THE BRIDGE PAGE 1 VOL. 10 NO. 2 JANUARY 11, 2017

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1 THE BRIDGE PAGE 1 VOL. 10 NO. 2 JANUARY 11, 2017 We praise God for the way He has abundantly blessed the ministry of Austin Baptist Church through leading the people of our church to serve faithfully and give generously. The apostle Paul regularly wrote in His epistles: I thank my God every time I remember you. I join with Paul in that. I am so thankful to serve as pastor to such a loving, caring, giving people. It is with great joy that I am able to report that we met our ministry budget for 2016, with December offerings through the general ministries budget being far and away the most given in a single month in our church s history. This enables us to enter this year, 2017, in a strong inancial standing yet again. To God be the glory! This coming Sunday, some of our preschool Bible Fellowship Groups will be moving to their new rooms. A part of our expansion included retro- itting the section previously occupied by 1 st through 5 th grade Bible Fellowship Groups in order to move older preschoolers across the hall. (Recall that the 1 st -5 th graders have been moved to the new east-end building.) That retro- itting has been completed, so our pre-k and Kindergarten groups will meet in their new (Continued on page 2) WHAT S INSIDE Contact Information... 2 Golden Marriage Celebration... 2 Welcome New Members [UN]Apologetic Conference : Year in Review... 5 Planned Giving Workshop... 6 Alaska Trip Info Meeting... 6 Membership From the Heart of John Parker... 7 In iltration Evangelism... 8 KIDZMUZIK... 8 Doormen Needed... 8 Music Notes from Dodie... 9 Koinonia News... 9 Call to Prayer Troy Hits Hill Toppers Potluck Faith Builders News Women s Bible Study Mom2Mom Who ll Teach the Children? VBS/Jam Camp Coming! Student Ministry Events Electrify by Matt Gillum Calendar & Reports... 16

2 PAGE 2 THE BRIDGE (Continued from page 1) STAFF Dr. Gary Dyer SENIOR PASTOR Cell garyd@aus nbap stchurch.com Dr. David Procter EXECUTIVE PASTOR Cell davidp@aus nbap stchurch.com John Parker ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MUSIC & WORSHIP Cell johnp@aus nbap stchurch.com Ma Gillum MINISTER TO STUDENTS & THEIR FAMILIES Cell ma g@aus nbap stchurch.com Cathy Smith MINISTER TO CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES Cell cathys@aus nbap stchurch.com Dodie Morris MUSIC & WORSHIP ASSOCIATE dodiem@aus nbap stchurch.com Jon Marc Burge CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP ASSOCIATE jonb@aus nbap stchurch.com rooms this Sunday. Parents will be provided with help in inding the new rooms. Other new classes are in the process of being phased in, including a room devoted to children with special needs. The inal part of the present expansion will be the opening of the new south-end building, which includes Heritage Hall, where Lamplighters BFG will meet, and the lobby and coffee area which will be the new home of the Lobbyists BFG. That building is now projected to be completed in late February or early March. When that move is made, we will have room to accommodate as many as 1,800 people for Bible study in a single hour. Of course, with the expansion and the potential it provides for growth the need for additional volunteers in our Bible teaching ministry is clear. If you have an interest in learning the possibilities for service, I would encourage you to contact Cathy Smith or David Procter to discover how you can be involved. Gary Dyer, Pastor John 3:30 ADMINISTRATION Chris na Mendoza MINISTERIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT / IT SPECIALIST chris nam@aus nbap stchurch.com Jennifer Koret FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR jenniferk@aus nbap stchurch.com Rita Jones OFFICE MANAGER ritaj@aus nbap stchurch.com Derek Tacke FACILITIES MANAGER Cell derekt@aus nbap stchurch.com Cli een Samuelson EVENTS COORDINATOR events@aus nbap stchurch.com Joe Pere DIRECTOR OF MEDIA MINISTRY joep@aus nbap stchurch.com SUPPORT STAFF Bill Dickson, FINANCE CLERK billd@aus nbap stchurch.com Elena Samper, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT elenas@aus nbap stchurch.com Ka Dobbs, CHILDREN S MINISTRY ASSOCIATE ka d@aus nbap stchurch.com

3 THE BRIDGE PAGE 3 Eleven new members joined our church in the Pastor s Membership 101 Class on January 8, Mike and Susie Mendrala join by statement; they attended Hill Country Bible Church, but were baptized as members of a community church in Virginia. Mike grew up in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and worked in the life insurance industry before retiring. Susie is from Maryland. Mike and Susie met in Washington, D.C., while Mike was in the honor guard of the U.S. Army and Susie was employed by the U.S. Navy. They met with friends in a restaurant, began dating, and were married in They moved to Austin nine years ago to be near their two sons and six grandchildren. Susie has attended Mosaic Bible Fellowship group. Their son Jeff Mendrala and his wife Tiffany and their children have been worshiping with us for the past year. Jim and Nancy Deis transfer their membership from Bannockburn Baptist Church. Jim is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For 31 years, he worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, retiring eight years ago as assistant vicepresident. For the last eight years, Jim has worked as a inancial advisor with Edward Jones. Nancy is from Columbia, Missouri, and is a graduate of Columbia College and the University of Missouri. They met at a Bible study in Kansas City. Jim and Nancy have two grown children, including a daughter who lives in Austin and a son who lives in St. Louis. They are visiting our adult Bible Fellowship groups. Robert and Lela Newsom transfer their membership from Second Baptist Church in Houston. Both of them are from Houston. Bob earned his degree in accounting from the University of Houston; he retired as an accountant for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Lela earned a degree in occupational therapy from Texas Women s University in Denton and also earned a degree in accounting from the University of Houston. She is retired from her career as an occupational therapist. They moved to Austin in They met at First Baptist Church of Houston and were married in They have two children and nine grandchildren, and also adopted a baby girl who recently graduated from college, married, and lives in South Dakota. The Newsom s attend Standing on the Promises Bible Fellowship group. Peter Amador joins by profession of faith for believer s baptism. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Anderson High School. He is a patient (Continued on page 4)

4 PAGE 4 THE BRIDGE What is Apologe cs? "The task of developing and sharing arguments for the truth and rationality of Christianity and the falsehood and irrationality of alternatives with the aim of strengthening the faith of believers and provoking non-believers to consider Christ." The term apologetics derives from the Greek word apologia. Although it is derived from the same word as the English noun apology and adjective apologetic the meaning is quite signi icantly different. In the ancient Greek world an apologia was a legal defense of oneself, similar to the speech a modern-day defense lawyer makes on behalf of their client. It did not mean a regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure (the Oxford English Dictionary de inition of apology ) but a carefully reasoned defense of one s beliefs or actions. Dr. Paul Coulter Christian Apologetics 101 is a ministry of Texas Baptists, working in conjunction with the Center for Strategic Evangelism and the Department of Apologetics with Houston Baptist University, providing Apologetic resources and events that are culturally relevant and theologically robust. They are the sponsors of the [UN] Apologetic Conference that will be held at Austin Baptist Church on February Speakers include Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg, with a debate between Mike Licona and Matt Dillahunty. ABC members may register for this conference at the student rate of $20 through February 9. Register on the conference website and pay by echeck or credit card by clicking here. After February 10, the rate will be $30. You are encouraged to register now. Check out the [Un]Apologetics Conference website for more details about the speakers and schedule. Welcome New Members (continued) (Continued from page 3) specialist with a physical therapy provider. ABC member Delores Mendez invited Peter to worship with us. Cara Louie and her daughter Zipporah Robinson join by statement of faith. They have been members of the Word of Life Church in Jackson, Mississippi. They moved here in July of Zipporah is a freshman at Vandegrift High School. Justin Woodard joins by profession of faith for believer s baptism. Justin moved here in December following his discharge from the U.S. Army; he was stationed at Fort Hood and did a tour of duty in Afghanistan. He is enrolled in the Recording Conservatory of Austin, preparing for a career in audio engineering/ music production. He lives near the church and has attended 18:29 Bible Fellowship. Angie Riojas joins by statement of faith. She grew up in Lubbock and is retired from her work as a hairdresser. Her daughter Ronny Riojas is a member of our church. Angie lives in the Anderson Mill neighborhood. David Procter

5 THE BRIDGE PAGE 5 the hearts of friends of our church) and everyone did what they could. The year 2016 saw many victories and lives touched. We were able to expand our outreach to the community with the completion of a beautiful new education building in August. The construction of Heritage Hall should be complete by the end of February. We are surrounded by a multitude of unreached people for whom Christ died. Our calling is to love them as God does, serve them, reach out to them, witness to them, and win them to faith in our Savior. We have every reason to commit to serve our Lord and His purposes in 2017 as never before. Eternal issues are at stake. Here is a summary of our stewardship in We are grateful to God for his amazing blessings on Austin Baptist Church! The generosity of our members and friends brought 2016 to a joyful conclusion. Some highlights of our inancial stewardship: Ministry Budget: $ 3,670, Actual Budget Contributions: $ 3,725, Receipts over Budget: $ 55, Building Fund Contributions: $ 684, Other Designated Contributions: $ 467, Total Contributions: $ 4,876, Year-end giving reached unprecedented levels. December contributions exceeded one million dollars for the irst time ever ($1,007,888), far surpassing our previous record month, December 2015, when we received $736,109. Ministry Budget contributions of $3,725, exceeded our 2016 requirement by $55, Our Ministry Budget for 2016 re lected an increase of $170,000 over the 2015 Ministry Budget, but actual receipts for 2016 were $426,907 above 2015 receipts. Giving to our new buildings and furnishings was extraordinary, with $684, given to Building On A Strong Foundation (BOASF), and $337, contributed to Fill the Rooms. Total giving since BOASF began stands at $4,500, Thank you for supporting God s work through our church family. It seems apparent to me that the Spirit of God moved on the hearts of our members (and on The membership of Austin Baptist Church increased from 1487 to 1560 in One-hundred seven new members were welcomed into our church, 39 by baptism and 68 by transfer of membership. Bible Fellowship attendance averaged 763 per week. Worship attendance averaged 816 (613 at 9:00 a.m. and 203 at 11:11 a.m.). David Procter

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7 THE BRIDGE PAGE 7 Sunday, January 15, :00 am All Hail the Power of Jesus Name T G Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore HIm The Majesty and Glory of Your Name The Master Hath Come M N Because of Your Love Wherever He Leads I ll Go 11:11 am This is Amazing Grace Your Great Name Revelation Song 10,000 Reasons Did you know that most often when the Bible speaks about worship it is not speaking of an event, but rather a lifestyle? There are certainly instances illustrating God s people engaged in a worship event, but when we consider Paul s words in Romans 12:1, our understanding of Biblical worship expands far beyond the boundaries of a room where a worship event takes place. present your bodies as a living sacri ice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Yet, sometimes we still allow our understanding of worship to narrow when we say we are going to worship, as if it is a destination, or a stopping place. How do we know when our understanding has progressed from thinking about worship as an event to one where worship becomes our lifestyle? Consider these four questions: 1) Is prayer part of my daily routine? Not stopping to pray over your meal, but prayer throughout your day, as you go about your business, dominating your thoughts and consciousness? I Thessalonians 5:17 says, pray without ceasing. When worship becomes our lifestyle, our prayers will have no starting and stopping points. Prayer will be our constant state of heart, mind and spirit. 2) Does my heart make melody to the Lord? Is there a song in your heart and on your tongue? I m not asking if you re a good singer, but I am talking about Ephesians 5:19, which says, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. When worship becomes our lifestyle, we can t help but make music in our heart to the Lord. 3) Is my heart continually illed with gratitude? What kind of inner monologue do you have going on in your head? Are you an internal complainer, or are you always giving thanks to God? In I Thessalonians 5:16,18 we read Rejoice always give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. When worship is our lifestyle, our hearts will constantly over low with an attitude of gratitude. When thankfulness takes hold, there will be no room in our heart for criticism or complaining. 4) What thoughts dominate my thinking? A lifestyle worshipper seeks to adhere to Paul s admonishment in Philippians 4:8. whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. When worship becomes a lifestyle, we will constantly seek renewal of our mind to refocus on the things of God. O Lord, may worship become my lifestyle as I go about my day. Fill my heart with prayer and gratitude, my mouth with a song to You and my mind with godly thoughts. Amen. Blessings, John Parker

8 PAGE 8 THE BRIDGE Aus n Bap st Church needs a regular or alterna ng doorman for Wednesday a ernoons, beginning February 1, If you are not able to commit for an extended me but are willing to help, please let us know so that your name can be placed on our subs tute roster. Helping as a doorman is a most helpful ministry for the church as you are some mes the first person a guest meets when they visit Aus n Bap st Church for the first me. For informa on, contact Charlie Meeks at charliemeeks@sbcglobal.net

9 THE BRIDGE PAGE 9 I ve started a crazy project: One of our ABC members, who shall remain nameless, invited me to do a 30 day planking challenge. I participated in this program a couple of years ago, so I know (even as old as I am) that it can be done. However, this year she added a wallsitting component. Essentially, the participant starts with 20 seconds of each activity, gradually increasing a few seconds each day. At the end of 30 days, I should be planking and wall-sitting for ive minutes daily! The irst day, I only had to do ten seconds of wallsitting, although it was the longest ten seconds of my life. Today I dreaded the increase to 20 seconds, but I found that I could do it! If I start to focus on how hard it will be to do these exercises at the end of the month for ive whole minutes, I will get discouraged and give up. However, all I need to do is the requirement for each day. Step by step. This morning I am trying to apply that lesson to several large projects as we dream and plan for different facets of the ministries here at ABC. If I look at the whole year, it s scary; but if I focus on today, this week, this month each step becomes much clearer and easier. I know that you have things you dream about doing. Perhaps you have some new goals for your personal devotional time; maybe your family is planning a special trip together; maybe you want to overcome your shyness and go next door and welcome the new neighbors. Try thinking in little steps. Incidentally, if one of your dreams is to sing in a choir or play in an orchestra I can help you with that! But put God s kingdom irst. Do what he wants you to do. Then all those things will also be given to you. So don t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34 NIRV

10 PAGE 10 THE BRIDGE TROY MARTIN WITH DAVID PROCTER On Saturday, January 7, ABC charter member Troy Mar n celebrated his 90th birthday with a party at Buckner Villas. A huge crowd turned out and we had a great me congratula ng Troy on his special day! David Procter

11 THE BRIDGE PAGE 11 Bible study has been a key part of Austin Baptist Church from the very beginning. Bob Edd Shotwell and Milton Hixson worked together in August of 2007 to enlist teachers and launch the various Bible study groups for all ages. Two adult groups were begun immediately: Lamplighters taught by Lewis Timberlake and Koinonia taught by John Halton. Both were couples classes, and the need for a women s class became apparent. Mary Louise McDonald was teaching the children s class, but she was enlisted to begin an adult class for women, which was launched in December of In February of 2008, it was decided that the classes should have of icial names, and Mary Louise s class became Faith Builders. Over these nine years, Mary Louise has had an incredible ministry with scores of women through the ministry of Faith Builders. Mary Louise has a unique commitment to prayer, encouragement, the ministry of the Word, hospitality, and personal, compassionate ministry to her members and guests. Like many others, I have received handwritten notes from Mary Louise with words of love and support and scripture that always seemed to arrive at just the right time. To know Mary Louise is to know the spirit of Jesus. Even when faced with serious challenges to her health, she always placed the needs of others above her own. Mary Louise has shared the need to step down as the teacher of Faith Builders Bible Fellowship Group. She will continue to attend the class and help in any way she can. We are blessed to welcome the teacher God has provided to carry on the good work of Faith Builders: Gwyndolyn Ensley, a member of the class and a called, gifted teacher and leader in her own right. Gwyndolyn has recently completed the requirements for a degree in biblical counseling (she will receive her degree in May). She has a heart for the Lord, for missions, for ministering to human need, and she loves the class and has taught in Faith Builders on many occasions. She will begin teaching the class as the new teacher on Sunday, January 22. Thank you, Mary Louise, for your friendship and example of devoted service to our Lord over a lifetime. We know you will continue to pray, call, write, and visit as the Spirit leads you. We thank God for all that you have done and will continue to do in Jesus mighty name at Austin Baptist Church. David Procter

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13 THE BRIDGE PAGE 13 Six beautiful new preschool rooms are now complete and ready for an enlarged ministry to preschoolers and their families. Along with the rooms and furnishings, we need men and women, members of our church, committed to loving and teaching boys and girls the Word of God. It is one of our greatest opportunities, and represents an investment in eternity. It is essential that Austin Baptist Church provide devoted children s leaders, equipped to teach the Bible in ways that are compelling and appropriate to each age. Are you someone that God is calling to teach the Bible to preschoolers? Are you willing to learn? We can help. Contact Cathy Smith, our wonderful Minister to Children and Their Families. She and her Associate Kati Dobbs are an incredible team, and we are growing. We need your help today! David Procter

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15 THE BRIDGE PAGE 15 Shooting off ireworks is a passion for my family. On the Fourth of July and New Year s Eve, we always have a blast (pun intended) going down to my parents ield and launching mortar shells and fountains and Saturn Missiles, and on and on. As fun as it is, it can also be a bit dangerous. For instance, this past New Year s Eve, we had the bright idea to try and tie together six fuses of mortar ireworks to get a great show. We had three successful launches, one fuse failed to light, and the other two well, they were off-timed, were knocked over, and exploded on the ground in chaos. It was a surprising night for sure (and thankfully no one got hurt!). One of the reasons we love shooting ireworks is the thrill of getting to do it for ourselves. We could sit inside and watch professionals create smooth, streamlined displays, but we would never have ownership of the thundering boom and sparkle of lights in the night sky. Being outside, the program makes shooting the ireworks more authentic. Our faith can often work the same way if we re not careful. We live in the most programmed, streamlined culture that s ever existed. We have specialized in every aspect of life, even in church, to create as perfect of a structure as possible. While that creates comfort and sometimes a good viewing experience, unless a person interacts themselves in faith through worship and love of the people God loves, our experience of faith is just as an observer, not a participant. This week at Axis, we re going to look into Isaiah 58 as God calls out the people of Israel from focusing too much on the program and not enough on their personal call to faith. I m going to encourage the students to spend as much time out of church focusing on their relationship with Christ as they spend in church worshiping Him. The call is for the people of God not to go through the motions but rather to be the Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (vs 12) We can t be content to let someone live out faith for us; it is our personal responsibility in the Lord to stand up and activate ourselves to work toward the Kingdom of God. So where do you stand today? Is your experience of faith an observation or participation? No one else can do it for you. At ABC, we equip people to live out a wide range of ministries, ranging from working at and inviting people to the UnApologetic Conference in February, to serving as a greeter to those who might be entering the church for the irst time, to serving on the mission ield in Calgary, to serving as a leader of a Bible Fellowship Group. The opportunities are there! But beyond that, the call is for us to take seriously our personal growth in Christ by prayer and Scripture. Our faith must be lived out personally and corporately! May 2017 be a year in which we grow immensely in our ability to equip one another to live out our faith! By Christ s Love, Matt

16 PAGE 16 THE BRIDGE NEXT WEEK AT ABC Sunday, January 15 9:00 am Traditional Worship, Worship Center 10:10 am Bible Fellowship Groups 11:10 am ABC Trustees Meeting, Rm :11 am Contemporary Worship, Worship Center 12:15 pm Missions Committee Meeting, Rm :00 pm Finance Committee Meeting, Rm. 206 Wednesday, January 18 5:00 pm Fellowship Dinner, Great Hall 6:00 pm Bible Study for Adults, Great Hall Young Adult Discipleship, Rm. 243-A 6:30 pm Student Ministry Axis, Student Suite 7:15 pm Information Meeting on Alaska Trip, Chapel Thursday, January 19 11:30 am Lunch & Learn Planned Giving Workshop, Chapel ON THE HORIZON January 23 Deacons Meeting Lamplighters Social Committee Meeting 24 Children s Ministry VBS Leadership Meeting 25 ABC Business Meeting 26 Women s Bible Study Begins ABC/FCA Dodgeball Tournament February Student Ministry s Disciple Now Weekend 12 Golden Wedding Celebration 16 Hill Toppers Pot Luck Event [un]apologetic Conference LOST AND FOUND If you have lost your Bible, a jacket, eyeglasses or any other item, please check the LOST AND FOUND table set up in Great Hall. We will hold these items for two weeks. Items not picked up will be given to Salvation Army or Goodwill. SUNDAY AWANA 2 pm MONDAY Tiny Tots & Tunes 9:30 am Class, Rm 134. TUESDAY Tiny Tots & Tunes 9:30 am Class, Rm :30 am Class, Rm 134 Music Rehearsal 7:00 pm, 11:11 Band WEDNESDAY Tiny Tots & Tunes 10:00 am Class, Rm 134 RECURRING EVENTS DEACONS ON CALL Week of January 16, 2017 Dick Naylor Rodney Tew FELLOWSHIP MENU KIDZMUZIK 6:00 pm, Children s area Music Rehearsals 6:00 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:45 pm Orchestra Rehearsal THURSDAY Mom2Mom 9:45 am Rm 248 Starts Jan 19 Women s Bible Study 9:45 am Rm 243 A & B Starts Jan 26 American Heritage Girls/ Trail Life Jan 19, Feb 2 & 16 6:00 pm, Rm 137 Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Meatloaf OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S FAITHFULNESS Annual 2017 General Fund Budget $3,500, Average Weekly Requirement... $ 67, Year-to-Date Requirement... $134, Account YTD Budget YTD Variance YTD Actual v. Budget General Fund $47, $80, $134, ($53,742.84) Designated $1, $1, Bldg./Strong $10, $11, Fill the Rooms $90.00 $ Total Giving $58, $93, Building on a Strong Foundation Total-to-Date $4,500, Our Attendance Sunday, January 8, :00 Service :11 Service Bible Fellowship Groups Amistad Lottie Moon International Mission Offering ABC Goal $42, To-Date: $45, AUSTIN BAPTIST CHURCH 7016 RIBELIN RANCH DRIVE AUSTIN, TX