Tates Creek Current

May 2015

‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,

I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Matthew 25:35-36 (NIV)

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 2

Contact Tates Creek Christian 3150 Tates Creek Road Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 266-1621 office@tatescreek.org

Visit Onlinewww.tatescreek.orgfacebook.com/tatescreekcc

Worship Sunday Traditional - 8:30 am Blended - 9:50 am The Vine - 11:10 am Sunday School - 8:30, 9:50, 11:10 am Evening - 6:30 pm Wednesday Oasis Meal - 5:45 pm Oasis Classes - 6:45 pm

Staff Tommy Simpson Kim Beckwith Don Seevers Mike Allen Brad Haggard Matt Lee Lesley Tipton David Eversole Billy Bishop

Office Staff Kim Jones Jenni Gregg Rhoda Rolfes Vicki Wesley

Contents

Feature Article 10-11 “The Walking Dead”

In Every Issue 3-9 Minister Articles 12 Prayer Ministry 12 Guided Prayer Topics 13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule 13 Oasis Menu16-19 Devotional thoughts each week 22 March Statistics 23 New Members 24 Calendar

Ministry News 14 New Ministry Team ~ “We Care” program 15 Missions Moment

Events 11 May Events 20 May Events

Announcements 21 Missions Report

MissionTates Creek Christian Church exists to win

people to Christ (evangelism), build up believersin faith, knowledge, and service (encouragement),

to help those in need (benevolence), and to stand up for Christian values in the community (witness).

When I became a Christian, I knew the Bible taught that when we became Christians we received the Gift of the Holy Spirit to live within us. But I certainly did not understand much about the Person of the Holy Spirit. Even today, there is still much I need to learn about the Person of the Holy Spirit and His ministry. Someone has compared our understanding and learning about the Holy Spirit to a baby learning and understanding what to do with their hands. When a baby is born, the baby does not know nor understand about their hands. It is fun to watch them grow in their understanding and learning of the use of their hands. Babies soon learn to hold their own bottle. As they become a toddler, they learn to pick up everything and then quickly learn the meaning of “No!” Watching our grandson, Lincoln, grow in his understanding of the use of his hands is a lot of fun! One of the first things he learned to do was point and grunt. The other thing he loves to do with his hands is to take hold of the steering wheel of my truck. As children grow, they learn how to use their hands. They learn how to hold a pencil and write; how to make their own bed;

how to play the piano; how to hold, throw, and catch a ball; how to wash the dishes; and so on. We observe a similar process in the Christian life growing in our understanding of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit within us. The Bible teaches us much about the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. One of the things we learn about the Holy

Spirit is He provides us with power to live the Christian life in order to please God. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (NASB). Romans 8:13 says, “For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirt you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (NASB). The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome the lusts, passions, and desires of the flesh. The flesh has very strong lusts and desires. The battle between the flesh and the Holy Spirit within us rages constantly. However, the power of the Holy Spirit is greater than the power of the flesh, if we will yield to the Holy Spirit. Someone has given the analogy that there are two teams of horses within us pulling in opposite directions ~ the power of the Holy Spirit and the lust of the flesh. Which team within us will win? The one to which we say, “Giddy-up”! Sunday, May 24, we will begin a new sermons series about the Holy Spirit. May we come with a hunger and thirst to learn more about the person and the ministry the Holy Spirit.

Greater is He Who is in you! ~Tommy tommy@tatescreek.org

Tidbits from Tommy

3Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Contents

Feature Article 10-11 “The Walking Dead”

In Every Issue 3-9 Minister Articles 12 Prayer Ministry 12 Guided Prayer Topics 13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule 13 Oasis Menu16-19 Devotional thoughts each week 22 March Statistics 23 New Members 24 Calendar

Ministry News 14 New Ministry Team ~ “We Care” program 15 Missions Moment

Events 11 May Events 20 May Events

Announcements 21 Missions Report

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 4

Senior Adults I grew up in the mountains of New Mexico in a town called Los Alamos. I lived there from about 8 years of age until I left High School. The city, prior to our moving there, was a secret city high up in the mountains and fenced in from prying eyes. The reason for this was it, along with Oak Ridge Tennessee, was

the birth place of atomic energy. The bombs dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were both built there and first tested in the desert in the southern part of the state. Today, several countries of the world possess far more powerful weapons than those early days and the reality is these weapons could destroy the world many times over. In the minds of men today this is power. I believe, however, that it takes far more power to build something than it does to destroy it. The power to create life is far greater than the power of one who would take someone’s life. I believe this to be true because this was the power our Lord possessed. Can you imagine the power it took for Jesus to go to the cross to save a lost and dying world which certainly didn’t deserve it? The power it took for him to not strike back when He was insulted, spit upon, and beaten. The power to pray “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” That’s real power. Jesus told Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Jesus also told the Jewish leaders, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.” You see, the ones who held true power were not those who ended Jesus’ life, but He who came back to life. The greater power is in the One who gives life rather than those who would seek to destroy it. This power was the Holy Spirit in Him. The Hebrew author tells us this as he says, “… who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God…” The scientists who worked on the atomic bombs in Los Alamos thought they would once and for all bring peace to the world. That such powerful weapons would convince humanity that it could not afford to be at war with itself. Sadly, all that power, they later admitted, was powerless in reality but the power that was in Jesus caused the wind and the waves to subside. It caused the blind to see and the lame to walk. Most of all, it empowered Him to endure the cross and its shame on our behalf and it empowered Him to overcome death and its sting. Aren’t you glad that the real power is in the One who gives life, and not just life, but life eternal? It was the Apostle Paul who summarized it so well. “If

God be for us, who can be against us?”

In Him, ~Bro. Kim kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org

The Third Person...in Song! We may never comprehend the three persons (personalities) of the Trinity. Actually, the word Trinity is never used in the Bible, but the doctrine of the three distinct persons of the Godhead is a Biblical doctrine acknowledged only in Christianity. We understand that we worship the true and living God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We also understand that as Christians we are promised the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” upon our obedience to follow Jesus Christ and His Word. But, understanding how the three unique persons of the Godhead are “separate” and yet “one” is beyond man’s comprehension. We think as men and women, not as God. Still, we are promised that we have the Holy Spirit and that Spirit empowers or emboldens us to do the work of Christ. This provides us with comfort knowing that we have this “person” on our side to help us do God’s work. I must admit that throughout my nearly 40 years of music and worship ministry, I have often avoided singing songs about the Holy Spirit as I found them either not supported by Scripture or weak doctrinally. Song writers, like many authors, will put their theological “spin” on their texts, too. And, many of them are set to tunes that are poorly written. I remember in my first music ministry in Cincinnati, the minister was preaching a message on the Holy Spirit. He requested that we sing the gospel hymn, “The Comforter Has Come”. I was not familiar with this song and, honestly, I was not thrilled with the music, but I feel that the author of the text, Frank Bottome, got it right. Here are the words to the first stanza:

O spread the tidings ‘round wherever man is found,Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;

Let ev’ry Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:The Comforter has come!

The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!The Holy Ghost from heav’n ~ the Father’s promise giv’n;

O spread the tidings ‘round wherever man is found ~The Comforter has come!

John 16:5-16, provides the answer we need regarding the work of the Holy Spirit and how he empowers us to do the work with the Heart and Hands of Jesus. Please read this most important Scripture.

~ Don don@tatescreek.org 5

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Don’s Dynamics

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 6

The Bible has a lot to say about the Holy Spirit, but it seems we often overlook this important piece and person of the Trinity. We often talk about God the Father, and God the Son (Jesus), but rarely talk about the Holy Spirit. In recent years, I have become very interested in the fact that the Holy Spirit dwells within me

as a Christian. Jesus promises the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (ESV) Isn’t it awesome that God actually comes and lives inside of us? So, I want to share one of the main thoughts that has helped me in thinking about the Holy Spirit over the last couple of years. This idea was prompted within me because of a prayer that I heard people praying. I would often hear people pray for “more of the Spirit” or “an extra measure of the Spirit”. My initial reaction to this prayer was that it didn’t make any sense. I mean, when a friend comes to the door of my house for dinner, I don’t answer the door and say, “Hey Justin, I’m so glad you are here, but I wish there were more of you.” You see in my mind, if the Holy Spirit is present, it is present, in the fullest measure possible. So I began to think on the prayers of these folks more and more. I have come to the conclusion that those prayers are not wrong or incorrect in any way. I just needed to shift my way of thinking to understand how God could give more of his Spirit. You see, to allow more of the Spirit in our lives, we must yield more of ourselves to God. I do believe the Spirit indwells us to the fullest measure possible, its just that sometimes there are areas where we don’t allow the Spirit in. It has helped me in a great way to view my life (or my soul) as a room. This room is filled with my past experiences, my struggles, my likes/dislikes, my idols, and everything else that can distract me from God. I have allowed the Spirit to take up the empty space, but maybe not the space that is already occupied by some of the other things. So, in order to create more space, for more of the Spirit, I have to let go of some of these other things. In turn, the Spirit takes up the space that was previously occupied and now my perspective changes. Thinking this way about the Holy Spirit has greatly helped me in submitting

every part of my life to God. I hope it will be helpful to you as well. In His Service, ~Mike

mike@tatescreek.org

College Ministry

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

7

Student MinistrySpiritual Formation

During a series on listening to the Holy Spirit’s call in our lives, our high school students were challenged to see the Spirit’s role in our day to day lives. In fact, if we don’t listen to the Spirit when He is prompting us to listen in the little decisions of our day to day life, how can we expect to listen to him in life-changing decisions such as college, career, or marriage?

To illustrate this, each student was given a lump of Play Do and asked to form a dog out of the Play Do. To spice it up, I made it a competition where the small group that did the best would receive donuts the next week. The groups quickly got to work, with their fingers and thumbs moving feverishly to finish their puppy.

During the exercise, it occurred to me that each little push of the students’ fingers and thumbs were like the Spirit’s nudges on our hearts and minds. It

isn’t in the spectacular events where our spirits are molded to be more like Jesus, but rather we are formed little by little through the Spirit’s gentle nudges on our lives. And when you look back over your life, you can see those nudges on your spirit just like the finger and thumb prints were apparent in the sculptures.

But one other thing that happened is a number of students complained to me that they weren’t able to work with their Play Do because it was too dry and clumpy. No matter how much they tried to work with it, nothing could be formed. The dogs wound up looking de-formed! This served as the warning for the day, that if we don’t listen to the Spirit and resist his nudges on our lives consistently, then we won’t allow him to make us into the image of Jesus. We will miss out on the great moves of the Spirit because we rejected him long ago in our personal lives.

Let’s lift Him up together! ~ Brad brad@tatescreek.org

Recently, I asked the kids in Uptown to draw a picture of Jesus. I didn’t put any limits on their ideas, I just wanted to know what they thought Jesus looked like. To most of the kids, Jesus was a normal looking guy. He did wear a long, dress like outfit and more than likely had a long beard. In nearly every picture he was

smiling. Some of the kids pictured him still on the cross. Others pictured him showing others love. A couple of the kids decided their picture of Jesus was Him in Heaven. In Heaven He is surrounded by rays of light with His arms open. These are the incredible thoughts of pure minded children and how they see Jesus, but Jesus did some truly unbelievable things while he walked and talked on this earth. Jesus told a blind man to see and he could see! He told a dead man to live and he lived! He commanded a tree to die and it died! JESUS CAME BACK TO LIFE!!!! After His resurrection He took an ordinary group of people, called them disciples, and somehow they did many of the same things Jesus had done. Since those days Christians have been battling and trying to make sense of something we can’t comprehend. The power of Jesus was the Holy Spirit! The power of the disciples was the Holy Spirit! The power of the church is the Holy Spirit! The power of our ability to change Lexington, to lead others to the feet of Jesus, to reach out and love the poor is THE HOLY SPIRIT! To be honest I tried really hard to do life without the Holy Spirit, because I thought I was supposed to. I grew up in the church, but every time we talked about eternity the message somehow always stopped at Jesus. As a young preacher’s kid, I watched many leaders put a cap on the Holy Spirit when it required them to become uncomfortable. Through college I felt God’s presence and His leading through the Spirit, but I really didn’t want to listen. I had been in children’s ministry for nearly 5 years full time and I was struggling with doubt. I asked myself, “Do I believe that God is still God? Do I believe that He is still capable of doing everything He did in the Bible?” First, I asked for forgiveness for doubting. Second, I thanked God for being so faithful in my life. Third, I asked God to show me how to trust in Him and His power. That’s when He introduced me AGAIN personally to the Holy Spirit and it changed my walk dramatically! Every day I learn the Holy Spirit gives life and fills us so full that He pours out to others through us. He is Jesus’ power and mine too! I literally can’t do anything without Him and I really don’t want to try

to anymore either! If your walk is powerless– let me introduce you to the Holy Spirit! I have some crazy stories I would love to share with you! ~ Matt

matt@tatescreek.org

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 8

Childrens Ministry

9Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Preschool MinistryCritterland News

Recently I have felt a very strong ‘something’ in my mind and heart. I can’t explain it, it just makes me feel that a big thing is about to happen. I am continuing to pray about it so I can truly find out what this big thing is supposed to be. Does that make sense? Have you ever felt like there is something inside that is bursting to get out, but you just have no idea what it is? Do you ignore it? Do you try to figure it out on your own without any help? Or do you continually pray about it and try to find the way, place, or thing God wants you to do?

I think that sometimes it is very easy for us to forget about the Holy Spirit, or to purposefully ignore Him. There are times the way He leads us is not comfortable, or we don’t recognize it because it is so subtle. I find it fitting that the memory verse for May in Critterland is “God’s way is perfect” 2 Samuel 22:31. We so desperately want to make sure that everything is just-so in our lives that we don’t realize the way He wants us to go is the right way—the perfect way.

~ Lesley lesley@tatescreek.org

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 10

The Walking Dead is an AMC series about the zombie apocalypse that a lot of people love. It’s too gory for my taste, but hey, to each his own. I was surprised to learn recently that there really are a lot of walking dead around. I’m referring to the 14,000 people who are mistakenly declared dead in this country every year. Roughly 1 in every 200 reported deaths is a mistake.* How does this happen? The most common causes are human error (someone hitting the wrong key on the computer) and computer glitches. Unfortunately, the mistake can’t be corrected as easily as it is made. When a person is declared dead, a system kicks in that reclassifies a person’s status with the government, banks, and businesses, all in an effort to keep hackers from assuming a dead person’s identity and having a field day with his finances. Thus, the person who has been declared dead is faced with the challenge of proving he is alive. You’d think that a simple phone call, or maybe showing up at your local bank would suffice. Not so fast. You will be required to find out what entity declared you dead, why, and, if a death certificate was issued, supply the proof necessary to have it amended. This could take months. In the meantime, don’t even think about applying for credit, getting a driver’s license, getting married, etc. Let’s think about this from a spiritual angle. If someone declared you spiritually dead, what evidence could you present to prove that you are still alive? Would you talk about how often you go to church? Would you list the ministries you’re involved in at your church? Would you start ticking off all the bad habits you don’t have? I suspect this would be the tendency for most of us. However, a better way to answer this question might be along the lines of what Paul says in Romans 8:9-10: “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God.” You can see from the words I’ve highlighted that Paul’s

concern is not on whether or not we are alive, but on whether or not Jesus and his Spirit are alive within us. That is a very different question, is it not?

The Walking Dead

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org11

The Walking Dead continued

May Events

Say it out loud and think about it: What I am doing is not nearly as important as what is being done in me. When you embrace that truth and start living it, no one will mistake you for one of the walking dead.

* http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/10/16/living-mistakenly-declared-dead-banks-ssa-irs/

~ Mark Atteberry reprinted with permission

http://www.alittlestrongereveryday.com

Senior Adult EventsAdult Bible Study

Wednesdays ~ 10:30 am

Better With Age Club Thursday, May 21

10:30 am ~ Fellowship HallBring side dishes, salad,

or dessert to share. Better With Age Club

Day Trip Thursday, May 28

Taft Home in Cincinnati

Senior Saints in the SmokiesJune 1-5

Register on their website or see Kim Beckwith for a brochure.

Bluegrass Christian Men’s Fellowship

May 11, 2015Hill N Dale Christian Church

Meal ~ 5:45 pm, Program ~ 6:45 pm

Van will leave TCCC at 5:15 pm

Parent/Child Dedication May 10, 2015

On Mother’s Day, we will be setting aside a time of dedication for parents who would like to commit to raising their children to know God and His

Son, Jesus Christ. If you have children newborn to age 5 and would like to participate in this

service, please contact the church office at 266-1621 or

jenni@tatescreek.org. Let us know your name, child’s name, and which

service you will be attending by Wednesday, May 6.

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 12

Over the past year or two my husband Brad and I have faced a lot of new challenges. We have felt a calling to possibly adopt a child since before we were even married. The cost of that on one salary has always made that calling feel out of reach. So we have prayed about it for a long time. We then started thinking about being foster parents and that possibly leading to an adoption. While we were praying about that, Tates Creek Christian Church allowed the Bair Foundation to come in and give more information about their foster care agency. God’s timing was perfect as always. As we were praying about becoming foster parents and thinking about taking classes through the state they were put directly in our path. We finished up our classes and paperwork by the end of September 2013. Then the waiting began because our agency did not have the paper work they needed to start placing children. In January 2014, our agency finally received the paperwork they needed and we prayed even harder for God’s plans for us and our home. On January 15th, we got a call asking if we would be willing to take 3 children. We both agreed right away that we wanted these kids to be able to stay together. Within 5 hours, those three children were placed in our home. From that moment on I prayed constantly because Satan attacked with a vengeance. Things were crazy and nobody was getting any sleep. I started to wonder what I had done to deserve the mess my life had become. I no longer liked who I was. That was when a sweet friend said to me, “You must be doing something right to make Satan this mad.” Oh, now I knew what was going on. I wasn’t being punished, I was doing what God called me to do. We are thankful for good friends and prayer that got us through those first couple of months. Now the children are back home and we are still able to keep in touch with them. We still pray for them and remain in their lives as much as we can. While we don’t know what God has for us next, we know that as long as we pray he will lead us to his plans.

~ Brad & Marty Byington

PrayerDaily Guided Prayer Topics

May1 Tyler & Katie Selby planning for Ethiopia2 Visitors feel welcome3 Tommy & his message 4 The Lighthouse ministry 5 Praying for your spouse 6 Cult members7 National Day of Prayer8 Steve & Doretha Limiero in Tanzania9 Power of the Gospel10 Missionaries & their families 11 Police officers12 Believing in answered prayer13 Heroin addicts14 Acts 10:3815 Judy Fish with CMF 16 Ability to serve17 Sunday School leaders18 FCPS Superintendent selection19 Leading of the Holy Spirit 20 Abortion clinic staff21 John 16:1522 Greg & Vicki Syverson in Mexico23 “We Care” program24 Small group leaders25 Psalm 82:3 Mission26 Victory for Life 27 Those involved in Occult28 John 14:26 29 Sergio & Holly Alvarado in Mexico30 Communion volunteers31 Office Staff

The mission of this ministry is to pray, motivate, and train others to pray, and to provide prayer opportunities so that we might know our Lord more intimately and serve Him more fervently.

13Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Communion Serving Schedule May 3Elders: Nick Wallen, Kent MasonDeacons: Terry Morrison, Greg KastenAshland Terrace: Lucas MooreHome Comm: David Straub, Bill Johnson, Russell BrownSat Comm Prep: David RankinPrep after 1st Srv: David/Sheila WaitsClean-up after 1st Srv: Mary RobeyPrep after 2nd Srv: Fred/Emma GoodeClean-up after 2nd Srv: Robert McCrayPrayer Team: Mary Robey, Kevin HickeyUshers: D.Ison, D.Moore, B.Burke, C.Wilson May 10Elders: Stan Stack, Nick WallenDeacons: Steven Clem, Keith WertzAshland Terrace: Russell BrownHome Comm: Cory Wilson, Steve Mullins, Jonathan CliftonSat Comm Prep: Mark/Gayle FieldsPrep after 1st Srv: Marvis/Pam WhiteClean-up after 1st Srv: Shannon/Jenni GreggPrep after 2nd Srv: Marvis/Pam WhiteClean-up after 2nd Srv: Randall YoungPrayer Team: Nathan Young, Laura MullinsUshers: D.Pettry, J.White, L.Miller, D.Feltner

May 17Elders: Danny Branham, Stan StackDeacons: Craig Martin, Stuart KearnsAshland Terrace: Ken BanksHome Comm: Stuart Kearns, Ken Banks, Greg KastenSat Comm Prep: Teresa PendletonPrep after 1st Srv: Craig/Jenny FowlerClean-up after 1st Srv: Ray/Christi AlbensiPrep after 2nd Srv: Craig/Jenny FowlerClean-up after 2nd Srv: John CombsPrayer Team: Jerry Brooking, Beth KesslerUshers: T. Clark, D.Smith, S.Kearns May 24Elders: George Heaton, Danny BranhamDeacons: Lucas Moore, Jonathan CliftonAshland Terrace: Steve MullinsHome Comm: Lucas Moore, Bill Burke, Greg WheelerSat Comm Prep: Kathy HicksPrep after 1st Srv: Dale KistlerClean-up 1st Srv: Fred/Emma GoodePrep after 2nd Srv: Dale KistlerClean-up 2nd Srv: Fred/Emma GoodePrayer Team: Mary Adkins, Gina RunyonUshers: B.Johnson, S.Stack, B.Burke, J.MartinMay 31Elders: Larry Hitchner, George HeatonDeacons: Russell Brown, Steve MullinsAshland Terrace: Jonathan CliftonHome Comm: Henry Evans, Chris Lee, Craig MartinSat Comm Prep: Boyd/Wanda JohnsonPrep after 1st Srv: Peggy Sharp/Bette CorumClean-up 1st Srv: Teresa PendletonPrep after 2nd Srv: Peggy Sharp/Bette CorumClean-up 2nd Srv: Teresa PendletonPrayer Team: Caroline Lewis, Kevin HickeyUshers: T.Clark, D.Moore, D.Smith, S.Kearns

May Oasis MealsMay 6 ~ Baked Ham, Augratin Potatoes, Peas & Carrots, Rolls, DessertMay 13 ~ Pork Loin, Parsley Potatoes, Corn, Rolls, DessertMay 20 ~ Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Potato Chips, Cole Slaw, Culver’s Ice Cream

Salad is available as an alternate meal when it is not a part of the meal being served.

As our teaching the last few weeks has focused on The Heart & Hands of Jesus, this has confirmed the need for Tates Creek to put some additional organization into our efforts to be Jesus’ heart and hands in Lexington and in our individual neighborhoods. We have been learning that there are many Tates Creek members who are active working in, with, and through several local organizations to impact those in need and those still far from Jesus. Whether that work is with God’s Pantry, Church Under the Bridge, Room in the Inn, or another organization, whether that work is organized through Tates Creek or the organization itself, we want to encourage our members and attenders to be involved in service. For this reason, we are launching a new Ministry Team to be called The Heart & Hands of Jesus. This Ministry Team will be responsible for coordinating, inspiring, and communicating our efforts for and support of local missions and ministries. This team will be completely separate from our existing Missions Ministry Team, which will continue to focus on foreign missions. Under the umbrella of the new Heart & Hands of Jesus Ministry Team will be our brand new We Care program which is also launching this month. We Care is a way for Tates Creek to join together to provide resources to meet needs for those around us. This may mean food, gasoline, assistance with utilities, assistance with medical bills, and so forth. We Care will be open to receive requests for assistance on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and on Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. In addition to assistance, individuals will also be presented with an opportunity to attend a church program, so that they have a chance to receive the most important help, the love of Jesus! You can be a part of We Care! Beginning May 24, we will set aside one Sunday per month as ‘food offering’ Sunday, where we will all be asked to bring certain items of food to be given through We Care. We will also set out special receptacles to receive financial offerings for We Care one Sunday per month. You may also volunteer to work in We Care by contacting Sharon Johnson at Mommanina1015@aol.com. Let’s work together to reach our neighborhoods and Lexington as we become the Heart & Hands of Jesus!

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 14

“New Ministry Team”

15Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

In March, eight church members participated in a 10 day mission trip to Pachuca, Mexico, to work with two missionary teams that are supported by Tates Creek. The team included Tommy and Zella Simpson, David and Vickie Cole, Millie Hamilton, Mike Allen, Isabella Mando, and me. Pachuca is a very densely populated city of 1.5 million people located in a high-dessert region at 8,000 feet above sea level. The city is largely un-churched. The first two days were spent with Greg and Vicki Syverson, who helped start New Life Christian Church. The church is located in the hills above the city in one of the poorest neighborhoods. Just six months ago, the congregation moved into an auditorium. Our work project at New Life included painting several walls in the recently completed auditorium. Tommy Simpson preached through the assistance of an interpreter on the first Sunday of our trip to over 200 in attendance. Sadly, a very strong

thunderstorm struck the city just two days later depositing several inches of hail in minutes. The weight of the hail caused the roof of the new auditorium to collapse. The church is in the process of determining how it will replace the roof.

For the duration of our mission trip we worked with the Jubilee Christian Church. Tates Creek supports missionaries Sergio and Holly Alverado, who work with national ministers at the church. The mission team’s work project involved construction at the congregation’s new church building. The mission team befriended and became particularly attached to several of the construction workers during our stay, many of whom joined us at worship the following Sunday. Several on the team were involved in teaching and preaching: Zella Simpson taught at a women’s conference, Mike Allen spoke at a youth conference and played guitar with the worship band, and Tommy Simpson spoke at a men’s leadership conference and at Jubilee’s anniversary celebration. While in Pachuca, the team visited the minister and staff of New Hope Christian Church. Alejo and Lupita Carillo (Ali Haggard’s parents) are part of the national missionaries that helped start New Hope, which has grown to over 400 members and is self-supporting. Tates Creek has steadfastly supported the missionary efforts in Pachuca for over a decade and the fruits of that support were apparent in every congregation. We are excited to report that the churches are planning to start a fourth congregation in the near future. On behalf of the mission team, I want to thank you for your prayers and allowing us to go on this mission trip. We witnessed how the financial support Tates Creek provides is helping to fulfill the great commission in Pachuca. ~ Stan Stack

Missions Moment

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 16

Devotional Thought Week 1EVANGELISM THROUGH SERVICE ~ Luke 8:26-39

I think we would all agree that Evangelism is essential to the growth of God’s Kingdom. We all know how important it is and we know that it is our calling to help in this effort. Then why is it when we hear the word, we sometimes get a little uncomfortable?

I think it is because some of us aren’t comfortable expressing our faith openly to others and feel inadequate to do it the right way. That feeling of inadequacy leads to fear and as humans, our natural instinct is to avoid things we are uncomfortable with or fear. Fortunately, we have a Heavenly Father that understands this and provides a solution. He knows we all have different gifts and, in His wisdom, has provided more than one way to spread his message. He has even made it as easy as simply serving others. Even I can do that! I have certainly had enough examples of how to do it through the years. I have seen my dad take candy to those in nursing homes and befriend homeless men that can’t wait to see him each time they visit. I have watched my mom make call after call to others on the concern list and struggle to scratch out cards of encouragement despite paralysis from her own illness. I have seen the people of Tates Creek go on mission trips, visit prisons, mentor kids, visit shut-ins, prepare beds and meals for the homeless, provide for a family in need, reach out to those hurting, build ramps, shovel snow, and do so many other things, many of which go unnoticed except to those they have touched. We all have a Lord and Savior who showed us how to do this with everything He said and did. I don’t know about you, but i really don’t have an excuse. Sure, life is busy and we have our own hurdles to get over, but there are just too many people, outside and within our church, who need to be introduced to or reminded of God’s grace. Who better to do that than a blessed bunch of folks like us? Afterall, He has made it pretty easy, one caring expression at a time.

~ Chris Lee Deacon Men’s Ministry & Room in the Inn Coordinator

17Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Devotional Thought Week 2QUALITY SERVICE ~ Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)

The topic of working hard for the Lord is one that we often read in Paul’s letters. In this letter to the church in Colossae, Paul uses the phrase “with all your heart.” In his letter to the church in Ephesus he used the phrase “wholeheartedly” (Ephesians 6:7). Obviously Paul was trying to make a point to the churches in that time, give 110%.

Growing up playing soccer, we always had an awards banquet following the season. The typical awards were the Most Valuable Player, Best Defender, and Leading Scorer. But the one award that was different was the 110% Award. There was not a single stat that led to a player receiving this award, but rather a work ethic that stood out above the rest. This person was recognized for playing with “all their heart.”

In his commentary on the New Testament, B.W. Johnson states that this topic of giving your all to whatever work you do, came from a trend of workers and slaves only working hard when the boss or slave master was around. Paul is telling the churches that as Christians we are called to a higher standard, because our Master is God and no matter what, He is always with us. Therefore we should never stop giving him our all.

Just as the 110% Award is given to the person with the best work ethic, Paul knows that our “stats” on earth are not going to win us anything on the day of judgment. There is only one thing that warrants that award and Christ already subbed in to take our place. Now we just have to give him our 110% so that we can receive that reward.

~ Phillip Broaddus Early Bird Class Teacher

SERVING THE LEAST ~ Matthew 25:31-46 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. … whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Is it possible to ignore those in need around us and still be a Christian? In a description of the final judgement, in Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus very plainly shares with us that he expects us to serve one another. Not just service through acknowledgement of the need, but actual works that assist our brother or sister.

How many of us have seen someone on the corner or been approached by a stranger asking for money? How many of us have personally known someone that we would call a friend that was in need?

Is there a difference in how we should respond? I would say that most of us would quickly respond to the friend in need and unfortunately many us may look the other way and ignore the stranger. Is this what Jesus meant when he praised the blessed for helping “him” in time of need? Not really, Jesus actually continues in this parable telling the goats to depart because “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

Jesus tells us that it is just as important to help the strangers as it is to help those we know and love. In John 13:34-35 he says: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

What better way to demonstrate the love and kindness and compassion of Jesus Christ than by reaching out to the “least of these” among us? Our ability to provide service to others is a blessing and if we actively pursue it, we can share the love of our Christ to others. Did Jesus not tell us in Mark 12:31 to “Love your neighbor as yourself ”?

~ Larry Bugg Elder

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 18

Devotional thought Week 3

THE HOLY SPIRIT Without the Holy Spirit, there is no church. The Spirit gave birth to the church fifty days after the cross, Acts 2. Without Him, there is no creation, no Bible, no effective prayer. He gives to us the Bible by “inspiriting” the writers. He acts in creation, as “the Spirit of God moves across the face of the water.” He intercedes for us as we pray. He makes it possible for the Christian to display the fruit of the Spirit. He is God’s holy presence in each believer. I love Titus 3:4 “When the kindness and love of God, our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy, He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Spirit.” Is the Holy Spirit a reality in you? Here’s how you know:• When the believer repents and is baptized, the Spirit is promised to

indwell.• As the believer engages life in Christian service, the promise of the

Lord, “I am with you always,” becomes real.• God also invites us to pray for the Spirit. “If any ordinary father gives

good gifts to his child, how much more will God give his Holy Spirit to those who ask.” Luke 11:13. As we pray, we ask not to “get more of His Spirit,” rather we pray that we will allow His Presence to get more of us.

There are two principal descriptions of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. One is “pneumatos” or wind. He dwells in us as the air fills our lungs, to empower us to go on with life as challenges arise. The other is “paracletos” or the One who walks beside us. He is sometimes called “The Comforter,” which literally means, “with power.” Let us keep in step with the Spirit. We can! And we must! In fact, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9 ~ Brad Walden Former TCCC Minister

19Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Devotional thought Week 4

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 20

Women’s Workshop

Heart & Hands of Jesus Ministry Team

The Perrys in Concert

“Living a Life of Gratitude and Praise”We will be looking at numerous Biblical accounts of the way God moved in impossible situations when the people turned their eyes upward and

lifted their voices in praise. Some examples are: battles were won, jail doors opened, the walls of Jericho fell, and some modern day examples as well.

We will explore the importance of giving praise in difficult situations before we see an answer.

Presented by Peggy ParkSaturday s May 16 s 9-11 am

Coffee, tea, pastries at 9 am, program starts at 9:30 am Child care will be available. Register at the registration

desk in the foyer on May 3 and 10.

America’s Favorite Mixed Group

Sunday s May 24 s 6:30 pmJoin us as we continue our Tates Creek

Concert Series with The Perrys bringing us some wonderful Southern Gospel

Music. No tickets required. A love offering

will be received.

As we launch our new Heart & Hands of Jesus Ministry Team focusing on Local Missions, we would like to have an idea of the number of local missions that TCCC is currently involved with or supporting. If you, as an individual,

or your Sunday School class, small group, ladies’ circle or other group, supports a local mission with financial gifts, gifts of food or other merchandise, or with volunteer efforts, we would like to know about it! Please send the name of the supporting group/individual, the name of the local mission, and the nature of

the support to David Eversole at david@tatescreek.org Thanks!

21Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Looking to Go Deeper?A Glimpse of the Worldwide

Scope of the Church Our missionaries carry out the “Great Commission” every day. God has blessed the ministries of our missionaries, and recently they reported 534 baptisms for 2014. In addition, Adrian Fehl shared that at least 100 more individuals were baptized south of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Two of our missionaries explained that with families “out in the bush,” access to statistics is difficult. Also, some people groups see no need to keep statistics. Jonathan Williams, in Brooklyn, shared that “each of their 6 baptisms is an absolute blessing and encouragement that God is at work in their city.” At least 24 new churches were planted by our missionaries during 2014. In addition to church planting, evangelism, and discipleship, our missionaries are involved in many other good works in the name of Christ. They train strong Christians to be “national” missionaries, teach microenterprise and income generating activities to help support the churches, provide low interest loans, build clinics, focus on preventive health care measures, teach nutrition and family relations, and work for justice and peace. All of these things are done to plant and nurture self-sustaining, reproducing churches and to turn them over to national leadership, thus eliminating the need for “out-of-country” individuals serving as missionaries.

TCCC’s missions ministry is supported through prayer, involvement, encouragement, and the allocation of 20% of the general fund giving. The focus is on the fulfillment of the Great Commission and involves local, state, national, and international partnerships and outreach. These include church planting teams working with unreached people groups, new churches, Christian colleges and universities, and benevolent institutions/organizations. The Missions Ministry Team’s responsibilities are to:s communicate with our missionaries and other mission partners and stay informed as to their needs;s evaluate potential and on-going mission ministries;s plan and administer the missions budget; ands provide guidance for approved short-term mission trips and projects. During the past 19 years TCCC members have participated in 30 mission trips to Ethiopia, Liberia, Haiti, Ukraine, Romania, Costa Rica, Mexico, and in the USA.

Sunday School Average Attendance

March 2015YouthInfants 7Walkers 72 - 5 Year Old 17 Elementary 57Middle & High School 54

AdultAlpha/Omega 5Christians in Action 24Crusaders 47Early Bird 8:30 am 4Faith 15Fellowship of Believers 14FOCUS 16Generations of Faith 23Good News 25Grace & Truth 78Grass Roots 16Heaven Bound 12In The Word 21Open Bible 56Psalm 34:3 5Reach 18Seekers 11Servants for Christ 25Upper Room 12Willing Workers 31

Ashland Terrace 7Miscellaneous 7Officers 2

Total 606

March Worship Attendance & Giving

Total General Fund 1st 769 $44,317.8th 693 $30,724.15th 737 $30,353.22nd 712 $23,075.29th 744 $26,404.

IndebtednessMortgage Balance, March 31 $999,908.

Monthly Payment (Apr. 1) $32,888. Principal $10,148. Interest $2,739. Add’l Principal $20,000.

To give online anytime or setup a recurring online gift, visit our website at www.tatescreek.org and click on “Giving”.

% of Dollars Given Online18%

General Fund Report2015 Budgeted Need per week $31,440.2015 Average per week $29,013.

March Total Income $154,873.March Total Expenses $116,116.Moved to Savings $5,517.Net Excess $33,240.

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 22

Funds Totals for March

Deacons’ Fund $2,158.“What If...” $49,445.Victory for Life $1,169.

What a wonderdul Easter we had this year as Easton was baptized on April 5. His favorite verse is John 3:16, as Easton stated “He gave His one and only Son to die for me.” It was encouragement from his parents and grandparents and seeing others be baptized that helped him make his own decision. Easton is very active in the Middle School group so let us continue to help him in his walk with Christ. 23

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

New MembersNeo is eleven years old and has been attending Tates Creek with his grandparents for many years. Just recently he has been more involved in Uptown and Blue Grass Christian Camp. Through these activities and the encouragement of his grandparents and Matt Lee, Neo recognized his need to follow Jesus. He was baptized on March 22!

Mark and his family just moved to Lexington last year and began attending Tates Creek in December. He is a full-time dad to his 2 year old daughter and was re-baptized on March 26. Mark stated “My daughter gave me a new perspective in my life, I realized that I needed to follow the leading of The Holy Spirit in this decision.” Titus 2:7-8 speaks to him as he strives to follow Christ. Mark is attending the Reach Sunday school class and is thankful for the encouragement they have provided.

Kala has been attending Tates Creek for two years. After attending a C.I.Y. conference and encouragement from her parents she realized her need for Jesus. Kala said “My belief in Jesus” led her to the decision to be baptized on March 22. Help us to encourage Kala in this wonderful journey.

Mark Combs

Mike MorrisBaptized April 3 bio not available

Easton Aubuchon

Kala Combs

Neo Sanderspicture not available

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Calendar ~ May 2015

1 Volunteer Dinner, 6:30 pm, MMC2 & 16 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 1023 Monthly Ministry Teams4 Elders’ Meeting, 6 pm, 200D6 Prayer Service, 8 pm, 200A7 National Day of Prayer7 Mary Circle, 10:30 am, Fh7 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm9 Willing Workers Brunch, 11:30 am, FH 10 Parent-child dedication11 BCMF, 5:45 pm, Hill N Dale CC11 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 104 11 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh12 MOPS, 9 am, FH12 Tabitha Circle, 7 pm16 Women’s Workshop, 9 am, 200D16 F.O.B. Class Social, 12 pm, FH21 BWAC, 10:30 am, FH24 The Perrys concert, 6:30 pm, WC25 Memorial Day, office closed28 BWAC Day Trip, Taft Home in Cincinnati, 9 am29 Middle School Game Night, 8 pm31 Graduate recognition Sunday31 Middle School Blitz Week begins

Weekly ActivitiesSunday Evening:Rejoicing Ringers, 4:30 pm, CREvening Worship, 6:30 pm, WCAdult Small Groups, various times and locationsMonday Evening: Orchestra rehearsal, 6:00 pm, WCTuesday Evening:Pit Crew, 3:30 pm, UptownVictory for Life, 6:00 pm, FHWednesday:Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200AWorship Team, 5:30 pm, WCOasis Meal, 5:45 pm, MMCHigh School Worship, 6:45 pm, 303Middle School Worship, 6:45 pm, 303Oasis Classes, 6:45 pm, various roomsWorship Choir, 6:45 pm, WC

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