THE BRIDGE PAGE 1 VOL. 9 NO. 46 NOVEMBER 23, 2016

Transcription

1 THE BRIDGE PAGE 1 VOL. 9 NO. 46 NOVEMBER 23, 2016 I know it is Thanksgiving week, but I want to ask you to fast forward three months to February of next year. That Friday and Saturday, our church will be hosting a conference that has the potential to have a powerful impact on many, many lives. The conference is called (Un)Apologetic, and will feature some of the most respected and read apologists for the existence of God and the Christian faith alive today. The keynote speaker on that Friday night, February 24, will be the best selling author and world renown Christian speaker, Lee Strobel. Lee was an atheist who in setting out to disprove the resurrection and the deity of Christ ending up being converted to Christ. His books, like The Case for Christ, The Case for a Creator, and The Case for Faith, have sold millions of copies. Lee will be accompanied by his good friend, Mark Mittelberg, another outstanding Christian scholar, who has co written books with Lee and with Bill Hybels. Dr. Mike Licona, one of the foremost experts on the resurrection of Christ, will be a part of the conference as well and will be debating a professor who is an atheist about the resurrection. Dr. Braxton Hunter from North Carolina will likewise join this great team and share about how to employ Christian apologetics to lead people to faith in Christ. (Continued on page 2) WHAT S INSIDE Contact Information... 2 (un)apologetic Conference... 2 Call to Prayer... 3 Believer s Baptism... 3 White Christmas... 3 From Desk of David Procter... 4 Membership From the Heart of J. Parker... 5 The Voices of Christmas... 5 Music Notes from Dodie... 6 Lottie Moon Banquet... 7 Church Holiday Calendar... 7 Christmas Eve Services... 7 Christmas Day Service... 8 BFG Class News Alaska Tour... 9 Parents Night Out Operation Christmas Child Staff Thank You Note Matt s Electrify Student Ministry Events Calendar of Events Retrospective... 14

2 PAGE 2 THE BRIDGE 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 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 (Continued from page 1) Added to these will be scientists who will show the evidence in creation for the existence of God. And that is not the totality of what will be offered that weekend. There will be a cost for the conference, and those participating will need to go to the website of the Baptist General Convention of Texas to register; but the cost will be more than worth it for the priceless instruction and inspiration we will receive. If you register, be sure and note that you are a member of our church and you will be given a signi icant discount. This will be a great opportunity to invite neighbors, workmates, family members, and friends who have questions about the faith. I would encourage you to offer to pay for their registration and bring them as your guests. We will also need dozens of people to volunteer to help in various ways as we host this conference. Those who volunteer will have their registration cost taken care of for them. Let s begin to talk this great opportunity up. We live in a city that has many people skeptical about Christianity and many others completely unfamiliar with our faith. The people coming to share with us that weekend will lay out a defense of our faith that I believe God will use to convince and convict many who are open to truth. Have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving! Gary Dyer, Pastor John 3:30 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 Following in Believer s Bap sm JERRY WINNETT Pastor Gary Dyer had the blessing of baptizing Jerry Winnett on Sunday, November 20, He and his wife, Sherri, joined at the close of November 13th s Membership 101 Class. See their biography in last week s issue of The Bridge. Bible Fellowship Departments are assigned food items to bring for the White Christmas food baskets. At the White Christmas service on December 18, the church family will come forward to place donated items, wrapped in white, at the altar. White Christmas gift baskets will be delivered to the homes of the families we will be serving. Food assignment list will appear in next week s issue of The Bridge.

4 PAGE 4 THE BRIDGE Thanksgiving Dinner Clifteen and Phil Samuelson and all our volunteers on Wednesday night did an incredible job for our Thanksgiving Dinner on November 16. We fed 381 people in just over 20 minutes! All of us enjoyed a delicious dinner at beautifully decorated tables. We are grateful for Clifteen and Phil and all those who prepare and serve our Wednesday evening meals. UT Bap st Student Ministry One of the local ministries we support at Austin Baptist Church is the Baptist Student Ministry at The University of Texas. Cody Shouse has served effectively as the Director for six years. On Saturday, November 19, the BSM sponsored its annual celebration of ministry to students. ABC was well represented: John Halton hosted a table for members of our church. I was privileged to attend, along with David Gillmore, Wayne and Mary Louise McDonald, Walt and Ferne Mizell, and Parker and Margie Blevins. Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holidays The ABC church of ice will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday. I hope we will see you on Sunday for worship and Bible Fellowship. Selena and I are thankful for our church family! Online Giving Austin Baptist Church uses a secure and convenient program to support our online giving option. Through our online giving platform, you can make either one time or recurring contributions. When you give, you can designate your gifts for any of the giving purposes listed: General Fund, Building on a Strong Foundation (Capital Campaign), Fill the Rooms, Women's Ministry, Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, and other campaigns that are held throughout the year like the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Selena and I for years have appreciated the opportunity and convenience of making recurring gifts to the work of Austin Baptist. The process is simple, secure, and best of all, only requires a few minutes to set up. The online giving module accepts the following transaction types: ACH, DEBIT CARD, VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Go to our Website for instructions on making a onetime contribution or to set up a recurring contribution. Christmas Decora ons By Sunday afternoon, November 20, our buildings were transformed by beautiful Christmas decorations! We surely have one of the most beautiful church facilities in America. Many thanks to the members of the Hospitality Committee, chaired by Clifteen Samuelson, joined by some of our young adults and our ninth grade boys. They gave several hours to setting up our decorations. Take a look around the buildings this coming Sunday, and don t miss the new education building! David Procter

5 THE BRIDGE PAGE 5 This coming Sunday, November 27, begins the Advent Season for Christians all over the world. It is a speci ied period of time (November 27 Christmas Eve) where we focus on the incarnation of Jesus; that is, Jesus leaving His throne in heaven to be born a little baby. The word simply means arrival. It is to be a season of great joy and anticipation leading up to Christmas Day, when we all say, He is Born! God s Messiah has come! Read what is written in Isaiah, some 700+ years before Jesus birth. ISAIAH 9:2, 6 7: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. I can t wait to celebrate the Advent Season with you in worship. May God bless you and your family as you worship and serve Christ together at ABC. Christmas Devo onal Available Sunday Families may pick up their devotional book for the Christmas season this Sunday, November 27, in the lobby outside the Sanctuary or in Center. One per family please. May God bless your family as you worship together throughout the Christmas season. Blessings, John Parker Music In Worship Sunday, November 27, :00 a.m. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Emmanuel Great Light Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra As With Gladness Men of Old 11:11 a.m. Hosanna (Praise is Rising) Shine Your Light Jesus Paid it All Oh Come, All Ye Faithful

6 PAGE 6 THE BRIDGE There will be no children at our Thanksgiving table this year. They are all at the in laws. I don t feel great about this. Of course, I love the adults who will be here, and I know that we will have a great time. We will probably use manners and napkins. We may get by without spilling any milk. Still, I came to work this morning feeling a little lonely. However on the door to my of ice I found a HUGE thank you card, signed by the AWANA children! We are thankful for you, Mrs. Dodie! (Yes, yes, I know everyone else on the staff got one, too. It doesn t matter.) I cannot fully explain the joy I felt reading the small messages and autographs, and looking at the handprints, stickers, and pictures. It reminded me that saying thanks means so very much to those who hear it. I know it made my day! I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is illed with family and friends. Say thanks to someone. And remember to thank God! Here is a little scripture to get you started: Psalm 100 NIRV A psalm for giving grateful praise Shout for joy to the L, everyone on earth. Worship the L with gladness. Come to him with songs of joy. Know that the L is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people. We are the sheep belonging to his lock. Give thanks as you enter the gates of his temple. Give praise as you enter its courtyards. Give thanks to him and praise his name. The L is good. His faithful love continues forever. It will last for all time to come. Dodie

7 THE BRIDGE PAGE 7 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 No Evening Events or Dinner THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Thanksgiving Holiday THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER ABC Offices Closed for Holiday TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Deacons Banquet WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Lo e Moon Missions Banquet, 6 pm, Great Hall SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Christmas Music: The Voices of Christmas 6 pm, Sanctuary SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 White Christmas WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 No Evening Events or Dinner FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 ABC Offices Closed for Holiday SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Services 4 & 6 pm, Sanctuary SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day Worship One Service at 11 am (No Bible Fellowship, KidzCare, or Kidz Worship) MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 ABC Offices Closed for Holiday WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 No Evening Events or Dinner FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 ABC Offices Open 9 am to 5 pm (Doors Locked; Please Ring Doorbell for Admi ance) SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2017 New Year s Day One Service at 11 am (No Bible Fellowship, KidzCare, or Kidz Worship) MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2017 ABC Offices Closed for Holiday See details of events on other pages of The Bridge or call the church office at

8 PAGE 8 New Study in Crossroads Bible Fellowship Group Ruth: The King is Coming Four Weeks Beginning November 27 Ruth stands as a bridge between the book of Judges and 1 Samuel (Ruth s faithfulness anticipates Hannah s). It tells a story of small town life, family values, an outcast woman s marriage to a noble man, and coming home. A closer look also reveals a world of hardship: of calamity, suffering, death and loss; of impoverished widows struggling to survive; of immigration driven by necessity; and of a vulnerable immigrant trying to ind a secure place in a new land and society. It testi ies that in the midst of spiritual decline there was a God fearing, industrious, and happy community and family life in Israel. While many of God s chosen people had turned their backs on God to embrace idolworship, Ruth turned from a false god to Yahweh, the one true God. Her love enabled Ruth to make the choice of faith by which she married Boaz, a Bethlehemite, and become the ancestress of David and Mary and Jesus. Her experiences are similar to those of a Christian, while Boaz, in accepting this strange woman, is an illustration of the redemptive work of Jesus. Ruth is one of two books in the Old Testament in which women are the main characters. Ruth re lects on how Israel should relate to foreigners living in its midst; Esther deals with a different problem: how to live as a minority within a dominant and sometimes hostile culture. Ruth is the outsider who enters the community; Esther is the outsider living within a larger and more powerful society. The author clearly intends to present Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz as models of love and loyalty for us to imitate. He also af irms God s absolute control over the affairs of this world and his providential involvement in the lives of individuals. Divine providence resolves three common human needs which menace the two women protagonists: food, marriage, and children. That the greatest king of Israel should trace his roots to a destitute widow and her Moabite daughter in law and an aging bachelor from the humble town of Bethlehem is portrayed here as a supreme divine accomplishment. The book of Ruth con irms Paul s words in Romans 2:28 29: For a person is not a true Israelite from the outside in, nor is true circumcision and external and physical reality. Rather, a person is an Israelite from the inside out, for real circumcision is a heart issue it is spiritual, THE BRIDGE rather than literal. This person does not receive the praise of others but of God. Join us for this study of a beautiful love story from the Old Testament. David Procter

9 THE BRIDGE PAGE 9 Members & Guests: Most are familiar with the quote, The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat. Come join us Sunday as we learn from the life of David in 1 Samuel that God is with us through the highest highs and the lowest lows of our days here in on earth. Zack Trying to think of a Christmas gift for that person who is hard to please? Why not present them with a 14 day, 13 night, adventure of Alaska on August 6 19, 2017? Hosts Gary and Teena Dyer have extensive experience traveling to Alaska and look forward to helping others enjoy the special, scenic wonders of the country s largest state. Pick up a brochure from the church of ice or Welcome Center to learn more about this unique travel opportunity! For more details on this exciting trip, Gary at garyd@austinbaptistchurch.com.

10 PAGE 10 THE BRIDGE Samaritan s Purse Opera on Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry: Thank You, Church Members! We appreciate your generous donation of 436 shoeboxes illed with toys, games, and hygiene items for children in need around the world. Your donations help spread the Gospel as the shoeboxes are given in Jesus name.

11 THE BRIDGE PAGE 11 We have inally come to Thanksgiving! As the weather is changing from summer to cooler summer (some call it Autumn in Texas, but it s not fooling anybody ) we spend time with those who are dear to us. While the turkey and football are huge perks of the holiday, the real treasure is spending time with those we care about and expressing thanks to them. One group that I d like to highlight in this season of giving thanks are the Bible Fellowship Group workers at ABC. In the context of the Student Ministry, these wonderful people work effortlessly week in and out to help students grow in their knowledge of the Word and in fellowship with one another. But as if that weren t enough, they also give tirelessly of their time to work and volunteer and transport and chaperone and cook at our many ministry events at ABC. Our youth workers truly/deeply love students, and they show that compassion by the time that they give and their prayer for the kids. So to Lynn Wood, Stanley Wood, Pam Sue Brower, David Brower, Iris Porter, Lisa Wellborn, Chris Root, Rachel Tovar, Jorge Tovar, Candy Koob, Louis Koob, Bill Morris, Dodie Morris, Karri Beaty, Bruce Beaty, Jake Ross, Emily Ross, Stephanie Reece, Jeff Reece, Amanda Sanders, Daniel Sanders, Kim Dobbs, Rick Dobbs, MK Allen, Jared Allen, Kim Hefner, and Dale Hefner, we are incredibly grateful to you for all your hard work and care. As I approach Thanksgiving this year, I am so thankful to have you as my co ministers in Christ to these kids. One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). I am grateful that y all stick close! Now for the rest of us at ABC, I want to challenge you this week to seek out your Bible Fellowship Group Leader at ABC. These folks work tirelessly to serve you and grow you in the Name of Christ. The majority of their work and effort goes unnoticed. Take time this week to give them a call or a text or an just expressing your appreciation that they care for you enough to teach the truths God has taught them. Let s not forget what Paul said in Galatians 6:6, Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the Word should share all good things with their instructor. So whether you have infants in the preschool area, children in the elementary school program, teenagers in Student Ministry, or are in Adult Bible Fellowship Groups, take a moment this week to share thanks with those who lead. May we be a church that expresses joy, support, and thanks for one another as we walk on the journey of our life toward righteousness in Christ! By Christ s Love, Matt

12 PAGE 12 THE BRIDGE A group of our students are recording conversations, games, and skits for a ministry called THE DOOR in Barcelona. If you d like to join in helping with this project, contact Elena Samper at elenas@austinbaptistchurch.com.

13 THE BRIDGE PAGE 13 NEXT WEEK AT ABC Sunday, November 27 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 10:10 a.m. Bible Fellowship Groups 11:11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 2:00 p.m. Joyful Noise Rehearsal, Choir Room Monday, November 28 6:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting, Great Hall Tuesday, November 29 9:30 a.m. Tiny Tots & Tunes. Rm :30 a.m. Tiny Tots & Tunes, Rm :30 p.m. 11:11 Band Rehearsal Wednesday, November 30 Student Ministry AXIS 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal, Great Hall 6:00 p.m. Church Business Meeting, Great Hall Life s Healing Choices, Rms. 201 & 202 Young Adult Bible Study, Rm. 243 A KidzMuzik, Children s Area 7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:45 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal Thursday, December 1 6:00 p.m. American Heritage Girls, Rm. 137 Trail Life USA Troop Meeting, Rm. 137 Friday, December 2 6:00 p.m. Parents Night Out Family Ties BFG Christmas Social, Rm. 229 Saturday, December 3 5:00 p.m. Koinonia BFG Christmas Social ON THE HORIZON December 4 Lamplighters BFG Christmas Social AWANA Clubs 6 Deacons Banquet 7 Lottie Moon Missions Banquet Outreach & Evangelism Team Meeting 9 Maranatha BFG Christmas Social 10 Path inders BFG Christmas Party 11 Membership 101 Voices of Christmas Finance Committee Meeting 14 ABC Business Meeting 16 Crossroads BFG Christmas Party 17 Sojourner BFG Christmas Party 18 Missions Committee Meeting WHITE CHRISTMAS 21 No AXIS, No Midweek Meal or Activities 23 Church Of ices Closed for Christmas 24 Christmas Eve Services (4 & 6 pm) 25 Christmas Day One Service (11:00am) 28 No AXIS, No Midweek Meal or Activities January 1 New Years Day One Service (11:00am) 2 ABC Of ices Closed 4 Outreach & Evangelism Team Meeting 9 Adults on Mission Meeting 15 Finance Committee Meeting Trustees Meeting 23 Deacon Meeting 25 ABC Business Meeting 26 ABC/FCA Dodgeball Tournament FELLOWSHIP MENU Wednesday, November 30, 2016 No Midweek Meal DEACONS ON CALL Week of November 28, 2016 Andy Stockton Ronald Willard OUR RESPONSE TO GOD S FAITHFULNESS Annual 2016 General Fund Budget $3,670,000 Average Weekly Requirement... $ 70, Year to Date Requirement... $3,317, Account YTD Budget YTD Variance YTD Actual v. Budget General Fund $69, $2,633, $3,317, ($684,080.18) Designated $ $70, Bldg./Strong $4, $488, Fill the Rooms $ $334, Total Giving $75, $3,526, Our Attendance :00 Service :11 Service Bible Fellowship Building on a Strong Foundation Total-to-Date $4,293, AUSTIN BAPTIST CHURCH 7016 RIBELIN RANCH DRIVE AUSTIN, TX

14 PAGE 14 THE BRIDGE 1 4 Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner 5 Lord s Supper (More Photos on Pg. 6) 6 9 High School Bonfire at the Walters Ranch