September 2016 newsletter

September 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

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

Stephanie Sheffield, Custodian Manager

ssheffield@fbc-brenham.org

Chad Marrs, Minister to Students

cmarrs@fbc-brenham.org

Ernie Lewis, Graphic/Media Tech

elewis@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.

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 A Letter from Pastor Ross ................................................page Music Ministry ....................................................................page Adult Ministries .................................................................page Bible Studies & More ........................................................page Encore Ministry ..................................................................page A Letter from Reba .. ..........................................................page Sweet Hour of Prayer ........................................................page Student Ministry ................................................................page Children’s Ministry ............................................................page Preschool Ministry ............................................................page FBC School .........................................................................page Special Announcements ..................................................page From Troy’s Heart ..............................................................page

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CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 7th Wednesday Night Activities resume.

NEW PORTRAIT DIRECTORY Dates for portraits are: September 14th - 17th, September 28th then October 1st, October 12th -15th.

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 Sean and Mindy Holster

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CHURCH-WIDE CALENDAR SEPTEMBER: 1 MDO Open House - Stone House Livingroom 5:30 - 6:30pm 1 Relocation Committee Meeting - Room 112 6:30pm 4 Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30am & 11:00am 4 Deacons Meeting - Room 111 2:00pm 4 Church Council Meeting - Room 112 4:00pm 5 Church Office Closed - Labor Day 6 Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00am 6 Joy SS Class Meeting - Sycamore Stone Room 2:00pm 7 BackPackin’ - Silver Wings Ballroom 5:30pm 7 Wednesday Night Activities Resume 7 Special Called Business Meeting - Room 112 6:00pm 11 Home Improvement Weekend Meeting - Room 111 12:00pm 13 Security Committee Meeting - Pahl Livingroom 6:00pm 14 - 17 Directory Photos - Life Touch - Sycamore House 1:00pm - 9:00pm 15 Encore Luncheon - Pahl Garage 11:00am 15 Relocation Committee Meeting - Room 112 6:30pm 18 Preschool Ministry - (Baking for Christmas in September) - Gym

9:00am - Noon 18 Preschool Ministry - (Christmas in September) 9:30am & 12:30pm 19 Finance Committee Meeting - Room 111 6:30 pm 25 Concert in Honor of Martha & Dr. Robert Haydon - Sanctuary 6:00pm 28 Coffee With the Pastor - Room 112 6:00pm 28-30 Directory Photos - Life Touch - Sycamore House 1:00pm - 9:00pm

OCTOBER:

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Directory Photos - Life Touch - Sycamore Hse 10:00am - 5:00pm Lord’s Supper Observance 8:30am & 11:00am Business Meeting - Gym 4:00pm FBCS-Scholastic Bookfair - Pahl Garage 7:00am - 6:00pm Piece Makers - Student Center 9:00amRoom 112 6:30pm 4

A LETTER FROM PASTOR ROSS On September 25th, we are going to have the opportunity to thank Robert and Martha Haydon for their years of service as accompanists. I’m so thankful for both of them and how they use their God-given talents and training to serve the Lord in our music ministry. I hope you’ll make an effort to be at the concert and reception we are hosting in their honor. A number of people have been working on this for months, and I appreciate the time, skill, and effort they’ve put into making this event honoring to the Haydons.

As I think about my appreciation for the Haydons, I’m also reminded how appreciative I am for all the gifts God has provided to our music ministry. I’m thankful for Charles Covin and his leadership over the music ministries, and I’m thankful for every person who lends their voice or plays an instrument. I believe one of the areas of strength that God has provided our church is that we are able to provide different musical stylings (i.e. traditional and contemporary) for our worship services and do them well. In fact, I think providing these different musical stylings and doing them well provides one of the unique features of our church. The only way we are able to do these different services now and in the future and do them all with excellence is by God providing us competent, servant-minded musicians. God has provided such musicians by giving us Robert and Martha Haydon and numerous others. We are a blessed church.

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MUSIC MINISTRY I’m so excited to be getting this fall semester ramped up! We have a lot of wonderful things happening in the music ministry and several ways you can get connected and join us!

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 in the sanctuary.

Praise Choir Worshippers wanted for our 11:00am 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 will kick off on Wednesday, October 5th at 5:30pm.

1st – 6th graders are invited to join us in the Choir Room for music, fun, and food! For more details, see Charles Covin or email: ccovin@fbc-brenham.org

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ADULT MINISTRIES On August 28th, we kicked off our First Impressions Parking Lot Greeting Team. Each Sunday, we will 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 All 30 pillowcase kits provided by Piece Makers were stitched at Encore VBS making a total of 90 pillowcases delivered to the Brenham State Supported Living Center in late August. In September, Piece Makers will be entering a quilt in the Washington County Fair in the Group Quilt Division. The Hexagon Star quilt is displayed in the hallway behind the sanctuary and will be auctioned to benefit the FBC School in the spring. Pictured are Rola Doelitsch and Sara Byman with the Fair entry. If you want to quilt with Piece Makers, call Sara Byman at 979-830-8555.

HOME TEAM GROUPS FALL UPDATES! Widows & Single Ladies – September 19th – “THE FRIENDS OF JESUS”

by Karen Kingsbury. 402 Magnolia 1st & 3rd Monday’s 6:00pm Bishop – September 13th – “THE CHURCHES OF REVELATION” 4803 Salem Rd., 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm Yeakley – Monday, September 12th at 6:30pm, will be a meeting for our Home Team at 800 Loesch St. Schroeder – September 11th – Prayer and fellowship 620 Country Place W. Dr. Meet on the 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:00pm Atkins – September 18th– Prayer and fellowship.

9250 Lake Dr. Various times and subjetcts.

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BIBLE STUDIES & MORE HOME TEAM CELEBRATION STORY What does our Home Group means to me? Our home group is a place where each of us can open up and talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of our lives and know the group supports you, prays for you, and loves you through it all.

One’s honesty and openness, opens the door for others to do

the same in a safe and loving environment. The trust we have built with each other is something of great value and a place we go when in need. I believe God uses our group to help each of us to see what He loves in each of us. We get to see each other through His eyes.

Roger Atkins

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

September 15th, Meets on Thursdays, 9:30- 11:30am, in the Sycamore Hse.

Precept Classes studying “Church Unplugged” We will look at the meaning, mission, ministry and model of the church. Wednesdays, Starts Sept. 7th, 6:30pm Room 111

“Unveiling Revelation in Light of Bibilical Prophecy” September 13/14 - November 15/16 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! Debbie Goss Steven Whaley Steve Mossbarger Chris Dalrymple Kitty Cook John Bryant Howdy McCracken J W Burchfield Danny Batdorf Florence Smith Terry Roberts Dayle Burkhart James Carstarphen Cheri Baker Mary Helen McDaniel Gail Cole Allan Michalak Syble Vick Jack Brannen Jeff Stoltenberg Donna Culliver Rodney Williams Pat Tahaney

9/1 9/1 9/2 9/2 9/3 9/3 9/3 9/4 9/5 9/8 9/8 9/9 9/10 9/10 9/12 9/14 9/14 9/15 9/15 9/15 9/15 9/16 9/16

T K Condron Susan Karisch David Yeager James Presswood Jerry Legard Sylvia Price Jeanette Carlson David Meier Sidnie Byrket Don Longhofer Sherry Lacy Sherry Heitmann Marsha Dannhaus Lavangie Dillard Don Smith Gilbert Welty Susan Jenkins Tricia Turner Annetta Black Joanne Sossaman Pam Briley Bud Lovell Michael Jenkins

9/17 9/17 9/18 9/20 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/21 9/22 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

THE ENCORE MINISTRY IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING! September 15th - Encore Luncheon: 11:00am - 1:00pm in the Pahl House.

“Thank you to everyone who participated in the Encore Vacation Bible School. We made 300 cards that we’ve given to bless the residents of the State Supported Living Center. Thank

you, Joanne Sossaman, for coming up with such creative ideas for the cards. Also, thank you to Sara Byman and our Piece Maker ministry. They worked on sewing pillow cases for the residents of the State Supported Living Center. Thank you, everyone!”

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A LETTER FROM REBA As I am writing this letter the first week of the Rio Olympics has just finished. I have enjoyed this week, as the swimming and gymnastics are my favorite things to watch in the summer Olympics. To me there has been an added bonus this year as athlete after athlete gave all the glory to God for their success.

Even one who has been called the world’s greatest swimmer and hit rock bottom, proclaimed it was God who saved him from himself and the things that were taking hold of his life like drugs and alcohol. It is so refreshing to see young adults lift up the name of the Lord to the world! So much of our news of late has been of evil things happening all around us, but I see hope as these young adults and others like them are speaking up on this worldwide platform they have right now.

How can we as senior adults be

THOUGHT OF THE MONTH “We will praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that is to come.”

like these young adults here in our small platform of Brenham, Texas? If we are unable to get out and about we can send cards, make calls, we can pray for those who can get out to witness to our community. Sometimes all it takes to open a door is a smile we give a stranger in our daily lives.

Let’s be a strong support for our groups that can and do go out on the mission field far and wide.

On another note, Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 11th and I hope each of you grandparents have a special day with your grandkids. We need to make sure that our loved ones know the Lord and what He has done for all. We have to give them the tools to carry on His work long after we are gone.

Happy Grandparents Day! Blessings, Reba Pair

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH “David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, O Lord, God our father Israel from everlasting to everlasting. Yours O Lord is the greatest and the power.”

1 Chronicles 29:10 11

SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

A Word from The Sweet Hour of Prayer – We meet in the Sycamore House Garage, Thursdays @ 10:00 -11:00am.

Prayer is a “many-splendored thing”. Like a diamond, it has many facets. John Wesley said,” It seems God is limited by our prayer life - that He can do nothing for humanity unless someone asks Him.” It is definitely, God’s desire that we pray without ceasing.

Let’s take a short look as two of these facets of prayer.

I. Supplication - means a humble, earnest entreaty or request. Phil. 4:6 - Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” We pray this type of prayer for ourselves, for God’s people, for all men, for those in authority, and for forgiveness for ourselves.

II. Intercession - standing in the gap in prayer between a person or persons who have provoked judgement or prayer needs at that moment. Genesis 18:16-33.

Job recognized the need for an intercessor and pleaded his case.

God answered him by providing The One needed, Jesus Christ. I Tim. 2:5, Heb. 7:25, Heb 8. Today, God has given us, the believers, the honor and privilege and necessity to step in and intercede.

Come join us on Thursday mornings from 10:00 -11:00am.

We worship, praise, and thank the Lord as we intercede for those in need, the authorities in our church, city, county, state, nation and for so many other needs.

Please let the church know if you have a specific need that we can pray about. Our prayers are with love to God the Father through Jesus Christ and are always just between us and God. Eph. 3:11-12.

Jeanine Presswood

1 Timothy 2:1-2, Matthew 9:37-38, Zechariah 10:1, James 5:16-17.

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STUDENT MINISTRY Recently someone asked me why I go on mission trips to Central and South America when there are so many in need of the gospel and of the help we give right here in Brenham and nearby.

The answer is simple. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Then He told the disciples at Pentecost in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In the first half of the book of Acts His disciples were witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. The second half of the Book of Acts until this very day is the fulfillment of the next part – “to the ends of the earth.”

We are so blessed to be part of a community that has a multitude of churches, ministries, and mission organizations. This is a stark contrast to the remote villages we see on the top of the mountains in Honduras.

Resources that we take for granted like water, shoes, and a quick run to the store are not so easy to come by there. But, even more eye opening is our most valuable resources, the Gospel of Jesus Christ – the Good News – is readily available to us. Most people have a church within walking distance, multiple Bibles in their home or even on their phone, iPad, or can turn on the radio, TV and hear the Word being

preached. One place we visited in Honduras had not heard the gospel in twelve years. Twelve years! Let that marinate in your heart for a minute.

For the last couple of years, our mission t-shirts have had the words “Be “On Mission” doesn’t mean be on a mission trip. It means making our lives be “On Mission” all the time, not just a week during the summer.

We need to help meet peoples’ greatest need, the need for Jesus Christ! One of the awesome benefits of taking people on an international mission trip though is seeing God open their eyes to spiritual needs around them.

And when they come home, they bring that new perspective with them.

I am so grateful to be a part of a church family with a heart for the nations. Our Honduras trip was amazing and I’m looking forward to the Colombia trip in October. I know the hustle and bustle of the school year is in full swing, but be looking for ways that you can help meet the spiritual needs of those in your “Jerusalem” – your hometown.

I am thrilled to start back with “ALL IN.” We had some great student leaders graduate out and go on to “adulating” so please be in prayer as new students rise up to leadership.

13 In Him, Chad

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (HCSB)

Good Morning, Insurance policies are fun things.

They are so much fun that the church and school staff get the treat of attending a gathering once a year to hear explanations about new changes and old standards. Today was the day of privilege to enjoy the annual insurance presentation.

In this meeting, the question was asked, “Why do you need AFLAC?” The answer was, “Because people have accidents.” Which is absolutely true. Usually people do not plan for accidents. However, if you have insurance you are planning for accidents, even if you are not hoping to have an accident.

It is a fact of life. You will get sick.

Your body will break. You will have to endure hardships. You will have suffering in this world. Life will not always be bright lights and ice cream.

There will be dark times and ice-cream famines that we will have to endure.

This is why we buy insurance, why we wear helmets and why each of our medicine cabinets has bandages.

Jesus assured us of suffering in this world. He comforted the Apostles that when the world would hate them it was because it first hated Him. However, as if He is our insurance

carrier, He ensures us that He has conquered the world. He can forgive and heal when life beats us up. Yet, just like insurance, we can’t be covered in our downtimes if we do not have His coverage. So, I have a question for you, “Are you in His good hands?” If not, you should probably spend less than 15 minutes with Jesus to save more than 15% on your insurance.

Jesus will prove that He is better than a good neighbor who is always there.

Seriously though, giving your life to Jesus and accepting His forgiveness for your sins is the wisest decision you can ever make to prepare for the hard times of this earthly life, and the eternity of your soul after your body gives out. Think about it. Please don’t hesitate to confess Jesus as Lord, believe in His resurrection and repent of your selfish life. Salvation is free (unlike insurance) to any who call upon the name of Jesus Christ.

His Servant & Yours, Bro. Alex

Go to www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/children/ For more information and click on Alex’s Newsletter.

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PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES It’s time to DIVE IN to a new month of curriculum. This month our preschoolers will learn “I can trust God.” They’ll hear the stories of Noah, Jonah and Naaman. And, what do all these stories have in common? Water! So, we are creating an underwater adventure in our preschool environment, complete with fish, dolphins, scuba divers and more!

We want to make sure our preschoolers know they can ALWAYS trust God. No matter where they go, what happens or who the people are in their life, they can always, always, ALWAYS trust God. After all, we can always believe what God says. Just ask Noah. God’s the One who will always keep His promises. Noah can tell you all about that too! His way is always best. Yeah, Jonah learned that one the hard way. And God’s the One we can always trust, even when it’s hard. Naaman lived this one for sure.

The true stories of Noah, Jonah and Naaman will help you, our preschoolers, and me get to know God a little better and see that He is 100% worthy of our trust. We don’t have to hold back. We can let go and DIVE IN! Because, no matter what is happening around us, we can always trust God. Stacey

Go to http://www.fbc-brenham.org/connect/preschool-ministry/ For more information and click on Stacey’s Newsletter

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FBC SCHOOL & EEC We have had a fantastic start! Our theme this year is “Jesus is My Super Hero”. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” That verse fits perfectly with our theme. In chapel, we are discovering heroes of the Bible and learning about what a Super Hero our Jesus is!

We have had inquiries about purchasing an FBCS t-shirt. If you would like to order one, please contact the school office by Monday, September 26. This will be our final order. Shirts are $15.

We are serving 160+ families (over 250 kids). There are new faces in our crowd of students as well as faculty. What a blessing it has been getting to know each one!

LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS September 7th Core Essentials Bro. Alex elem.

1st Preschool Parent Workshop 14th Fair Day – no school/EEC open 2nd College Colors Day – Wear your 28th See You at the Pole – 8:10 a.m. school colors!

30th End of the 1st Six Weeks

THANK YOU

Thank you for praying for our students and staff! We would like to thank the Women’s Ministry for the goodie boxes! What a blessing FBC is to us!

NEEDS

We are in need of scholarship donations. We have opportunities for you to serve. First grade will be needing helpers to listen to students read once a week (about 1 hour) starting in October. We sometimes need help with bulletin boards in our nursery area, and we could always use help making copies. If you would like to

volunteer your time and talents, please contact Paula Betts at 979836-6970.

We are also in need of someone to pick up our recycling. The city picks up cardboard, but we need help getting our paper, plastic, tin, etc. to the recycling center. It could be weekly or bi-weekly. Please call the school office at 836-6411.

MOTHER’S DAY OUT - KRISTIE MENDOZA Mother’s Day Out will be back in session on September 6th. We are a part-time school, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am until 2:30pm. We still have openings in all of our classes for ages 15 months-5 yrs.

Our September curriculum is: Theme: All about me/my family Bible stories: God made me, Creation, Adam and Eve Letters: G, A 16 Colors: Blue, yellow, red Events: Grandparent’s day, trike car wash.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Our Sympathies To: Audrie Martin and family in the loss of her mother, Marilyn Becker JT & Loretta Davis and family in the loss of their great nephew.

Eileen Rehor and family in the loss of her husband, Don Rehor.

John and Carole Burton and family in the loss of their grandson.

Church Thank Yous: Dear Church Family, Thank you all so much for the Bible you presented me with on Graduation Sunday, and the kind words of support and encouragement that you have always given me.

Allen Batdorf BFBC Family, Shane and I appreciate the love, support and prayers during this difficult time. Roane was special gift from God, bringing light, love and joy to everyone who met him. He will always be one of God’s greatest blessings in our life. We appreciate knowing your love for our family and would ask that as we come to mind, please continue to pray for us as we walk this journey God has set before us. Thank you for the meaningful peace lily we have to cherish in our house.

The Nelsons Thank you for your generous donation to the Volunteer Services Council. We appreciate you “adding good things to life” for the residents at Brenham State Supported Living Center.

BSSL I would like to sincerely thank all who made food, helped set up and clean up and sent flowers and plants for my mother Marilyn Becker’s memorial service. My family and I were blessed by all the prayers, cards and expression of sympathy.

Thank you BFBC family Audrie Martin 17

FROM TROY’S HEART “...but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 I use this verse during most of my wedding ceremonies. I also talk to couples during pre-marriage counseling about the hard work of marriage. I say, “staying married is the hardest, yet, the greatest thing you will do. It requires God’s love.”

Why do I say this? Because staying married requires total selflessness and sacrifice that transcends mere feelings. I let each couple know that they do not have this loving capacity within themselves alone, it comes from God! He is love! (I John 4:8). The hard work of loving your spouse comes from surrending to the love of God. Believe it or not, I found mathematical confirmation of this truth through a friend of mine at church. She gave me a handout with the following information: What does it mean to give more than 100%?

If we give each letter of the alphabet a % numerical value: A = 1%, B = 2%, C = 3% and so on, then the letters HARDWORK = 98% KNOWLEDGE = 96% ATTITUDE = 100% (not bad) but...

LOVE OF GOD = 101% While hard work and knowledge will get you close, and attitude will get you there, it is the LOVE OF GOD that will put you over the top!

Other verses to put you over the top: John 15:13, Matthew 20:26-28, Ephesians 5:22, 25 I love you, Troy 18

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