Caller. Calvary. From Your Pastor. Christmas Day Worship 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary No Sunday School or Evening Activites

Transcription

1 Calvary Caller DECEMBER 2016 A publication of Calvary Baptist Church, Tupelo, Mississippi From Your Pastor WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS DECEMBER 5-12 Christmas is a marvelous time of year. There is just something about the feeling you get at Christmas. There are traditions that we keep, gifts to buy for special people, menus to plan, parties to attend, and work to get done before the holidays disrupt the schedule. There are also all of the emotions to deal with as we think about Christmases throughout the years, and the cherished memories. Along with this, there may be the possibility that Christmas doesn t stir up those feelings in you. There may be angst or even anger at the past Christmases which have not met your expectations. There may be no menus to plan or gifts to buy, because of various factors in your life. You might even be wishing you could just fast forward to January 2nd and be done with it all. An interesting thought is that neither of these two circumstances should Continued on page 2... Christmas Day Worship 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary No Sunday School or Evening Activites 1

2 From Your Pastor Continued... November 27 Brokenness, Fracture, Sin December 4 Deliverance December 11 A Longing for What Will Come December 18 Darkness Will Be Broken December 25 Hope is Here SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES SUNDAYS AT 6:00 P.M. SANCTUARY be our primary considerations at Christmas. All of these things exist secondary to the real reason for Christmas: Jesus. Life s troubles are real, but can be secondary when we consider what has been given by God. We can have an expectation of hope, and a realization of joy in the reality that Jesus has rescued us from a helpless state of sin. His birth and the miracles that surround it, concerning a holy and righteous God, are cause for wonder. I invite you to consider the most marvelous thing about Christmas: A Savior Born to Us: Christ the Lord. December is a busy month for everyone, so make it a point now to plan how you will be involved in fellowship with your church family. There are services each week meant to exalt the Lord and praise Him for the sending of His son. There are also fellowships and other events. Don t miss these opportunities! I look forward to seeing you there. Most of all, this month I pray that there is joy in your heart as a result of the peace that comes through Christ. God Bless, Pastor Chris Associate Pastor As we get to the end of 2016 and begin a new year, I m excited about where God is leading Calvary and HIS church! I pray that we are all ready and willing to follow HIM where He takes us. Looking ahead, I ll be posting mission opportunities for We will resume our Compelled by Love ministry in March, as well as other local ministries. There are also national trips coming up that will put us in partnership with some wonderful mission organizations that are doing amazing work. Be on the lookout for that! Do you want to serve here at Calvary? Many opportunities are available for you. Whether it s participating in our GREETER ministry, being a teacher or helper in one of our church ministries, these opportunities are all designed to be your NEXT STEP in growing into the IMAGE of CHRIST. More D-Groups (Discipleship) will be offered soon. Grow DEEP in your walk. NOVEMBER 27 - MEDITATION DECEMBER 4 - PRAYER DECEMBER 18 - FASTING Be involved and grow deep in your relationship with Christ and let s see what He will do! Jim 2

3 Minister of Music Gloria in excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the highest! Can you believe it s really time to celebrate the Christmas season already? It seems like we were just ringing in the New Year. The beautiful thing about the story of Christmas is that as believers, we actually celebrate it all year long...oh I know we break out the Christmas carols and sing them after Thanksgiving and all through December. But all year long, in prayer, in song, in our daily words and actions, and in the preached Word of God, we get to tell and retell an amazing story of redemption that only the heavenly Father Himself could have fashioned. For without the Son of God being born in human flesh and taking on the servant form of Emmanuel, God with us, there would have been no path to Calvary. There would have been no cruel crucifixion where He became sin and took my place to pay my debt and reconcile me to God. Without His birth, there wouldn t be an empty tomb, no falling tongues of fire at Pentecost, no ascension to His rightful place at the right hand of the Father, and no hope and blessed assurance for us that He is coming a second time to take us to be with Him in His presence for all of eternity. Without that beautiful, humble entrance into this fallen world, one so devoid of any pomp and circumstance that it defies our human logic without that we wouldn t be celebrating anything at all this Christmas. We would be on a road to death and destruction. In fact, there wouldn t be any Christmas. You see, this, my friend, is what Christmas is really all about. Do have a wonderful time with family and friends, but never, no never, forget what Christmas really means. "What Christmas Really Means" We re invited to the sacred manger where Glory sleeps upon the hay, To bow in wonder at the mystery of all that is fulfilled that day. Oh, hallelujah! Where there was darkness, no heaven s light has intervened. A Child is born and we watch breathless to see what Christmas really means. We re invited to relive the journey from Bethlehem to Calvary. The Lamb will lead us to the hillside where every willing soul is freed. Oh, hallelujah! He dies to save us and we fall silent at the scene. Oh, pierce our hearts to feel the sorrow. This is what Christmas really means. We re invited to the tomb, now empty for dawn has come and hope is here. The curse is swallowed up in victory, and there is nothing left to fear. Oh, hallelujah! Jesus has risen. Come sing the song of the redeemed As we proclaim to men and angels, behold what Christmas really means. Oh, hallelujah! We ll shout forever. Love s final chapter is complete. And He will reign and we will worship. Oh, hallelujah to the King. Words by David Moffitt and Sue C. Smith To help celebrate the story of redemption, we re calling the evening of Sunday, December 11th A Night of Christmas Worship. I hope you will plan to attend this special worship time with your friends and family as all the choirs and groups of Calvary s Music Ministry will be leading this service: Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra, Senior Adult Choir, Student Ensemble, 1st-6th Grade Choir, and the Sanctuary Bells. What a glorious night of celebration of the Savior we ll have together! Merry Christmas!!! Doug Gloria in excelsis Deo! A Night of Christmas Worship Led by the Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra Senior Adult Choir Student Ensemble and the Preschool & Children s Choirs Sunday, December 11 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Followed by Churchwide Soup Supper In Family Ministry Center Please bring cornbread and/or your favorite dessert! 3

4 Student Ministry One of my favorite songs is It is Well, written by Horatio G. Spafford after a series of devastating events in his life. He had lost everything in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 because of his investment in real estate along Lake Michigan s shoreline. A son had died just before the investment disaster, and four daughters were killed when a ship sailing to England was sunk after being struck by another vessel (only his wife survived). It is said that, as Spafford approached the location where his daughters had died, he penned the words to this famous song. And what a testimony of his faith in God, even in the midst of great disaster! My favorite verse includes these lyrics: My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul! As we approach the day set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let s not remember Him as a baby in a manger, doting over how cute He is or how stylish his swaddling clothes are. Instead, let s worship Him as the King, so highly exalted and worthy of praise. Let s remember the purpose of his birth, which we know was to serve as the perfect substitution for us in payment for our sin! In His death on the cross, he effectively rendered sin and death powerless over those who confess Him as Lord, believing that God raised Him from the dead and trusting Him for salvation, being cleansed by His blood. And let s allow this worship of the King of Kings to move us to live a life devoted to honoring Him and bringing Him glory! Todd Children s Ministry This is my favorite time of year! I love the Christmas lights, getting together with friends and family, delicious food, and most of all celebrating our Savior's birth. Christ's birth was an amazing event that transformed lives forever! I pray this season we all remember the perfect Son of God that came to us so that we would have forgiveness of our sins and so that we could share in His holiness. I often ask myself how God was able to send His only Son for someone such as myself. It brings me to my knees in thankfulness. Oh, how I pray that we always remember the perfect Child that was sent to die for our sins. Thank you, Heavenly Father! Seeking His Will, Candice Reed 4 M4 Camp for grades 1-6 July 7-9 Contact Candice by January 6 to sign up! Nov. 27, Dec. 11 & 18 10:30 in C107 Ages 4, 5, and 1st grade

5 Announcements and Opportunities WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Kevin, Lesley & Dawson Tackitt 1213 Maxwell Street Tupelo, MS (also pictured is their daughter, Diana Tackitt) Walker & Lexie Wildmon 251 North Ridge Drive Saltillo, MS Josh & Stephanie Campbell 4727 Ridgemoor Drive Belden, MS (also pictured is their son, Reese Campbell) Bob & Sue Martz 668 County Road 261 Tupelo, MS David & Liz Dawson 1508 Audubon Drive Tupelo, MS (also pictured is their grandson, Dawson Tackitt) Trenton & Jessica Cooke Anthony & Gabriel 1210 Zentwood Road Tupelo, MS Watch our services on your computer! If you are unable to attend, visit calvarytupelo.com. Catch up on sermon audios, too! Television Broadcast Schedule on WEPH: 5:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. Comcast Channel 4 Dish Channel 49 Cable One Channel 11 MaxxSouth Channel 20 Over the air Channel 49 5

6 Announcements and Opportunities Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday: 8:45 am...orchestra Rehearsal 9:15 am...sunday School 10:30 am...worship Service 10:30 am...children's Church (except 1st Sunday of the month) 6:00 pm...rock Bible Study 6:00 pm...children's Activity 6:00 pm...evening Worship Monday: 5:15 pm...handbells Wednesday: 5:00 pm...bible Drill 6:00 pm...children s Choirs 6:00 pm...student ROCK 6:00 pm...prayer Meeting 6:00 pm...orchestra Rehearsal 7:00 pm...sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Thursday: 6:45 am...student Prayer Breakfast 9:00 4:00...Mother s Day Out Sewing Ministries Morning Sewing Group Dec. 7 at 9:00 a.m. Covered in Love Prayer Quilting Group Monday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m. Contact the office if you can volunteer at the Christmas Parade! Cookies may be dropped off in the office all day. WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS Women on Mission General Meeting Monday, December 5 11:00 a.m. in the Activity Room Meeting followed by a light lunch. Join us as we pray for our missionaries who need our prayers and support more than ever. BUDGET GIVING as of November 15, Budget Goal...$ 2,017, Received to Date...1,558, Spent to Date...1,588, MISSIONS GIVING Total Missions Giving to Date...$ 309, TOTAL OUTSTANDING DEBT Spain Property Purchase...$ 135, Congratulations to Luke & April Campbell on the arrival of their baby girl, Lane Elizabeth Campbell, born Monday, November 14. Lane is welcomed by her brothers, Conley & Noah. Judd Wilson will be presenting our program. Program at 10 a.m. followed by lunch. Be sure to join us if you are 55 and up! Sunday School Average Attendance for November General Officers...9 Adults Youth...51 Children...34 Preschool...45 Jail...29 Fire Station...5 Total

7 Weekly Servants Nursery December 4 Babies Preschool 1 Preschool 2 Preschool 3 December 11 Babies Preschool 1 Preschool 2 Preschool 3 December 18 Babies Preschool 1 Preschool 2 Preschool 3 December 25 Babies/Ones Preschool 2/3 Cindy Pike Margaret Ann Kennedy Gail Chisholm Jennifer Locke Jim Locke Corey Summerford Vickie Cochran Camille Dallas April Baker Goldie Wesson Sherry Magee Gail Chisholm April Baker Janya Rogers Ashley Benjamin John Benjamin Loren Duke Justin Duke Sarah Gray Carolyn Gray Gail Chisholm Ashley Gray Nyanza Steward Kate Gray Stacy Tollison Brittany Irwin Kevin Irwin Ashley Gray Sarah Gray Gail Chisholm Kate Gray Barbara Davis Caroline Gray Media Team December 4 Jeff Rogers Andrew Hayes Mary Preston Evers Tracey Morton Kerri Wampler Bob Chisholm Odis Henry - Projection December 11 Mary Preston Evers Jack Newell Josh Cochran Clay Stewart Bob Chisholm Tracey Morton Ellen White - Projection December 18 Clay Stewart Jeff Rogers Andrew Hayes Jack Newell Tracey Morton Bob Chisholm Odis Henry - Projection December 25 Kerri Wampler Andrew Hayes Josh Cochran Jeff Rogers Bob Chisholm Clay Stewart Jack Newell - Projection Holiday Closings and Cancellations Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Dec No pm activities Fri., Dec. 23 and Mon., Dec Offices closed Sunday, Dec Morning Worship only - no Sunday School or pm activities Sunday, Jan. 1 - Regular morning schedule, no pm activities Monday, Jan. 2 - Offices Closed Offertory Prayer Dec. 4 William Armistead Dec. 11 John Curlee Dec. 18 Jim Davis Dec. 25 Rob Edwards Offering Committee Dec. 4 Thomas Walker & John Curlee Dec. 11 Ricky Davis & Matt Wesson Dec. 18 Josh Hurt & Greg Miley Dec. 25 Fred Pitts & Lee Johnson Transportation Committee Dec. 4 Larry Witcher Dec. 11 Tommy McElroy Dec. 18 Phil Jones Dec. 25 Matt Wesson Hospital Visitation Dec. 4 Ken Krason/Larry Witcher Dec. 11 Greg Miley/Michael Williams Dec. 18 Robert Magers/John Nail Dec. 25 Will Newcomer/Thomas Walker War Room Dec. 4 Ed Mitchell & Jerry Napier Jack & Charlotte Busby Dec. 11 Christian Reed & Lee Johnson Ruth Johnson Dec. 18 Van Stone & Judd Wilson Robert Magers Dec. 25 Bob Chishom & Al Pleasants Beverly Pleasants Jail Ministry Adult Men Dec. 4 Bill Taylor/LB Davis/Bill Kline Dec. 11 LB Davis/Bill Kline/Gregg Kennedy Dec. 18 B. Kline/G. Kennedy/M. Williams Dec. 25 G. Kennedy/M. Williams/B. Morehead Juvenile Boys Dec. 1 Jimmy Bowers/Bob Chisholm Dec. 8 Bob Chisholm/Robert Gulley Dec. 15 Robert Gulley/Al Pleasants Dec. 22 Al Pleasants/Chris Weaver Dec. 29 Chris Weaver/Gregg Kennedy Adult Women Dec. 4 Diane Wiese/Missy Lunceford Dec. 11 Debbie Milton Dec. 18 Nellie Epps/Rosemary Marecle Dec. 25 Christmas Day Juvenile Girls Dec. 1 Melanie Moore Dec. 8 Beverly Pleasants Dec. 15 Chris Maynard Dec. 22 Christmas Week Dec. 29 Cindy Pike 7

8 Calvary Baptist Church P.O. Box 1008 Tupelo, MS Church Staff Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Minister of Music Minister to Students Director of Children s Ministries Business Administrator Pastor s Secretary Education Secretary Secretary/Receptionist Financial Secretary Operations Coordinator Mother s Day Out/Nursery Coordinator Weekday Education Director Media Director Music/Media Assistant Pianist Organist Chris DeGeorge Jim Yates Doug Spires Todd Summerford Candice Reed Michael Lunceford Mickie Gatlin Debbie Brouillette (615) Yvonne Merritt Samantha Barron Mike Williams Gail Chisholm Kevin Ann Weatherly Tracey Morton Ellen White Lisa Tally Lynn McGrath cdegeorge@calvarytupelo.com jyates@calvarytupelo.com dspires@calvarytupelo.com tsummerford@calvarytupelo.com creed@calvarytupelo.com mlunceford@calvarytupelo.com mgatlin@calvarytupelo.com dbrouillette@calvarytupelo.com ymerritt@calvarytupelo.com sbarron@calvarytupelo.com mwilliams@calvarytupelo.com gchisholm@calvarytupelo.com kaweatherly@calvarytupelo.com tmorton@calvarytupelo.com ewhite@calvarytupelo.com sixofus89@hotmail.com lynn_weeks@hotmail.com Contact Us info@calvarytupelo.com (662) Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1008 Tupelo, MS Physical Address: 501 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38804