A Special Missions Giving Opportunity: The EPC Gratitude Offering

Transcription

1 St r of Bethlehem Abiding in Christ, Loving as Christ, Inviting to Christ DECEMBER 2018 A Special Missions Giving Opportunity: The EPC Gratitude Offering As part of caring for retired ministers, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) has established the Gratitude Gift Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to retired ministers and missionaries in need. The Gratitude Gift Fund is supported by the annual Christmas Gratitude Gift Offering received from all EPC Churches. This offering will be received during our Christmas Eve Communion Service. Please prayerfully consider donating to this important ministry. We collected a total of $210 for our October mission focus, the EPC G.O.1 fund. Along with our neighbors in the community, we collected a total of $377 in our Thanksgiving service offering for the Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry. Thank you for your generous donations to these wonderful ministries. HOLIDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE December 16th 9:30am: Sunday school 10:30am: Christmas Cantata 4:00pm: Christmas program for children and adults December 24th 5:00pm: Christmas Eve Candlelight service VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! *As we prepare for the upcoming year, we are in need of volunteer workers for both weekly worship services. This is a very important and necessary part of our church ministry. We are asking all members to please consider volunteering as a greeter/usher, nursery worker, church opener/closer. It takes all members of the team to help the services flow smoothly. Sign up sheets are located in the Fellowship Hall. We thank you in advance for your service and dedication.

2 Pg 2 Christmas TIME Some Timely Thoughts: * What farm animal keeps the best time? A watch dog! Did you hear about the hungry clock? It went back four seconds. (you must read this one aloud) At what time do most people go to the dentist? At tooth-hurty (2:30) (another out-louder) ok; I m about to stop now. Wait; one more. What do you call a clock on the moon? A Lunartick. all righty then; NOW I m done. Time is a funny thing. Sometime in elementary school I watched a tv special about time. I remember it had a segment about Albert Einstein s theory that if you were in space and could travel close enough to the speed of light, then time would virtually stand still. So when someone in a space rocket would return to earth, his twin brother and all his friends would have aged a lot while he had aged almost none at all! Some folks think the Bible is just about other worldly issues. But the biblical accounts are anchored in Time & Space - historical events in true settings. And so Luke is very careful to give us the timing of things in the 2nd chapter of his gospel. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) Even Herod was a clock-watcher. Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. (Mt. 2:7). Peter tells his fellow Jews in Jerusalem, Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:19). I don t know about you, but I could use some times of refreshing. How ironic, that what we call the Christmas Holidays - which we sometimes think of as being so hectic and hurried - should be a celebration of what Scripture calls a time of refreshing. Hmm. Maybe we have gotten something a bit askew, eh? The most crucial time in the history of the cosmos was that to which Paul referred saying,...when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman. (Gal. 4:4) THAT was when God s love and grace broke through into our space/time continuum like never before! It was the perfect time when Jesus showed compassion on the hurting, brought healing to the broken, taught God s truth to the misled, and was killed for our forgiveness and freedom. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom. 5:6) Oh, friends, may our Holidays be Holy Days, as we give honor, glory, and praise to the Lord throughout the season and beyond! But to do so takes time. Will you? In Jesus, Dr. T Pastor, Bethlehem Pres. Church P.S. I was going to make up my own joke about watches and clocks, but I didn t have time.

3 Pg 3 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 8:45am Worship 10am Sunday School 9 11am Worship 12:15pm Elder Elect Training 3pm Family Movie 8:45am Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Worship 12:15pm Elder Elect Training 5:15pm Magnify Concert 5pm byg 16 9:30am Sunday school 10:30 Cantata 4:00pm Christmas Program for children & adults 23 8:45am Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Worship 30 8:45am Worship 10am Sunday School 11am Worship 3 10:30am Congregational Care Mtg pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service am Adult Bible Study 7pm Mission & Service Mtg 10am Adult Bible Study 10am Adult Bible Study am Preschool Christmas program

4 Pg. 4 WELCOME BACK ANDREW! FUND Andrew Brunson, missionary to Turkey, is back in the states; we celebrate his release from his two years in a Turkish prison. He will be serving in our presbytery as Missionary-in-Residence at Christ Community Church in Montreat for one year. His responsibilities there will be to heal, to discern God s direction for his and Norine s future ministry after 25 years in Turkey; and to share the Gospel further as he goes across the United States, sharing his testimony wherever he has opportunity to do so. We will be receiving a special offering in morning worship, DECEMBER 16, for the EPC s Welcome Back Andrew! Fund. All donations will be used: to cover court costs incurred while dealing with his terrorism charges; to assist with his relocation expenses; to pay for his and Norine s travel expenses as they go elsewhere to share their experiences of God s grace, power, & comfort during their recent Turkish ordeal; to assist with medical and spiritual help they will need in the months ahead. Please continue to keep Andrew & Norine in your prayers. And please prayerfully consider contributing financially to this worthy cause. Because of you the Good News of Jesus Christ will soon be in the hands of children all over the world! As shoebox gifts are distributed, local pastors or church leaders present the Gospel in a fun way designed for kids while family and friends listen in. Along with their shoebox gift, children also receive The Greatest Gift, a colorful presentation of the Gospel in their own language.

5 Pg 5 THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL. The Good Shepherd calls his own sheep by name (John 10:3) One Christmas my friend s 8 year old son came home from Sunday school with a present from his teacher. He was so excited to receive a gift with his name on it, but his parents knew that all the children had received similar gifts. Why was it so important to the little boy that the gift had his name on it? He explained that the teacher had chosen this particular gift with him in mind, and that made him feel special. God offers us gifts at Christmas - the gifts of redemption, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with Him through His son, Jesus. God offers the same gift to everyone, but your salvation is unique to who you are. It is more than a generic gift with a tag that says To Anyone. It has your name on it. Your relationship with God is unique to who you are with your personality, gifts, and abilities. God sees you, and each one of us, as an individual who is special and worth loving. What an amazing gift! May we thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ and share the good news of His love with others. From the Evangelism Team Our trip to see the Magnify Choir and Orchestra is next Sunday, December 9th. The concert begins at 7pm in Cornelius, so we will meet at the church at 5:15pm (leaving at 5:30pm sharp!). Admission is FREE and open to the entire congregation! Please fill out the sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall if interested.

6 5th Jack Cuthbertson and Ellen Duncan 9th Janice Lowder 10th Whitney Campbell Graham 12th Carolyn Gordon 17th Louie Brantley and Donna Shumate 19th Mike Wilhelm 23rd Abigail Kiker 29th Amy Currie If your birthday is not listed, please call the church office so we can make sure we have it for the future! December 2018 December 2nd Open Church: The McConnaughey Family 8:45 Greeters: The McConnaughey Family 8:45 Nursery: Patricia Kindley SS Nursery: Brenda Huntley 11:00 Ushers: Bob & Amy Currie 11:00 Nursery: Jan Haigler Close Church: Bob Currie December 9th Open Church: Mandy Herrin 8:45 Greeters: Amy Moore & Zack Kiker 8:45 Nursery: Robin Castorina SS Nursery: Open Door Class 11:00 Ushers: BB Haigler & Tony Smith 11:00 Nursery: Lazette Thomas Close Church: Tony Smith December 16th Open Church: Danny Philemon 8:45 Greeters: Danny & Gayle Philemon 8:45 Nursery: Amy Moore & Zack Kiker SS Nursery: Janet Jones 11:00 Ushers: Bob & Helen Meyer 11:00 Nursery: Brenda Huntley Close Church: BB Haigler December 23rd Open Church: Dean Sides 8:45 Greeters: Dean & Lori Sides 8:45 Nursery: Shannon Braswell SS Nursery: Carol Johnson 11:00 Ushers: Bill & Virginia Moss 11:00 Nursery: Jan Haigler Close Church: Tilden Belk Pg. 6 20th Larry & Jan Carter 23rd Jim & Lynda Aldridge 27th Doug & Wendy Campbell 29th Jim & Faye Vicars If your anniversary is not listed, please call the church office so we can make sure we have it for the future! December 24th (5pm Candlelight Service) Open Church: Scott Cuthbertson Greeters: Scott & Mary Ann Cuthbertson Hand out candles: Bob & Amy Currie Close Church: Bob Currie December 30th Open Church: Mandy Herrin 8:45 Greeters: Patricia Kindley 8:45 Nursery: Kara & Zoe Lemon SS Nursery: Pat Sloan 11:00 Ushers: Jim Aldridge & Larry Carter 11:00 Nursery: Nancy McSwain Close Church: Jim Aldridge **Note: Please exchange dates with someone if you can not be at church on your assigned Sunday. Thank you for your help and cooperation.

7 Pg.7 Save the Date!! December 2 byg & Christian Education bygchristmas.movie.matinee When: 3:00 pm at the church Adults will see a film about CS Lewis Shadowlands. Kids will watch an animated movie. Snacks provided! bygwhite.christmas.elephant.party December 9 When: 5:00pm at the CHURCH (then carpool to Mandy/Josh s) What is it again?: Gift exchange party ($10 or less) & delicious meal! Bring a gift ($10 or less) that you purchase or find around the house. It can be a for real gift or a gag gift. We will be back to the church around 8 pm or so. Christmas Program for Children and Adults December 16 December 23 & December 30 When: 4:00 pm at the church. We help lead our Christmas program, and later we all enjoy some cocoa and Christmas cookies! Christmas & New Years!! No byg. ***For our most up-to-date calendar information please visit or contact josh@bethlehemchurch.net Children s Ministry: Sunday School News For the month of December, our focus in Children s Sunday School will be the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. We learn about the season of Advent and how Christ brings joy, love, hope, and peace. Advent Calendars for families with young children will be available beginning December 2nd. See Josh or Dr. T for your calendar! December 2 Class with Mr. Josh December 9 Learning Temple December 16 Craft Corner December 23 Sunday Cinema December 30 Bethlehem Bakery

8 Pg Taking a Step Back Over the last several years we ve used M Cheyne daily reading plan, a couple chronological plans, a general overview of each book, and a Who s Who of the Bible. This year we have another year long Bible reading plan that will take us through chronologically. As you read each day, our hope is that you will jot down a few notes about what you have read. The next day, before you read, stop and look at what you wrote about the day before. Consider where you are in the Bible and where the passage you are reading fits into the "bigger picture" of God's message to us. Once a week, once a month, once a quarter, stop and review your notes. Commit to reading through the Bible this year. Pray that through the daily study of the Word of God you will hear his call to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and daily commit to serving God. DECEMBER BIBLE READING: Dec 1 1 Corinthians 9-11 Dec 2 1 Corinthians Dec 3 1 Corinthians Dec 4 2 Corinthians 1-4 Dec 5 2 Corinthians 5-9 Dec 6 2 Corinthians Dec 7 Acts & Romans 1-3 Dec 8 Romans 4-7 Dec 9 Romans 8-10 Dec 10 Romans Dec 11 Romans Dec 12 Dec 13 Acts Dec 14 Acts Dec 15 Acts ; Acts 21-22; Acts Colossians 1-4 & Philemon Dec 16 Ephesians 1-6 Dec 17 Phillipians 1-4 Dec 18 I Timothy 1-6 Dec 19 Titus 1-3 Dec 20 1 Peter 1-5 Dec 21 Hebrews 1-6 Dec 22 Hebrews 7-10 Dec 23 Hebrews Dec 24 2 Timothy 1-4 Dec 25 2 Peter 1-3; Jude Dec 26 1 John 1-5 Dec 27 2 John; 3 John Dec 28 Revelation 1-5 Dec 29 Revelation 6-11 Dec 30 Revelation Dec 31 Revelation YOU DID IT!!! Another year of studying and praying in God s Word to us. So what s in store for 2019? We plan to read the Bible in an old-fashioned way stay tuned to the January newsletter and the bulletins for more information.

9 Pg 9 Christmas Program for Children and Adults Sunday, December 16, :00 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room Paper Bags: Ordinary, Everyday, Fascinating. We gather together as (mostly) ordinary, everyday people to share the simple and fascinating story of Jesus Christ with one another! Invite a friend and bring your favorite cookies to share after the program. (Hot Chocolate, Coffee provided) Please prayerfully consider including Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in your will. A big "Thank You" to the congregation for your support with the Spaghetti Dinner in November! The Preschool made over $1,700. We appreciate you! Students will be learning about the birth of Christ and will celebrate with a Christmas program on Thursday, December 20th. The congregation is invited to attend! Preschool will be closed for the holidays from December 24th - January 3rd. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this ministry. God bless you and Merry Christmas! From the Preschool Board

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11 Pg 11 OCTOBER 2018 SESSION BRIEF The Session of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church met on November 13, 2018 at 7pm in the church office. There were nine Ruling Elders and Moderator, Rev. Dr. T, present. The meeting was opened with prayer by Dr. T, and Pat Sloan led a devotion about Things you are thankful for. Minutes from October 9 th Session Meeting and November 11th congregational meeting were approved. PASTOR S REPORT: Dr. T will be out of town November 20 thru 24 for Thanksgiving with his family. COMMUNICATIONS: A web site was shared for a webinar to be held on November 29th concerning church Safety. TREASURER S REPORT: Giving for the first ten months of 2018 was $23,271 per month with expenses of $24,407 per month. We still have sufficient funds for Bethlehem s ministries. BUILDING & GROUNDS: The Elevator Lift has been installed. The new church sign should be installed on November 30 th. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: No Report CONGREGATIONAL CARE: The Seniors had lunch at Gary s BBQ on November 14 th. EVANGELISM: The Team addressed 82 Christmas activities postcards to be mailed on December 1 st. MISSION & SERVICE: Bank Balance for Backpacks of Blessings is $22, Mission for November is EPC G.O.1 Fund and Samaritan s Purse. December s Mission is for EPC Gratitude Offering. Team Leader brought a motion to the floor for a special offering on December 16th to help with expenses for Andrew Brunson. EPC National Leadership Team has authorized a fund to be established to help Andrew with expenses of court costs, relocation expenses, and a travel allowance. Their goal is $160,000, and the fund will be closed when the goal is met. Motion was made and seconded and passed unanimously. PRESCHOOL: A request for the second half of the Preschool budget was requested for operating expense for the rest of the school year. Motion was made and passed unanimously. PERSONNEL & FINANCE: Team is working on 2019 budget. WORSHIP: Bethlehem hosted the Community Thanksgiving Service on November 18 th. Motion was made and seconded to have Scout Sunday on January 13, 2019, and to include an Eagle rank recognition. OLD BUSINESS: Motion was made to dissolve Church Security Planning Task Force. Motion passed unanimously. Prayers were lifted as R.E. Patsy Cuthbertson closed the meeting at 8:20 pm. Next Stated Session Meeting is December 11, 2018 at 7pm.

12 Bethlehem Presbyterian Church Mission: To glorify God by leaving a legacy of faith to succeeding generations through the proclamation of the good news of Jesus in word and deed, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will accomplish our mission by: Abiding in Christ - I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing - John 15:5 We are a community of believers who seek to dwell in the presence of Jesus and who strive to grow into maturity in our relationship with God in Christ. We will encourage others to do the same. Loving Others as Christ - This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one s life for one s friends. - John 15:12-13 We are a community of believers who seek to respond to Jesus grace in our lives by loving others with his love. Inviting others to Christ - "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? - Romans 10:13-15a Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 We are a community of believers who blessed by the presence of Jesus and provision of God the father will invite all those within our sphere of influence into the saving presence of Jesus. Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 7608 Concord Highway Monroe, North Carolina (704)