Challenger FBC. The. CHRISTMAS at the Durand December 7th 6:00 p.m. JESUS, the True Gift of Christmas! FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON

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1 The Challenger JESUS, the True Gift of Christmas! FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON DECEMBER, 2014 CHRISTMAS at the Durand December 7th Catered Dinner Special Guest...Lyle Witcher sharing Truth in humor, storytelling, and true authenticity of who he is. Lyle has a contagious love for Christ and enjoys sharing that love (and Truth) to others. Lyle is a first generation pastor, ministry leader, and missionary. He lives in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, with his wife Angela of 20 years. He has two precious children, Abigail and Aaron. Don t miss this wonderful night and this very special Christmas Fellowship! FBC VOL. 59 NO. 12 FBC Harrison and FBC Branson Choirs have been invited to perform with the Award winning Christian vocalist Sandi Patty for her Christmas tour stop in Branson. This is a wonderful opportunity for us. You must join us this December 4th, 5th, or 6th at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson for this one time event. Tickets are discounted to $30 for FBCH Please call the theatre for reservations. This is a Broadway type production and will be a GREAT start to your Christmas Season. Come support your wonderful FBCH Choir! Tickets available through Sunday, November 30th $10 per person for Adults and Youth. Child care provided for Children ages Birth 6th grade Must make Reservations by November 30th.

2 THE.ROB.BLOG I am reposting an article composed a couple of years ago by a writer I greatly admire. (A smileyface emoticon would be appropriate here) Hope this will jumpstart your Christmas. Here is THE #1 RULE at the Davis house concerning Christmas decorations: NONE til after we finish Thanksgiving dinner. The #2 rule is NONE that I have to help with while the HOGS or BAMA play football that weekend. Of course, if either of those games is going horribly wrong I might decide I need the distraction. (I am nothing if not flexible.) I ve noticed the the season is coming more quickly every year. I was in a Wal-Mart in Rogers as the employees were putting out Christmas decorations and trees 3 WEEKS BEFORE HALLOWEEN!!! The good news: soon we won t have to be embarrassed about leaving our Christmas lights attached to our house year round. ( We is used descriptively not personally. Jonesy would never allow that.) Yep, pretty soon the Christmas spirit will be with us year round the Christmas shopping spirit, that is. Basically, it is making the grandest time of year nothing special. The longer it is there the less exciting it becomes. Methinks there is a subversive plot going on here but more on my conspiracy theory another time. So, how do we continue to make it special??? I think I can help with that. Don t worry I ve been deputized by the Keep Christmas Special organization (Amy Breedlove Davis, President) to do just that. Here are my humble and amazingly profound suggestions: 1. Let the thinking continue the thanking. Keep the forgotten holiday going. (Thanksgiving for those who forgot.) Daily re-live the purpose. Mary pondered all these things in her heart. I suggest you do likewise. Remember that the alternative is bitterness what you HAVE to buy, what you HAVE to do, etc. 2. Choose the best. Three things: Chores, Church, & Children. Don t think you have to do everything. Choose the best activities at work. Church events are important without question. However, it has been said that in a Baptist church you can meet yourself coming back. Choose worship first and then fill in with the rest of the best. Oh, and parents monitor your children s calendar. You can actually be robbing them while trying to give them everything. 3. Say no to the rest. Manage your margin. Have a little down time.. That alone will really help you remember the Reason for the Season. I like to say hectic promotes heresy. Christmas becomes something God never intended when we become SO busy. 4. Return the gift. No, I don t mean as in shopping but as in serving. Make it personal. If no one else chooses to live this way YOU will. Make is intentional. Determine your purpose this season and do it as unto Him. Make it meaningful. There are people out there with special or particular needs. Think: target practice. Aim for it and hit the target. You can t do everything but you can do something. Wow! I may be on to something here! If each of us adopts this policy then, who knows???? We may just have the REAL Christmas spirit all year. But, take the lights down. Seriously. Your dreaming of a right Christmas pastor Rob As a gift to our Community, we are showing the movie It s a Wonderful Life at the Lyric Theatre on Sunday evening, December 21st, at Invite your friends, family and neighbors to join you in watching one of the best loved classic Christmas movies ever! Tickets are only $1 a person... so join us and have a wonderful evening! Out of the Silence Out of the Darkness Out of Uncertainty MUSIC LIGHT PROMISE Hope was born that Night! May you have a blessed Christmas! Proposed 2015 Budget Discussion Sunday evening, December 14th Vote on 2015 Budget Sunday morning, December 21st

3 What s happening in FBCH Student Ministry? In November we have been studying on Wednesday nights about a series called Life on Mission. This study has challenged us to define the Gospel and then be challenged to go practice living on mission for the Gospel. Our Fall Retreat this year was great for our students. The group that went had a great time learning about The Harvest and then being challenged to go be workers in the harvest. During the weekend we experienced some great music, preaching, teaching, team building, and most important SALVATIONS for some of our students. Keep praying for these decisions as they continue to grow in their relationship to Christ. FBCH Students at Fall Retreat December plans for student ministry are as follows: December 10 th Special Christmas Party, December 17 th Christmas Caroling, December 24 th and 31 st NO ACTIVITIES. Enjoy time with your family and friends over this great holiday celebration season! Fresh Start University I am so excited about our 2015 Spring Discipleship Schedule Fresh Start University! I can t think of a better way to began a new year than deepening your relationship with your Heavenly Father. When people have been asked about their New Year s Resolutions, the two most popular have been, 1) lose weight, and 2) get out of financial debt. So, in order to help in both of those areas we will be providing classes so that members of our church family can achieve both of those goals as well as grow in the Lord. Also, we will be providing classes for couples to strengthen their marriage and be better parents. And finally, we will have some wonderful Bible classes for our Adults and Youth. All classes will start on January 11 and will be held on our church campus. Start looking for sign up sheets in the Atrium. LANCE TOUCH THE WORLD SUNDAY On Sunday, December 7th, we are inviting you to come forward and place your Offering on the altar. This will be a time of deepening your devotion and consecration to the Lord and to His Kingdom s work around the world. Even if you can t give financially (or will be giving at a later time) you will be able to present a commitment to pray for our missions efforts in EVERYBODY gets to participate! Begin praying now about what God would have you give to this offering. Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. When you give, you become part of one sacred effort - God s magnificent story of redemption for mankind and for all to know Him. You are sending and supporting your missionaries, advancing the Gospel to the nations and finding a place in God s story! Let s help make a difference in this world together in one sacred effort! Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions THANK YOU Your faithful giving has changed lives and given hope to the lost across the globe In 1 Year missionaries shared His Redemptive Story with 1.7 million people 100% supports the work of Missionaries In 1 Year missionaries trained 23,000 nationals to start new churches and helped start 6,200 churches

4 FBC Harrison FBCH Students First Baptist Church P.O. Box 996 Harrison, AR Return Service Requested HARRISON, AR PERMIT NO. 73 NON-PROFIT ORG. Our Purpose: First Baptist Church exists to help people develop loving relationships with God and with others. Our Staff: Rob E. Davis Jr. Senior Pastor Dave Hart Assoc. Pastor Music/Sr. Adults Lance Read Interim Assoc. Pastor Adult Education/Media Ryan Puls Assoc. Pastor Youth/Recreation Susan Anderson Financial Secretary Betty Johnson Receptionist/Secretary Ron Pittman Facility Supervisor Our Parent s Night Out this Christmas will be on Saturday, December 13, from 5:30 8:30 p.m. This will be our only time that childcare will be provided for Sunday School class parties, Christmas shopping, etc. The deadline for childcare reservations will be Sunday, December 7. There will be a sign up sheet on the Welcome table. There will be no more additions after that day as we will need plenty of time to provide adequate childcare for Parent s Night Out. All end of the year contributions must be turned in to the Church Office or postmarked by Wednesday, December 31st, to be counted on your 2014 contribution record. Thank You for your faithful giving to the FBCH Ministries. ROC Ministry VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Friday: 6:30-8:30 am Or let us know if you are willing and able to be on the sub list UPWARD BASKETBALL Please be planning ahead to volunteer when the season starts up on Saturday, January 24 th. We will need volunteers for concession stand, clock, and refereeing. SENIOR ADULT LUNCHEON Tuesday, December 16th 11:30 a.m. > Lunch will be provided < Senior Adults from Mountain Home, AR will be our special guests Join us December 16 at 1:00 p.m. for a time of singing your favorite Christmas songs and a musical performance by Annette Bailey (Annette is the wife of Pastor Sam Bailey of Tri Lakes Baptist Church in Mountain Home, AR) Reception to follow concert...dino S CAKES Sponsored by North Arkansas Baptist Association Senior Adult Department Love Offering will be taken

5 MEMORIALS Merle Milligan July 7, 1924 October 25, 2014 United with our Church: June 8,1947 Dean Wilburn June 4, 1937 November 21, 2014 United with our Church: November 20, 1966 I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. John 11:25 With Sympathy Extended to the Family of Merle Milligan on his passing. Extended to the Family of Dean Wilburn on his passing. Extended to Martha Rose and Family on the passing of her mother, Mary Elizabeth Lamb, of Harrison, Arkansas. Extended to James Morris and Family on the passing of his nephew and to Shannon Still and Family on the passing of her cousin, Tom Morris, of Delight, Arkansas. Extended to Dorothy Cox and Family on the passing of her brother-in-law, Eugene Curtis, of Harrison, Arkansas. Extended to Stan Bolding and Family on the passing of his Father, Wilburn Bolding, of Harrison, Arkansas. Extended to Patsy Finley and Family on the passing of her brother-in-law, Bill Meyer, of Templeton, Texas. EXTENDED SESSION WORKERS SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 a.m. December 7th Babies: Donna Sherman, Amanda Canady 1 Year Olds: Lisa & Isabella Huff 2 Year Olds: Jonathan & Reynet Engholm 3 & 4 Year Olds: Russell & Heather Rorie December 14th Babies: Freda Keller, Laura Waters 1 Year Olds: Jennifair & Olivia Ditmanson 2 Year Olds: Barbara & Stephanie Mason 3 & 4 Year Olds: Steve & Dixie Shrum December 21st Babies: Emily Crow, Jan Revard 1 Year Olds: Betty Johnson, Joyce Pittman 2 Year Olds: Steve & Renee Cates 3 & 4 Year Olds: Brandon & Laura Horn December 28th... Babies: Heather Richardson, Annie Shinkle 1 Year Olds: Ryan & Laurie Oswalt 2 Year Olds: Trey & Amy Bell 3 & 4 Year Olds: Kelly & Coulter McCuistion Children s Church Schedule for December 7th.. First Family Worship 14th.. Christmas Musical 21st.. Tom & Beverly Stokes 28th.. Marcus & Angela Jones YOU ARE INVITED A sweet baby boy is on the way! Join us to bless Haley Hudson Saturday, December 6th 1 3 p.m. at the home of Amy Hudson.1001 Ridgeview Hostesses: Paige Estes, Katie Holt, Amy Hudson, Lisa Hudson, Betty Johnson, Chris Reading, Karen Shrum, Becca VonderMehden Registries at Target and Wal-Mart BIRTHS Congratulations to: Travis & Denise West on the birth of their triplet grandchildren... Isaac West Seth West Anna West 2 lbs. 3 lbs. 10 ozs. 2 lbs. 10 ozs. Born: November 13 Children in Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime Calling Christians to answer the CALL to help foster children. James 1:27 If your small group or Sunday School Class is looking for a ministry to help during the Christmas season, the CALL needs underwear, socks, car seats, tear-free shampoo, gallon zip lock bags, holiday meals for foster families, or approved childcare for foster parents while they Christmas shop (if you are approved to work with children at church, you are approved). Contact Mark or Renetta Mistler at (Parents: Erik and Lara West) Houston, Texas Sunday School 8:50 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Come Worship with Us! I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of those who helped with PUMPKIN PATCH this year! Whether you brought a bag of candy or made 200 bags of your specialty candy. Whether you donated 1 soda or 80. Whether you worked a booth for 1 hour or got stuck doing both shifts. Whether you brought me a prop for the hayride or were right beside me as I attempted to secure hayride scenes down in the blistering cold wind, rest assured that no effort went unnoticed by me! Your efforts won t go unrewarded and if this ministry only touched the life of one person, it was still worth all the hard work and effort. That s why I made John 4:35 my theme verse for this year s Pumpkin Patch:...open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Kate Hughes THANK YOU!!... FOR GIVING TO THE DIXIE JACKSON OFFERING FOR STATE MISSIONS We reached and went over our Goal of $7,000 Total Offering Received: $9,116

6 Sunday 2014 Monday Tues 1 Wed Thursday 2 3 JOIN US at 5:15 for the WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEAL Proposed BUDGET Discussion & Evening Service 21 Vote on 2015 BUDGET..AM 16 Morning Worship Only NO Evening Worship 6 FBCH CHOIR sings with Sandi Patty in Branson at the Oak Ridge Theatre each night 8:00 p.m The Church Office and ROC will be closed December 25 & 26 for the Christmas Holidays and January 1 for New Year s Day May you rejoice in the blessings of His love this Christmas and always. 13 5:30 8: December 14th & 21st Tuesday, December 9th 10:00 am 12:00 pm First Baptist Church Harrison Morning Worship Christmas Music Share Jesus! The best gift of all! Invite your friends and family to join you as we Celebrate the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ December 21st Our Christmas Gift to the Community Movie at the Lyric It s a Wonderful Life PRAY 1 EVERY All Things are Possible through through Jesus! Make Him the center of your Life! 1 Tickets: $1.00 December 24th Christmas Eve Service LUN 29 MEN & WOMEN are invited to attend The Annual Christian Women s Connection Special Christmas Services Coming Up 11:30 a.m. CONCERT 1:00 p.m YOUTH CHRISTMAS MOVIE at the LYRIC NO Sunday School 4 Saturday PRAY EVERY DAY... PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER! CHRISTMAS at the DURAND Friday Budget Receipts... No other Activities Oct. 26th, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 $84, December 28th Receipts to Date: $815, Morning Worship only No Sunday School No Evening Worship Required to Date: $923, December 31st No Activities $60 per table (catered meal) If you have a heart for missions, you ll want to attend this event. CaLl for details Speaker: Ron Hutchcraft Special Music: Nona & David Grant A Christmas Concert For reservations call: NABA ON MISSION CELEBRATION EVENT December 6th at the Durand Center featuring various mission speakers and an open house with area missionaries on furlough or retired