity. Way to go Kelley!! Glad I married her. As far as the surprises, well, we are meeting new people and forming new friendships! Friendships with EEC workers, FBCS staff and of course, the children, who are curious as to why more “big people” are in the halls. In another chapter of my life, I now have a senior in college! Yes, there is light at the end of tuition payments! Can I get an “AMEN!”? Our youngest daughter, Jill, will finish up at Hendrix College in May 2016 with a degree in Kinesiology. This fall she will compete in her final season of collegiate volleyball. Therefore, Kelley and I will be gone quite a few weekends in the fall to watch her play. Go Warriors!! Lastly, I need to give a few “thank you’s”. * ...to Teresa McGlasson, Annette Guenther, Donella Peevler and Ernie Lewis for great attitudes during the Office Exodus. *...to all of our Sunday Bible Study and Home Team Leaders for their faithfulness over the last year. *...to my wife and interior designer of 30 years (Aug. 17) for her love, patience and infectious kindness. You’re pretty much my most favorite of all time in the history of ever!! I love you, Troy
15
Brenham’s First Baptist Church P. O. Box 600 Brenham, TX 77834-0600
Return Service Requested
MAIL TO:
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit 235 Brenham, TX 77834-0600