First Focus: December 2013

Merry Christmas 2013

“…for unto you a savior is born…”

Merry Christmas!

Pastor's Corner December 2013

Thanksgiving

We as a church have so much to be thankful for this year. While the past two months have been so busy, they have also been fulfilling. Allow me a moment to remind you of some of the things that have happened since my last article in First Focus.

1. On Sept 29, 2013 we had our first Worship Service in the new Worship Center. We had somewhere between 450 and 475 people present for the service. We literally had to put out more chairs than were already in the building. Then, what a meal we had! The meal was followed by the official dedication of the new building with Bro. Lamar Moore speaking. It was your effort that got everyone here.
2. On Oct 8, we hosted the Tuesday Chicken Stew for the Loretto Oktoberfest. We fed over 460 bowls of stew and had some stew left over. Thanks to all of you who helped prepare and/or serve that day. I keep hearing good things about it.
3. On the final two weekends of October, we hosted the 15th annual Judgment House walk-through drama. This year’s presentation was called Shaken. Through your efforts over 1475 people visited our church and 81 professions of faith were made (along with numerous other decisions).
4. Finally, most of the bills have been paid on the construction of the new building and the loan was finalized. We borrowed $850,000, with $100,000 of that amount reserved for remodeling the old worship center back into a gym and fellowship hall after Christmas. By the time you receive this we will actually have made two $5573 payments on the loan. Remember it is through your pledges that we are able to make the payments this next year. Keep up the good work.

I know God has greater things in store for FBC. Pray for his will to be done (Matthew 6:9-15).

Bro. Sammy

Music and Senior Adults Report December 2013

In this season of Thanksgiving, there is coolness in the air as we see God coloring the scenery with His magnificent beauty and I’m amazed one again.  I’m so thankful to live where there are different seasons to celebrate and enjoy.  I don’t like things to stay the sam way all the time, do you?

We’re in a new season at church too, the season of growth.  God has given us a wonderful building for worship and Bible Study and I believe that we have a responsibility to fill this place with our presence and to also invite others to join us. I truly believe that God gave us the vision for this sanctuary in order to reach others with the message of Christ. in Matthew 28:19-20a it says:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;

We all know that there are those outside of these walls that need the free gift of salvation that God  offers; therefore we need to invite them to join us in worship and share the gift of Jesus that we’ve received ourselves with them.

John 4:35b says:

Behold I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.

I encourage you to keep inviting others to join us as we worship together and continue praying for those that are lost or wandered away from the truth. Who has God laid on your heart to invite?

Yours in Christ,

Bro. Clayton

Youth Ministry Report December 2013

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’s about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

My most memorable Christmas was in 1987. It was the year that I (Angie) gave my life to Christ and was able to celebrate His birth in a whole new way. I did not only celebrate His birth, but I celebrated His death and resurrection. it was no longer about Santa (although I enjoyed the gifts), but about the birth of MY Savior, Jesus Christ.  I was born again to celebrate my spiritual birthday with Jesus.

What is your most memorable Christmas? If you don’t have one, what about this year?

There will be a youth, parent and chaperone meeting on December 1st at 5pm. We will be discussing the upcoming trips for 2014. We would like for all the parents to be there along with anyone that would be willing to help chaperone any of our trips. Choir members can see Angie after the Sunday Evening service to get information from the meeting.

The youth will be getting together on New Year’s Eve for a time of fellowship and worship. last Year was our biggest crowd for New Years and we would like to see it grow even bigger this year. All parents are welcome to come and participate in all activities and worship. We hope that our students will begin 2014 knowing and seeing God in a different way.

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

In Christ Alone have a merry Christmas,

Angie & Kenneth Parker

Quick Notes December 2013

With Heartfelt Sympathy

First Baptist Church and the entire church family extends their deepest sympathy to the family of Terry Laws.

Christmas Cards

Christmas card bags will be in the fellowship hall on December 1st. 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. Put money in the mail box next to the cards.

Thank You!

Thank you cards have been received in the church office from:

• Garrett Baptist Church in Hohenwald (for doing Judgment House)
• Randy Birch

WMU

The WMU will meet December 10th at 6pm at the home of Mary Ann Springer. Bring your favorite snacks.

Senior Adults

Senior Adult Christmas party Dec. 12th 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.8th

Deacon Installation

Deacons rotating back on are: Terry Boston, Brett Weaver, Bob Vaughn and John Kress

Splash Schedule

• Dec 8th … Shopping for Angel Tree kids 3-7pm
• Dec 15 … Christmas Party at the Kress’s home 5-8pm
• January 12, 2014 … Final day to sign up for BELIEVE
• February 14, 2014 … BELIEVE Conference in St. Louis, MO. Cost is $50 per student. For more information, see Matt or Laurel Schantz.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff at FBC

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

Back Page December 2013

Sunday School starts at 9:15 a.m.
Come out and enjoy a time of Bible study and great fellowship.
Sunday Worship starts at 10:30 a.m.