First Focus: December 2012

The Gift Goes On

Pastor's Corner December 2012

I hope you all had a very Happy Thanksgiving. I enjoyed mine so much.

First of all, I was so thankful to have myChristian Family to sharewith me. This years’ Community Thanksgiving Service was at Faith. What an enjoyable time it was to get to preach to all our brothers and sisters in Christ. I truly am thankful to be part of such a loving community.

Then on Thanksgiving Day, my entire family gathered at our house for supper (Even though some were later than others). By the way on Fri. morning I got to fix “chocolate and biscuits” for my youngest granddaughter, Emmalynn, for the very first time. She loved it! But she may have gotten more on her face than in her tummy. I thank God for all my family!

Now, on to December and Christmas! We have so much going on, be sure to read the entire newsletter. I want to highlight a couple of events.

On Dec 2nd, at 6pm, here at FBC, we will have the Ordinations Service for two new deacons: Caleb Gray and Terry Luna. Four other deacons will be installed also as active deacons for a 3 year term: Philip Beckman, Todd Gieske, Jeff Green and Jimmy Williams. All ordained deacons should be here at 5pm for the ordination council. On Dec 9th-10th, our association will consider the recommendation of Bro. Mike Kemper as the new Director of Missions. On Dec 9th, at 6 pm there Bro. Mike will preach during the Evening Worship Service at FBC Lawrenceburg.
The associational Executive Board, who will actually be the ones who vote on the proposal, will meet with Bro. Mike earlier that afternoon, and then will vote on the recommendation on Monday Night at the regular Executive Committee Meeting. It was my privilege to serve as the Chairman of that Search Committee. I truly believe this is God’s man for the position.

We will not have Worship Services at FBC Loretto on the 9th, and you are encouraged to come and listen to Bro. Mike. I know I need you there as I present him to the association.

Let me be one of the first to wish you a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. God bless you all!

-Bro. Sammy

Youth Ministry December 2012

As we come into the Christmas Season, let’s remember what this time is all about. It’s not
about parties, getting together with family, or presents. It is about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We as adults have let our youth and children forget this fact. We ask them what they want for Christmas weeks before Thanksgiving, but never explain to them that this is not the most important thing about Christmas. Let’s make an effort this year to spend time teaching our children the importance of Christmas: Jesus Christ (Luke 2).

In the last few months, God has been showing me that I must see Him in all His attributes to worship Him in a manner that He deserves. I pray that this month you would see Him as MESSIAH. Jesus is the One that God promised to send to save the world. He was born, lived and died just as the prophets in the OT said. Now He lives as Immanuel (God with us) in our hearts and we should live in worship everyday because of this.

The youth will be getting together on New Year’s Eve from 7-1am for a time of fellowship & worship. This will be a worship experience that they will never forget. I hope that through this service, they will come to a better understanding of who God is and why He deserves our
worship. Parents, please encourage your students to attend and you are welcome also.

We look forward to the best Christmas Season and a New Year of wonderful possibilities.

In Christ Alone have a Merry Christmas,

Angie & Kenneth Parker

Music Ministry December 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you! It’s been such an eventful year and it’s hard to believe that it’s almost at an end. God has blessed us this year above all that we’ve asked. Ephesians 3:20 has truly come to life for our church family. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in 2013.

During this Christmas Season we will be celebrating every Sunday in worship as we look towards Christmas Day. The Adult Worship Choir will be singing “The Gift Goes On” on Sunday morning, December 16th. We hope you’ll make plans to be here and that you’ll invite others to join
you to hear the message of Christ. Our Children’s choir will be going out into the community and singing Christmas carols during the month of December also. Please pray for both
choirs to stay healthy and strong as we minister through music.

Our Senior Adults will be coming together on Monday night, December 10th at 6:00 p.m. for our annual Christmas party. We’ll be exchanging $5 gifts and enjoying each other’s fellowship that night. If you are 55 yrs old and above please come out and join us for a night of fun and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you at the party.

Donna and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all your love and support throughout the year. We’ve been blessed by your generosity and love. We are honored to have such a loving church family. We wish you a very Joyous Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

We love you!

Bro. Clayton

Quick Notes December 2012

Christmas Cards

Christmas card bags will be in the fellowship hall on December 2nd. The cost is ten cents per card. All money goes to the Building Fund. This is a great way to give everyone in church a Christmas Card.

Thank You!

Thank you cards have been received in the church office from: Casey Hagle, Muscle Shoals AL for doing Judgement house, Unity Baptist for doing Judgement House, and the family of Ethel Stutts.

Our Church Welcomes

By Baptism: Ryan Johns, Anna Johns, Matthew Weigart

Senior Adults

Senior Adult Christmas party Dec. 10th at 6 pm. Church will provide soup, salad, dessert and drink. Please bring a $5.00 Christmas ornament for Dirty Santa. We need you to sign up using the flyer in bulletin or call church office at 853-7171. Deadline is Dec.9th

Deacon Ordination

On December 2nd the deacon council will meet at 5pm. The ordination service is at 6pm. Caleb Gray and Terry Luna will be ordained at this service.

Building Project

Please pray for our building program. Our Miracle Day offering was $31,900.59! Praise The Lord!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff at FBC

Bro. Sammy, Bro. Kenneth, Angie, Mike, Becky, Betty and Bro. Clayton

DOM Candidate Mike Kemper to Speak

December 9, 6 pm, at First Baptist Lawrenceburg Perspective DOM, Bro. Mike Kemper will be preaching during the evening service. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet and hear Bro. Mike. Then on Monday, Dec. 10 at 6 pm at Meadowview Baptist the Executive Board will vote on Bro. Mike.

Please be praying for these meetings and services.