Pastor’s Pen: I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. With the season of Advent and the New Year, significant changes are coming.
[ December 4 ] Christmas Musical 8:15 and 10:45am Sanctuary
[ December 24 ] Candlelight Lord’s Supper Service 6:00pm Sanctuary
[ December 25 ] One Worship Service 10:00am Sanctuary
@fbcjc @fbcjcmo FBCJC FBCJC
Change #1: Patti Hill, my administrative assistant for over five and a half years, completed her time with us at the end of November. She has faithfully provided all of us with efficient and professional service and has been an integral part of our ministry throughout her time with us. I consider her a friend and will miss her very much. This vacancy and Lori Hodges' recent retirement have left us with some big shoes to fill in our office. Change #2: More change...as we work to use every penny of our church budget efficiently, our proposed 2017 budget no longer provides each member a paid subscription to Word & Way. Changes in how people receive their news and new electronic methods of communication have made this decision necessary. Over the past several months, we have had some great conversations with Word & Way staff as we arrived at this decision. They not only understand but are also going through a re-evaluation of their most efficient way of sharing news with all of us. I would encourage each of you to subscribe to the print version of Word & Way on your own. We will have a subscription table in the narthex December 4 and 11. Or you may contact our church office or Word & Way. The cost is only $17.50 per year. As occasions arise, FBC JC will continue to offer our state paper compelling stories of what God is doing in our congregation. Even as Editor Bill Webb retires, we have the added bonus that the new editor, Brian Kaylor, is active in our own congregation. Change #3: Electoral change. The recent presidential election was particularly strident. But it is done. Now we move on. We move on because responsible citizenship means not only voting but also working for unity after the vote. But that unity is not one which wallpapers over our deep differences. It is a unity born of God's Spirit, involving humility, deep listening, respect for winners and losers and living the Golden Rule. In these days, it's time for the church to step up and be the church, to model for the world how to get along in the midst of diversity. This is the only way we can truly be one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice--not just for some--but for all. Grace,
Advent
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Special Events During Advent DEC
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JESUS, THE HOPE OF CHRISTMAS 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary Musical presented by FBC Adult Choir, Orchestra, SonShine Singers and Music Makers.
ADVENT MEMORY VERSE “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, go give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
YOUTH DESSERT THEATER 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall Details on page 4
WORSHIP AND CHILDREN’S CHOIRS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary
CHRISTMAS CAROLING 4:00pm, Café Transportation provided to sing around town. EVERYONE is welcome.
CANDLELIGHT LORD’S SUPPER SERVICE Sanctuary 5:30pm | Preservice Music 6:00pm | Worship Service
CHRISTMAS DAY - ONE SERVICE 10:00am, Sanctuary No Bible Teaching or Child Care
ADVENT DEVOTIONS Our daily devotions are being sent electronically. If you are not receiving them, contact the Church Office. For those who do not have e-mail, pick up a printed version from the Welcome Center in the Narthex or Church Office.
GUITARISTS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE Each year we invite volunteers to play guitar during “Silent Night,” our closing song at the Christmas Eve service. If you’d like to participate, instructions and music are available on our web site, in the Choir Room and Church Office.
Missions
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Global Missions Offering and Christmas Mailbox
Share the love of Jesus by supporting missions around the world: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Global Missions …………………………....................................................... www.cbf.net Churchnet World Missions, Baptist World Alliance ……………….…………………………………………………….… www.churchnet.org Lottie Moon, Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board …….... www.imb.org ANOTHER EASY WAY TO HELP is by using the FBC Post Office in the Narthex. Address your cards to church friends and place them in the slots. Instead of paying for postage, donate the money you’ll save to global missions. Money can be deposited in the locked box on top of the mailbox, or designated GLOBAL MISSIONS and placed in the offering plate.
South Dakota Christmas You Can Help! DONATE A GIFT:
Fill a shoe box with gifts for children and adults. Wrap the lid and box separately. On Sunday, December 4 and 11, place filled boxes at the front of the Sanctuary. The LAST DAY boxes will be collected is Sunday, December 11.
BAKED GOODS NEEDED:
Will be given to the Lakota when we go caroling in the communities. Bring to the Church Office December 12-13. Make sure they are packed so they travel well. Cookies Brownies SMALL loaves of bread (pumpkin, banana, etc.)
A young girl receives her gifts during our 2015 mission trip.
2017 Kenya Mission Trip Saturday, June 24 - Thursday, July 6, 2017 $3,300 each ……........…. US Passport and certain immunizations are required and not included in the cost. February 1, 2017 ..... $500 deposit due June 1, 2017 ...…...…..... Balance due
Some of the children we visited during our 2015 mission trip.
Join us as we reconnect with the staff and children at the House of Hope Home. We work alongside our partners in Kenya, helping wherever there is a need. There is much to do, and you are needed. QUESTIONS? Contact Melissa Hatfield in the Church Office or Rand Swanigan. Some partial scholarships are available for FBC church members.
Youth
PAGE 4 We had a FANTASTIC fall retreat at Logan Valley in November. Our theme was Foolish Love. We spent the weekend diving in to the parable of the loving father who had two sons. God’s love for us is foolish and extravagant! You can view pictures from our retreat on our web site - www.refugejc.com.
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YOUTH DESSERT THEATER Join us for our annual night of desserts, singing and fun as we raise support for our summer mission trip. The fun begins at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. We provide the treats and the sweets.
We will once again auction off the pastor’s parking spot the 12 months of 2017. The highest bidder for each month gets to park in the pastor’s spot on Sundays. People - THIS IS PRIME PARKING, especially for those winter months. We will also have several items to auction along with a quarter of beef donated by the Whitt family! Bring your checkbooks. 100% of the money raised goes to the Youth Mission Trip.
DECEMBER SCHEDULE
December 4: Youth Dessert Theater, 6:00pm December 7: Souled Out, 6:00 -7:30pm December 14: Souled Out, 6:00 -7:30pm December 21: Refuge Christmas Party, 6:00-7:30pm No Souled Out December 28 or January 4. No Basecamp on December 25 or January 1. There will be one worship service at 10:00am both Sundays. No youth choir or youth praise team December 11 January 1. Both will resume January 8.
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For additional information, go to www.refugejc.com.
Praise & WORSHIP DEC
“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
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ADULT CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA 6:00pm, St. Joseph’s Bluffs
FINAL DAY OF CHILDREN’S CHOIR Rehearsal will resume January 4, 2017
PRESCHOOL CHOIR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING BUDGET VOTE 5:45pm, Fellowship Hall
Children’s MINISTRY
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Parent’s Night Out CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP Children age 2 - 6th grade are invited to the gym on Friday, December 16 from 6-9pm for dinner, games and gift-making. RSVP by December 12.
UPDATE
Fleece Tie Blanket Making To our families who came to help, THANK YOU! We made four blankets! They will be delivered to Capital Region and St. Mary’s Hospital to be given out by the chaplains as they see fit. The hospitals are so grateful for these donations; they have such a positive impact on those who receive them.
Vacation Bible Camp and Sports Crusaders Basketball Camp The week of June 12-16, 2017 we will host our annual VBC and basketball camp. We have exciting news! We are planning to expand our basketball camp this summer to allow more elementary children to participate. Please invite your friends to join us!
Senior ADULTS DEC
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HOMEBOUND BIRTHDAY Anne Exon Heisinger Bluffs 1002 W. Main Room 11 Jefferson City, MO 65109
FEB
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FRIENDSHIP SINGERS 10:00am, Choir Room Rehearsal resumes after our winter break!
SAN ANTONIO MISSION TRIP DEC
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DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS RESOURCE GROUP 11:30am, Café
Caregivers Blessing: Help For Your Journey
JAN
23 FRIENDSHIP CLUB
6:00pm, Friendship Hall
ALL SENIOR ADULTS INVITED May 8 - 15, 2017 $1,200 each - Contact the Church Office
Congregational LIFE
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THANK YOU for your response to our Dismantling our Idols stewardship emphasis. If you have not had an opportunity to make a commitment, cards are available at the Welcome Center in the Narthex, and in the Church Office. We also hope you will help us meet our 2016 needs by giving generously this month.
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Special Business Meeting 5:45pm, Fellowship Hall Agenda items include: Proposed 2017 budgets for First Baptist and Familia Cristiana Internacional Proposed housing allowance for clergy Enlistment committee recommendations
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Year-End Gifts
Is your family, small group or office wanting to make Christmas a little brighter for a local family? We have a few more families from South Elementary waiting to be adopted for Christmas. Contact the Church Office.
This is the time of year when many people have the opportunity to make a special end-of-theyear gift to support our church’s ministries. We are grateful for your faithful gifts. To be credited to 2016 giving, contributions must be in the Church Office by 5:00pm Friday, December 30, or postmarked by Saturday, December 31.
South Elementary If you have prayer requests, contact the Church Office during normal business hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday After hours, your requests can be sent by e-mail to the Prayer Ministry Team: prayerteam@fbcjc.org If you’d like to receive prayer requests electronically, contact the Prayer Ministry Team at the address above.
Our partner school is looking for volunteers to disinfect desks, door knobs and light switches. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Hours are 1:45 - 3:30pm. These are early release days, so the children won’t be there. If you’re available, contact the Church Office. Volunteers needed: December 22 January 11
February 8 March 8
Congregational LIFE
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CHURCH TEXTING SERVICE
In Sympathy June Landrum and family in the death of her daughter
Texting is a great way to communicate important information to our church family. Inclement weather? Reminder of important event, deadline or schedule change?
Vicky Ruth and family in the death of her sister-in-law
We anticipate no more than 2-3 texts per month.
Debbie Douglas and family in the death of her father
TO SIGN UP for church text updates, text FBCJC to 313131.
Kevin Stover and family in the death of his mother
Msg & data rates may apply.
Kathy Kormann and family in the death of her mother
To unsubscribe from this list reply 'STOP' to 313131.
Tiffany Patterson and family in the death of her grandfather Keenan Patterson and family in the death of his grandfather
RESERVED PARKING Each Sunday in December, Lori Hodges will be parking in the spot normally reserved for Doyle. The amount she paid went toward the youth summer mission trip. Thank you, Lori, for supporting our youth.
Mobile and Online Giving Contributions can be given quickly and easily by scanning our QR code or by accessing your account through the church life app.
Inclement Weather Policy To find out if FBC is closed, or will be closing early due to severe weather, please check:
Church texting service Church answering machine: Web site: Social media: Local TV stations: Local radio station:
See above 573.634.3603 www.fbcjc.org www.facebook.com/fbcjc ; https://twitter/fbcjc www.krcgtv.com ; www.komu.com www.kwos.com
Bible Teaching Attendance October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20
401 415 425 358
Worship Attendance October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20
488 545 531 514
Offering October 30 November 6 November 13 November 20
$13,848.36 $70,264.35 $19,260.95 $22,880.61
Coming SOON JAN
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NEW YEAR’S DAY - ONE WORSHIP SERVICE 10:00am, Sanctuary No Bible Teaching or Child Care
JAN
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JAN
JAN
2 CHURCH BUILDING CLOSED
JAN
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UPWARD GAMES BEGIN 8:00am, Gym
SERMON SERIES: THE CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS 8:15 and 10:45am, Sanctuary
UPWARD PRACTICE RESUMES
3 AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK 5:30pm, Gym
JAN
16
CHURCH BUILDING CLOSED Martin Luther King Day
God is at work! As we pray and continue seeking the Lord, God’s vision is taking shape among us. Your forty-one Setting Sail crew members are working very hard. Some have met weekly since late summer reviewing hundreds of pages of data gathered in our congregational conversations last fall, and collecting additional information from our congregation, community and others. The Crews are identifying two or three major focus areas with initiatives and action plans for each Sail based on what you said is important to move us closer to God’s vision for us as God’s people.
S A V E T H E D A T E: Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 12:00 - 2:00pm for our next congregational conversation. Your five crews will be bringing reports on key focus areas and initiatives to the church. Exciting times are here! There’s a place for everyone! Please continue to pray that God will lead us by His Spirit into the work that God has for us to do: “Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children!” Psalm 90:16
301 E. CAPITOL AVE. 573.634.3603
JEFFERSON CITY, MO
FAX 573.893.6319
FBCJC.ORG