F IRST B APTIST C HURCH DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 6, I SSUE 12 T HE M ESSENGER C HURCH L IFE 2-7 MUSIC & WORSHIP 8-9 F AMILY L IFE 10-11 WEEKLY S CHEDULE 12 C ALENDAR insert I NSIDE THIS ISSUE : Come worship and celebrate the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day. The morning worship service will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight Service Saturday, December 24 9:00 P.M. B B ELIEVE ELIEVE A H ANDBELL C ELEBRATION OF THE C HRISTMAS S EASON S UNDAY , D ECEMBER 4 7:00 P.M. F IRST B APTIST C HURCH ,M OUNT H OLLY H OLY L IGHT S UNDAY, DECEMBER 18 TH 11:00 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M. FBC S ANCTUARY CHOIR, BELLISSIMO, YOUNG MUSICIANS , AND CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA.
Transcript
F IRST BAPTIST CHURCH
DECEMBER 2011 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12
THE MESSENGER
CHURCH L IFE
2-7
MUSIC & WORSHIP 8-9
FAMILY L IFE 10-11
WEEKLY SCHEDULE 12
CALENDAR insert
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Come worship
and celebrate
the birth of
our Savior on
Christmas Day.
The morning
worship service
will be held at
10:00 a.m. in the
fellowship hall.
Christmas Eve
Communion and
Candlelight Service
Saturday,
December 24
9:00 P.M.
BB E L I E V EE L I E V E A H A N D B E L L C E L E B R A T I O N O F T H E C H R I S T M A S S E A S O N
S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 4
7 : 0 0 P . M .
F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H , M O U N T H O L L Y
HOLY LIGHT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18TH 11:00
A.M. AND 4:00 P.M.
FBC SANCTUARY CHOIR,
BELLISSIMO,
YOUNG MUSICIANS,
AND CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA .
PAGE 2 THE MESSENGER
GIFTS GIVEN TO THE BUILDING FUND
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In memory of Rev. Fred Russell by Mike & Mary Jane Hinkle In memory of Burke Ferguson by Frankie Ferguson
In memory of Dr. Ferber W. Whitmire by the Sunshine Sunday School Class In memory of Lamar Hinkle by Baxter & Sally McIntosh, Dickie & Luann Thomas, Doug & Linda Mullis In memory of Tommy Horton by Doug & Linda Mullis
Gifts given to THE LiBRARY Fund
In memory of Noelle Baber by Carl & Jean Baber
Gifts given to THE Brian Childers Scholarship Fund
In honor of Brian Childers by Boyce & Beth Brooks and Bennie & Shirley Brookshire
The Family of Luann Thomas in the death of her father Aubrey Horton and Family in the death of his brother
Mike Hinkle and Family in the death of his brother The Family of Carl Zych Denise Hawkins & Debbie Noblett and their Families in the death of their father
WITH CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
Gifts given to THE choir chair Fund
In memory of Rachel Baker by Verna Jo Ellis In memory of Virginia Jones by Verna Jo Ellis
In memory of Lawrence Flowers by Norma Flowers By Charles & Linda Smith
Gifts given to THE winecoff Scholarship Fund
In memory of Lamar Hinkle by Gene & Martha McClure In memory of Thomas Horton by Gene & Martha McClure
PAGE 3 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Extended Care—Infants
Dec. 4-Jeff & Donna Dobbins Dec. 11-Jane Collins & Susan Surratt Dec. 18-Kim Moran & Denise Hawkins Dec. 25-Brian & Mary Frierson Extended Care—Toddlers
The Compelled By Love Missions Group will meet Monday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m. to wrap Angel Tree gifts. Meeting will take place in the library.
Circle of Faith does not have a scheduled meeting in
December.
Reflections of Light will meet Sunday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the parlor for a Christmas Social.
Mission Moments
Please remember to turn in a registration form or call the church office by noon on Monday to be added to the Permanent or Weekly supper list so o u r c o ok t e a m s c an p l a n accordingly. Registration forms are available on various tables throughout the church building and in Adult Sunday School Classrooms.
Remember these this month with a card, visit or call.
Harry Wentz 1006 Damon Pointe Dr.
Belmont, NC 28012 Birthday—December 8
Moffitt Kirby
Stanley Total Living Center P. O. Box 489
Stanley, NC 28164 704-263-7328
Birthday—December 21
Lincie Huffstetler 89 Craig St.
Mt. Holly, NC 28120 Birthday—December 26
Edith Moose
104 Provincial Rd. Gastonia, NC 28056
704-263-5595 Birthday—December 28
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There are still several copies of ―The Story‖ available for purchase. You may contact Kim in the church office in you are interested in having your own copy. Cost of the book is $14.00.
The Story Books
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Ralph Miller & Pam
Allen
Who were joined to-
gether
in marriage
Church-wide Fellowship
Deacon Drop-in
Sunday, December 4th
4:30-6:30 P. M.
Fellowship Hall
The church office will be closed for Christmas and New Years on Monday, December 26th, Tuesday, December 27th, and Monday, January 2nd. Have
a very blessed holiday season!
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On Friday night, December 9th from 6:00-9:00
p.m., the front lawn of First Baptist church
will be transformed into the busy Bethlehem
marketplace of Jesus’ birth. Come see the sites,
smell the smells, and taste the tastes of the
ancient Holy-Land.
In addition to the hands-on crafts and
s n a c k s o f t h e
marketplace, visitors will also have a front
row seat to our live nativity and they will be
entertained by First Baptist’s own talented
musicians.
A Night in Bethlehem is presented as part of
the sixth annual Mount Holly Days Celebra-
tion. This is a wonderful opportunity for our
church to come together to reach out to the
Mount Holly community in an exciting and
Our church goal for 2011 is $6,000. Please be in prayer about what the Lord would have you give. Prayerfully consider making lifestyle changes you could make to give generously. If 200 people give $30, we would meet our goal. In addition to the actu-al offering, the GAs will once again be running a Christmas card post office at which you can donate the money saved on postage. Thank you!
LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS
OFFERING 2011
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Happy birthday
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Dec. 2-Steve Williams Dec. 3-Brandon Greene, Ralph Miller, Chad Speas, & Michael Speas Dec. 4-Katie Cauthen & Brian Ellis Dec. 5-Frances Black Dec. 6-Larry Jenkins & Kyle Piercy Dec. 7-Jake Dobbins & Julie Reid Dec. 8-Brooke Lopez, Shelley McGee, & Harry Wentz Dec. 9-Mandy Hare & Joan Moore Dec. 10-Lynn Ealey Dec. 12-Ruth Mundy Dec. 13-Mitchell Fankhauser, Susan Greene, & Jackie Wheeler
Thank you so much for sending me the nice greeting card and gift card. It reminds me of how much my church family loves me. I really appreciate your continuous support. Thanks again. Lindsey Hawkins
Dear First Baptist Church Family,
Words cannot express my gratitude for all of the cards, phone calls, delicious meals, and most of all, prayers you sent after my recent foot surgery! Though the surgery was much more ―in depth‖ than I originally thought, you certainly helped to boost my spirits and help us through this difficult time. Our family is so blessed to be part of such a loving, caring church family. Again, thank you for your kindness!
Dec. 22-Derek & Tina Staton Dec. 23-Brian & Nicole Smith Dec. 27-Al & Jane Rhodes
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Preparing our Hearts...
Once again, ABC Family is having 25 Days of Christmas. It’s almost like one of those Advent calendars with the candy in each window – only with a Harry Potter weekend and A Very Pink Christmas with the Pink Panther. Nothing says Christmas like the Pink Panther! Indeed, their 25 Days of Christmas is obviously so successful that they have added a 10 day countdown to the 25 Days of Christmas!
I am not writing to slam ABC, Harry Potter, or the Pink Panther. Personally, I like the Harry Potter stories, and I see them as a great allegory about the need to stand against the kind of evil that existed in Nazi Germany. And, I think the Pink Panther’s pretty funny. I’m just trying to understand what they have to do with Christmas. Of course, I have the same question about Egg Nog!
No, I am not writing about ABC’s line-up, and I am sure not calling for some crazy verbal attack on them. I come not to bury ABC but to praise them. While their message is off, I have respect for something deeper here. ABC has spent months preparing for 25 Days of Christmas. They have carefully chosen shows, lined up advertisers, and made every preparation to be ready for the season. I wonder: How many Christians have spent that much time and energy preparing for the return of the Savior?
For over a millennium, Christians around the world have celebrated the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day as Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word for coming. Someone is coming; someone who has gifts for the world; someone who deeply symbolizes love and hope and peace and joy. Indeed, that One has come as a babe in a manger.
On Sunday, I argued that Advent is remembering that we live between two Advents. The first Advent has occurred – the babe in the manger came to save us all. However, he promised he would return. Sometime in the future there will be a 2nd Advent. Advent is a time to remind us of that great foundation of the church: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
So, the questions come for us: What are we doing to prepare our hearts for His coming? Have we prepared our souls? When we have searched our own hearts, are we about His work in the world?
I did notice ABC will be showing Mickey’s Christmas Carol. I’m not sure if the Disney version includes it or not, but one line that always strikes me as a traverse this season comes from the ghost of Jacob Marley to Ebenezer Scrooge: Business! Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!
The risen Savior calls us to His business this Advent season. The question of Advent is: How will we respond?
December 4, 2011—2nd Sunday of Advent; Rev. Kendell Cameron Preaching: Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12; “The Peace of the Mountain.” Sanctuary Choir—“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” Exodus II— “Trepak,” “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” and “Joyful Angels Song.” Mrs. Ginni Poole, Piano
December 11, 2011—3rd Sunday of Advent; Rev. Kendell Cameron Preaching: I Samuel 1-4, “To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice” Sanctuary Choir—“Mary’s Lullaby.” Young Musicians Choir ―Are You Ready?” Mr. TJ Wheeler, Piano
December 18, 2011—4th Sunday of Advent; Sanctuary Choir, FBC Orchestra, Bellissimo, Young Musicians—“Holy Light.” Mrs. Elaine Crosby, Piano
December 24, 2011—Christmas Eve; Rev. Kendell Cameron Preaching: Luke 2:1-20 “Heart Ponderings” Intergenerational Choir, Bellissimo, and Instrumentalists; ―Were You There On That Christmas Night,” Mrs. Paige Sisk, “Welcome To Our World.” Mr. Tom McLain, Piano
December 25, 2011—Christmas Day; Rev. Kendell Cameron Preaching: Luke 2:1-14 “Those Special Shepherds” Sanctuary Choir; ―Love Came Down At Christmas.” Rev. Brian Childers, Piano
Calling all current and former Genesis Members!! You are invited to join us for this year’s Reunion Choir Celebration. We will meet on Wednesday, December 28th at 4:00 p.m. in the Choir Room. Following a time of singing some favorite anthems and sharing of experiences, we will go to a local restaurant to eat (bring about $15). Anthems for this year’s reunion weekend include ―Once Upon a Tree,‖ “Those Who Wait Upon the Lord,” and ―A Double Blessing.”
Sunday Morning, January 1st, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. for a final rehearsal and then lead in worship at 10:55 a.m. This is an exciting time for former and current members to catch up on what everyone is up to. Make plans now to join us!
GENESIS REUNION CHOIR
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Need a great way to kick-off your Christmas Celebration? How about a terrific concert of Handbell Music of Bellissimo and Exodus II? That’s exactly what you will get on Sunday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. Bellissimo will begin the concert with some new selections including a new setting of ―Still, Still, Still‖ that includes the
photography of Richard Flowers! Their program also includes FBC favorite ―Were You There on that Christmas Night.‖ The program will conclude with Exodus II, our Advanced Youth Handbell Ensemble. Exodus II will be ringing some challenging repertoire for the season including ―Trepak,‖ ―We Three Kings,‖ “Joyful Angels Song,‖ and ―Tidings of Comfort and Joy.‖ Make plans to invite your friends and join us for this special free concert that will follow the Deacon Drop-in.
You will not want to miss the wonderful sounds of the season as our Sanctuary Choir presents this new musical celebrating the birth of Christ. Sunday, December 18th, our esteemed singers will be joined by the Young Musicians, Bellissimo, and FBC Instrumentalists. Invite your family and friends and come early to get your seat. This promises to be an unforgettable time of worship and celebration.
FBC CD SALE STOCK UP NOW AND SAVE ! ! !
BB E L I E V EE L I E V E A H A N D B E L L C E L E B R A T I O N O F T H E C H R I S T M A S S E A S O N
S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 4 A T 7 P . M .
F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H , M O U N T H O L L Y
The FBC Music Ministry CD’s make great Christmas stocking stuffers for family and friends. Available CD’s include ―Christ’s Kingdom Is At Hand‖ (featuring the music of Bellissimo, Exodus II, Witness, Genesis, and the FBC Sanctuary Choir), ―Messiah‖ and 2 Drastic Measures CD’s ―For Every Bell There Is A Season‖ and ―With A Joyful Heart.‖
CD’s make a great gift for neighbors and opens the door to share all of the wonderful ministries that First Baptist provides. CDs are $10 each. Or during the month of November only, get any three for $25. Pick up yours today from the church office or see Brian Childers.
HOLY LIGHT SUNDAY , DECEMBER 18TH 11:00 A.M. AND 4:00 P.M.
FBC SANCTUARY CHOIR , BELLISSIMO , YOUNG MUSICIANS ,
AND CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA .
PAGE 10 THE MESSENGER
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CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR
HOMEBOUND MEMBERS
Deadline for bringing Christmas cards for
homebound is December 4th.
Homebound members include: Hedy Aiken,
Jean Baber, Rosemary Carothers, Frankie Ferguson, Norma Flowers, Lloyd
Gann, Tina Gardner, Lincie Huffstetler, Moffitt Kirby, Evelyn Miller, Edith
Moose, Ruth Reed, Cathleen Small, Betty Smith, Elizabeth Stack, Evelyn
Toomey, Stella Weeks, and Harry Wentz.
Please remember that you need only the names on the envelopes and please do
not seal them. Please turn in cards at the Glendale Entrance down the hall from
the nursery. Thank you for your help with this very important ministry.
Monday, December 12th
5:00 p.m.
Cost: $15.00
RSVP with payment to the church office by December 1st.
Dinner Menu
Sliced Roast Beef with Au Jus,
and
Smothered Chicken
and
Green Beans, Potato Casserole,
Sweet Potato Souffle’
and
Desserts and Drinks
JUST FOR SENIORS CHRISMAS BANQUET
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As we journey through this season of hope and wonder, we pray the peace &
love of the Christ child will travel with
you. We pray His love will visit you, and we thank you for the opportunity to serve Him
and serve you. Your Church Staff,
Youth are invited to our Christmas Progressive Dinner Tuesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. We will meet at the church and then go for appetizers. We will then return to the church for a special dinner in the fellowship hall followed by a candlelight communion service specially for you! Finally, we will go to the Cameron’s house for dessert and gifts.
Youth should bring $5 to offset the cost of the food and bring a small inexpensive gift to be traded. Note: it’s OK to bring a funny gift, but it needs to
Come join us Wednesday night, December14 for Family Night. Folks of all ages are invited to come and share with us after our Wednesday night supper in a time of celebrating the Birth of the Christ Child! We’ll play some games and enjoy fellowship together!
Please call the church office to make a dinner reservation for that night by Monday, December 12th!
Christmas Family Night
300 S. Main St. Mount Holly, NC 28120
Phone: 704-827-2481 Fax: 704-827-4525 E-mail: [email protected] Rev. Kendell Cameron, Pastor-704-812-8144 (Home) 704-214-1022 (Mobile) Rev. Brian Childers, Minister of Music- 704-460-4623 Ms. Mary Lowder, Organist Mrs. Kim Payne, Secretary Mrs. Beth Lawing, Custodian
F IRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Sundays 8:55 AM Musical Preparation for Worship 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Praise Singing (Choir Room) 9:00 AM Library Open until 9:45 AM 9:45 AM Bible Study 10:55 AM Morning Worship 12:00 PM Library Open until 12:30 PM 5:00 PM Bellissimo/ Youth Deep Impact 6:00 PM Youth Snack Supper 6:30 PM Youth Choir (Genesis) Tuesdays 11:00 AM Senior Adult Choir (Joy Choir) 2:30 PM Van Pick-up/Snack Time (Kindergarten-5th grade) 3:00 PM Tinkerbells (grades K-2), Bible Drill (grades 3-5) 4:00 PM Children’s Handbells, Bible Drill (grades K-2) 5:00 PM Dismissal
Wednesdays 5:00 PM Library Open until 8:00 PM 5:30 PM Family Fellowship Meal (Fellowship Hall) 6:00 PM Children’s Choirs (age3-grade 5); Youth Handbells (Exodus 1), Creative Arts Team II 6:30 PM Adult Bible Study 6:45 PM Mission Friends; RAs/GAs, Youth Handbells (Exodus 2), Creative Arts Team I 7:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
