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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH J E F F E R S O N C I T Y, M O
NOVEM BE R
Dear Church, Like a long stare into another’s eyes, most of us eventually break away our eyes and look somewhere else. It’s too intense, we feel. It’s too much and feelings of inadequacy disrupt the power of our gaze. That’s the effect thoughts of our dying have upon us. It’s like a long stare into the piercing, unflinching look from another. As a pastor I meet with all sorts of people who are in all sorts of places in relation to their own death. Sometimes the prospective death is his or her own. They stand in the doorway and wonder whether they have the courage to go on. On other occasions I meet with the surviving loved ones who must plan a memorial service. We meet in homes, hospitals and funeral homes and think out loud what must be said and what must be remembered.
Browning Ware was Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church of Austin for many years. In retirement, he also had prostate and bone cancer. Browning wrote a regular column for The Austin American-Statesman and used that column to share what it meant to him for his body to be the carrier of such an invasive disease. He was living near the shadow of death at the time and unflinchingly shared what it was like to stand that close to the doorway separating mortality from eternity. In his column from the fall of 2003, he shared: Several of my friends believe that I know a secret. They are convinced that my illness has invested wisdom in me that is rare, difficult to come by, but worthy of exploration. (continued on next page)
UPCOMING November 7 Daylight Saving Time Ends Kenya Trip Mtg, Noon, Refuge Youth Room November 21 Budget Hearing, Noon, Sanctuary November 25 Thanksgiving Community Meal, 11a-1p, Fellowship Hall November 28 First Sunday of Advent
(continued from page 1) I get the feeling they want me to report on what is hidden around life’s last limiting corner. ‘Browning, what do you see beyond the horizon?’ I don’t observe as much detail as some of my friends would prefer. I have no magic vision of my future beyond death. I trust my traveling companion, Jesus. He promised to be with me. He is enough. But, my friends return and press their questions: What do you want your best, your last thoughts to be? This is my answer: I want to be present, as fully present as is possible, to what is happening around me and within me. I desire no special exemptions, but simply the pleasure of answering ‘Present’ when my name is called. I want to be glad when these moments are fully mine. Browning’s article stirred up a response from the Austin community of readers eager to know more. A few weeks later he shared these thoughts: I recently shared my desire to be fully present to what is happening in my life. A teacher friend agreed. He said many of his students, however, envisioning their
own death, want to die suddenly in an accident or to die quietly in their sleep. I want to be there when it happens! The story of my friends plying me for secret wisdom reminded me of the incident surrounding David Hume’s death. The arch skeptic carried on a life-long exchange with a divine who was convinced that Hume would recant on his deathbed. The minister made frequent trips to Hume’s bedside and had the good fortune to visit Hume on the morning he died. To the minister’s chagrin, the old skeptic Hume died peacefully and happy. The truth is, I suspect we die pretty much like we lived. Browning’s unbroken gaze is encouragement for those of us who wish to be present at every stage of our lives. To be fully alive and aware of God’s present mercies is our goal. We live after the Past and before the Future in what is called the Present. We occupy the present moment and are charged with living with our eyes open wide and with our hearts set on living fully and faithfully. Interim Pastor Keith Herron
Join us for worship each Sunday !
facebook.com/fbcjc yo u t u b e . c o m / f b c j c
In-Person and Livestreaming @ 8:15 & 10:45am You can once again watch our services on Blue Tiger Multi Media (formerly JCTV) each Tuesday and Thursday at 7 pm on CenturyLink channel 99 or Mediacom channels 81 and HD 80.16. You may continue to view our services online at fbcjc.org; facebook.com/fbcjc; and youtube.com/fbcjc. You may also contact the church office to receive a DVD of the service each week.
G I V I N G OP T ION S 301 E. Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65101
churchlife app
2nd Sunday of Advent: December 5, 8:15am & 10:45am 8:15am & 10:45am - Adult Choir Christmas Music & Communion 6:00pm – Youth Dessert Theatre (Fellowship Hall) Friday, December 24, 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Lord’s Supper Candlelight Service Sundays, December 26 and January 2, 10 am Worship Only at 10 am; No Bible Teaching classes
fbcjc.org/give
In 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, Paul encourages the church to be generous in their giving to the Lord’s work. And he praises the Philippians for being so generous to him, adding that it is not for himself that he rejoices but for them—they will be blessed because of their gift (Philippians 4:17). We can apply these encouragements to our own lives and strive to be generous and wise with everything God has entrusted to us.
Stewardship EMPHASIS
Beginning October 31, we will begin a season of stewardship with our series, Generous: Better Together. Oct 31 - Keith Herron, Preaching Nov 7 - Melissa Hatfield, Preaching Nov 21 - Commitment Sunday. Commitment cards will be mailed with the proposed 2022 Budget. Members are invited to prayerfully consider their giving for 2022, complete their card, and bring it on November 21. Nov 21 - 2022 Budget Hearing, Noon, Sanctuary Dec 12 - 2022 Budget Vote, Noon, Sanctuary The Stewardship Committee will mail a proposed 2022 budget in November. The hearing on November 21 will allow members to ask questions about the proposed budget ahead of the vote on December 12.
Rod Maples, Pastor of Worship, Announces Retirement On October 22 in a letter to the congregation, Pastor Rod Maples announced his plans to retire at the end of 2021 after serving 24 years as our Pastor of Worship. His last worship service leading at FBC JC will be the Christmas Eve service on December 24. “Because of the love I have for all of you, there would never be an easy time to make this decision. I count it an honor to have served alongside each of you for the last twenty-four years. Thank you for loving me and my family.” You can read the rest of Rod’s letter on our website at www.fbcjc.org/2021/10/rod-maples-announces-retirement/.
Rod Maples
Plans will be announced soon on honoring Rod and his wife, Sherry, for their faithful and excellent ministry at FBC JC.
Serve Generously with FBCJC We’re excited to return to our partners in Kenya this summer after a two summer break due to COVID. The trip will be between June 18-29 (flexible by a day or two either end so we can get best plane ticket rates.) To learn more about the trip, please attend an informational meeting on Sunday, November 7, at Noon in the Refuge youth room located on the 2nd floor. The trip is open to adults and youth older than 16. Younger youth/children may go if they have a parent or guardian traveling with them. Questions: Contact Melissa Hatfield, Pastor of Youth and Missions, at 573.634.3603 or melissa@fbcjc.org or Rand Swanigan at 573.418.7797 or rand.swanigan@outlook.com.
4 - MISSIONS
N OV E M B E R M I DW E E K WEDNESDAYS MS (Grades 6-8) // 5:45-7 pm HS (Grades 9-12) // 7:30-9 pm Refuge Youth Room (2nd Floor) Through the stories of Job, Ruth, Naomi, Elijah, and Eli, we’ll see how God invites us to “be with” our friends when they’re grieving, lonely, in need, or feeling hopeless, and how God is already with them.
FOR YOUTH IN GRADES 6 -12 Get text updates: RefugeJC to 313131
FIND US ONLINE @refugejc
refugejc.com
BASECAMP // Sundays - 9:30-10:30a
YOUTH CHOIR (sanctuary & choir room) Sunday, November 21 and 28 12-1 pm – Youth Choir Luncheon & Rehearsal
Join us for some fun, some study, and some donuts!
Sunday, December 5 3:30 pm - Rehearsals 6:00 pm - Youth Dessert Theatre
FALL RETREAT @ LOGAN VALLEY // Nov 12 - 14 Nov 3 - Last day to sign up for $100. Cost increases to $125 on Nov. 4. Register and pay online at refugejc.com/fall-retreat.
Questions / Contact Melissa Hatfield at melissa@fbcjc.org or 573.690.1286.
YO U T H -
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Relationships
LIFE-GIVING
FIRST FRIENDS & FIRST KIDS on WEDNESDAYS
For parents with preschool and young children
Join us for First Friends (age 3-5) and First Kids (K-5) on Wed nights! We continue to dive into stories from the Bible, play fun games, and learn how God is at work all around us. In November, we will learn about and share the love of Christ with our own community as we pack boxes for South School and pray for our homebound members. Do you know a child age 3 5th grade? Invite them to come join the fun!
DWELL (For College and Young Adults) Tuesday, November 23 - 6 pm FRIENDSgiving at Mel’s House Mel will provide turkey, ham and drinks. Bring a side dish or dessert to share!
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Follow up on Facebook and Instagram by searching for @dwell.fbcjc. Message Mel at melissa@fbcjc.org or 573.690.1286 by Nov. 21 to RSVP.
MIDWEEK FOR ALL AGES ON WEDNESDAYS 5:00 - 5:45 // Wednesday Night Meal (Visit fbcjc.org for meal costs and menu. No fellowship meal Nov 17 and 24 due to Thanksgiving Meal prep.) 5:45 - 7 pm // Preschool - Room 314 Children (Grades K-5) - Room 201 Middle School (Grades 6-8) - Refuge Room on 2nd Floor Adult Bible Study - Room 326 (see below) 7:30 - 9 pm // High School (Grades 9-12) - Refuge Room on 2nd Floor
WEDNESDAYS @ FBCJC
ADULT BIBLE TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES THIS FALL SUNDAYS, 9:30-10:30 am We have multiple Bible Study classes for all ages and life stages each Sunday. To read more about the classes, visit fbcjc.org/classes. WEDNESDAYS, 5:45-7:00 pm, Room 326, Began October 27 // The Parables of Peanuts with teacher, Sondra Allen
ADULT CHOIR, ORCHESTRA, PRAISE & WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSALS (All rehearsals are in the sanctuary.) Wednesday, November 3 5:30-6:30pm – Orchestra Rehearsal 6:45pm – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal
Sunday, November 21 7:30am – Adult Choir Rehearsal 10:00am – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal
Sunday, November 7 7:30am – Orchestra Rehearsal 10:00am – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal
Wednesday, November 24 NO Rehearsals – Thanksgiving Break!
Wednesday, November 10 5:30-6:30pm – Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal Sunday, November 14 7:30am – Adult Choir Rehearsal 10:00am – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal Wednesday, November 17 5:30-6:30pm – Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:45pm – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal
1st Sunday of Advent, November 28 7:30am – Orchestra Rehearsal 10:00am – Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal Wednesday, December 1 5:30-7:30pm – Adult Choir & Instrumental Ensemble Rehearsal 6:45pm – NO Praise & Worship Team Rehearsal
Seniors
HOMEBOUND
FRIENDSHIP
Elmer Castrop (11/3) 939 Megan Lane Apt. A Willard, MO 65781
Mark Your Calendars! Monday, January 24, 2022, 11:30am Program: Music with Mike Michelson Meal: presented by Chef Michael & his kitchen staff
BIRTHDAYS
Pat Cramer (11/9) 1002 West Main Room 276 Jefferson City, MO 65109
CLUB
Our homebound folks love hearing from you, even if they don’t know you! A simple note introducing yourself or sharing a favorite scripture verse or the text to a song or hymn would mean the world to them. Contact Mary Huhn at mary@fbcjc.org or 573.634.3603 for names and addresses. Your notes would truly bless them!
THE N U MB E RS Bible Teaching Worship Attendance Attendance
Budget Offering
Budget needs to date . . . . . $1,066,243.65
Oct 3
197
232 $
27,571.00
Budget given to date . . . . . . . $938,557.98
Oct 10
174
208 $
14,250.98
Budget expenses to date* . . . $877,315.29
Oct 17
175
229 $
13,980.70
*not all invoices have been received
Oct 24
177
217 $
15,163.00
Sympathy
Sherry Hunt and family in the death of her uncle Family and friends of Paul Thompson Family and friends of Edward Heinrich Family and friends of Dixie Brown
301 E. Capitol Ave. / Jefferson City, MO 65101 / fbcjc.org / 573.634.3603