VOL. 8 NO. 39 SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

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1 THE BRIDGE Page 1 VOL. 8 NO. 39 SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 We will be observing the ordinance of the Lord s Supper this Sunday morning in both worship services. This is always a meaningful worship service at ABC as we devote the entire time of worship to preparation for and participation in the Lord s Supper. We have some special touches that will be a part of this Sunday s observance. I know you will not want to miss, and I hope you will invite friends to join you. A lot of media attention (and I mean a lot) was devoted last week to the coming of Pope Francis to America. I have heard evangelical Christians enamored with this Pope and have had people ask me my opinion of him. My opinion is that he is a very nice and kind man who has some terribly erroneous doctrinal views. Even the Vatican is often having to have hurry-up press conferences to tell the world he didn t say what he said. I am not going to take space in this article to share with you a large number of his curious quotes. However, there are a couple that are alarming enough to merit attention. He said, Atheists who do good are redeemed, not just Catholics. (Interestingly, he didn t say not just Christians. ) That statement stands in direct and clear contradiction to Scripture (as do other of his statements). Romans 3:28 and 30 say, For we maintain that a person is justified (redeemed) BY FAITH apart from the works of the law There is only one God, who will justify the circumcised BY FAITH and the uncircumcised THROUGH THAT SAME FAITH. (Atheists by definition have no faith.) Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are you saved [redeemed] THROUGH FAITH The main point of the entire book of Galatians is that redemption comes not by good works but by (Con nued on page 2)

2 Page 2 THE BRIDGE STAFF Dr. Gary Dyer SENIOR PASTOR Cell garyd@austinbaptistchurch.com Dr. David Procter EXECUTIVE PASTOR Cell davidp@austinbaptistchurch.com John Parker ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MUSIC & WORSHIP Cell johnp@austinbaptistchurch.com Matt Gillum MINISTER TO STUDENTS & THEIR FAMILIES Cell mattg@austinbaptistchurch.com Cathy Smith MINISTER TO CHILDREN & THEIR FAMILIES Cell cathys@austinbaptistchurch.com Dodie Morris MUSIC & WORSHIP ASSOCIATE dodiem@austinbaptistchurch.com ADMINISTRATION Christina Mendoza MINISTERIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT christinam@austinbaptistchurch.com Jennifer Koret FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR jenniferk@austinbaptistchurch.com Rita Jones OFFICE MANAGER ritaj@austinbaptistchurch.com (Con nued from page 1) faith. On what authority, then, does Pope Francis declare redeemed those who reject Christ and do not even believe in God? By the way, one other statement this Pope made is puzzling. He said, God is not a divine being or a magician. I hope that statement did not reflect his true convictions, but if it did he got that half-right but all wrong. No, God is not a magician. However, He is a divine being of omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. Jesus told the woman at the well, God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Why do I even bring this up? Pope Francis is gone now, so why not let it go? I don t let it go because of the influence his words leave behind and it is only right to put those words to the test. I John 4:1 says, Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God We have a divine mandate to make sure that what a person says (who is held up as a religious leader) lines up with the Word of God. Acts 17:11 says this of the Bereans: They received the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Even the apostle Paul was not above being put to the test to see if what he taught was true. I m not above that test and no Pope is. We as Baptists hold that Christ and Christ alone is the head of the church. I have no doubt that the Pope s kindness is genuine; but I, myself, am leery of some of his teachings. I hope you will be as well. Baptists have always been known for letting the Bible be our one guide for faith and practice. Never has that priority been more needed than now. Gary Dyer, Pastor John 3:30 Derek Tackett FACILITIES MANAGER Cell derekt@austinbaptistchurch.com Clifteen Samuelson EVENTS COORDINATOR events@austinbaptistchurch.com SUPPORT STAFF Tammy Sargent FINANCE CLERK tammys@austinbaptistchurch.com Barbara Hunley ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT barbarah@austinbaptistchurch.com Elena Samper ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT elenas@austinbaptistchurch.com Meredith Todd CHILDREN S MINISTRY ASSOCIATE mereditht@austinbaptistchurch.com Kati Dobbs CHILDREN S MINISTRY ASSOCIATE katid@austinbaptistchurch.com

3 THE BRIDGE Page 3 Austin Baptist Church continues to share the love of Christ with our school neighbors. Evonne Boggs coordinates our efforts to reach out to nearby Leander schools. In August, Crossroads Bible Fellowship provided breakfast for Four Points Middle School s back-to-school day. In September, Family Ties Bible Fellowship stepped up and provided delicious snacks for the teachers monthly birthday celebration. Scott Reeves serves as coordinator for Family Ties; three couples share the teaching responsibility: John and Nicole Rausch, Bill and Lynette Seitzler, and Phil and Kristen Wilson. Thank you, Family Ties, for reaching out to FPMS! David Procter We are pleased to offer congratulations to ABC member Hallie Holden, who was married to Matt Raesz on Saturday, September 26, at Casa Blanca on Brushy Creek in Round Rock. Following their honeymoon, they will make their home in Cedar Park. Hallie and her parents, Bob and Lisa Holden, are charter members of ABC. David Procter Dr. Procter with Hallie and Matt Raesz

4 Page 4 THE BRIDGE An Extra Set of Hands Looking for your place of ministry in 11:11 worship? Opportunities abound! Consider these weekly needs: Golf Cart Ministry Technology in Worship (ProPresenter/Lighting) Stage & Room Preparation Hospitality/Greeting Cart Drivers Needed Hey, are you a licensed driver, 25 or older? Are you looking for a meaningful ministry at ABC? We need your help! Please contact Jennifer Bassett at jenbassett74@gmail.com. Share in Creation of Family Worship Guide for Advent The Music & Worship Ministry is working to publish a Family Worship Guide for the Christmas season. This daily devotional guide will be a good resource for family worship from Nov. 29-Dec. 25. One of its daily features will be meaningful Christmas stories and traditions from ABC members. If you d like to share, right away to johnp@austinbaptistchurch.com. Well, you re partially right! All those folks are indeed worship leaders. But, did you know in one sense every Christian who attends corporate worship is a worship leader? We are leading others around us to worship our Lord every time we re together. When both believers and non-believers see us engaged in worship, we are leading them to want to do the same. This Sunday as you worship Christ, think about how well you re leading those around you to worship Jesus. Soli Deo Gloria! Come Sing for Christmas! On Sunday evening, Dec. 13, the Music & Worship Ministry will present the Christmas cantata, One Incredible Moment by Max Lucado and Tom Fettke. Perhaps you re not quite ready to commit to Sanctuary Choir year-round, but would enjoying singing beautiful Christmas music with us. There are 11 rehearsals between now and our presentation. Sure would LOVE to have you singing with us! Music for Worship, October 4, :00 a.m. Worship He Lives Let Us Break Bread Together Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Gentle Shepherd Redeemed Lamb of God One Communion (Sanctuary Choir) Untitled Hymn (Catherine Huyck) The Lord s Prayer 11:11 a.m. Worship Jesus Messiah The Power of the Cross O, The Blood Jesus Paid It All See you in church! Blessings, John Parker

5 THE BRIDGE Page 5 Last Sunday was a great day! A big shout out to all of the children and teens who led in worship! It was the first time this school year for the children s choirs and Joyful Noise to participate in the services. They joined together to present the HeartSong for September, What a Friend We Have in Jesus. The 60+ choir members sang one of my favorites, How Deep the Father s Love, complete with flute descant. And if that were not enough, Stephanie Rankin and Kendall Collier ministered to all of us with Small Enough. Wow! We are so grateful that all of these ensembles (children, teens, instrumentalists, and singers) are growing! I hope you will think about getting involved in the music ministry at Austin Baptist Church. HINT: Christmas is coming! The HeartSong for the month of October is Fairest Lord Jesus. I found more mysteries than facts when I tried to research its history. It s old! The first three stanzas are believed to have originated as early as 1607, sung by Jesuit monks to a Gregorian chant. The fourth stanza was written by a Lutheran pastor, Joseph A. Seiss, and published in The tune that we sing today is actually an ancient Silesian folk song. Whatever the origin, the meaningful lyrics as well as the beautiful melody have stood the test of time. It is known in some congregations by the title, Beautiful Savior. There is an arrangement by F. Melius Christiansen that is filed in most choral libraries and burned in the memories of nearly all singers. Many choirs, including the choir at St. Olaf, sing this piece as the closer for all concerts. (I think they are the best!) I have included a YouTube link so that you can listen to them sing under the direction of Anton Armstrong. Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations, Son of God and Son of man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, Now and forevermore be Thine! Dodie See more worship photos on page 9.

6 Page 6 THE BRIDGE Mary Hill Davis Missions Offering ABC Given To-Date: $4, No reservations required! You re welcome to attend! Needed on Thursday mornings, 9 a.m. to 12 noon for Women s Bible Study. For Parents Night Out once a month from 5:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (every third Friday). Contact Cathy at cathys@austinbaptistchurch.com or call POSITION AVAILABLE FINANCE CLERK General Purpose: To perform administrative tasks related to supporting the Finance Office in financial recordkeeping and day-to-day financial operations of the Church. This is a part-time position. Qualifications: Understands the basic procedures and controls of accounting. Is comfortable in an accounting/financial environment. Is comfortable with accounting software and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook). Possesses strong organizational skills and pays attention to detail. Possesses high integrity and can be trusted with confidential information. Members and Guests, BIBLE FELLOWSHIP A PLACE TO GROW, CONNECT, & SERVE The Genesis account of Noah and the great flood reveals many things about God's relationship with man, and that his mercy and love always prevail. Come join us Sunday as we learn why we can trust him regardless of the circumstances. Zack To Apply: Submit résumé by to Jennifer Koret at jenniferk@austinbaptistchurch.com.

7 THE BRIDGE Page 7 THURSDAY MORNINGS FOR WOMEN 9:45 a.m. PROJECT KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 1, 2015

8 Page 8 THE BRIDGE CANNED MEAT Whole Chicken Canned Hams Tuna Beef Stew Chili Without Beans Spam or Treat Chicken & Dumplings Hash Sloppy Joes Ham Spread Roast Beef Deviled Ham Vienna Sausage Beef Corned Beef MEAT SUBSTITUTES Spaghetti & Meatballs Macaroni & Cheese Peanut Butter Soups - All Kinds Dried Pinto Beans (1 to 2 lbs) Ravioli BEVERAGES Tang Juices Tea Coffee Hot Chocolate Mix Evaporated Mix Nonfat Dry Milk BABY ITEMS Formulas Cereals Canned Meat, Canned Fruit Canned Vegetables DESSERTS Cake Mixes Cake Frosting Pie Filling Puddings Jell-O STARCHES Rice: 1 to 2 lbs. Pinto Beans: 1 to 2 lbs. Chili Powder Navy Beans: 1 to 2 lbs. Lima Beans: 1 to 2 lbs. Pkg. Macaroni Pkg. Egg Noodles Pkg. Spaghetti & Sauce DRESSING & SAUCES Tomato Sauce/Paste Spaghetti Sauce Picante Sauce Taco Sauce Mayonnaise Catsup Mustard CANNED FRUIT Peaches Fruit Cocktail Applesauce Pears Pineapples BREAKFAST FOODS Juices Boxes of Dry Cereal Oatmeal Cream of Wheat Malt-O-Meal Grits Pancake Mix Pancake Syrup Jelly/Jam STAPLES Flour Cornmeal Sugar Bisquick Mix Muffins/Bread Mixes Crisco Ritz Crackers Saltine Crackers Baking Powder Baking Soda Salt & Pepper Chili Powder VEGETABLES Mixed Vegetables Corn Peas Green Beans Tomatoes Carrots Mustard Greens Spinach Beets Squash Potatoes Lima Beans (1 to 2 lbs) Pork & Beans Instant Potatoes Black-eyed Peas Canned Yams Red Beans Pinto Beans (canned) SOAP & WASHING DETERGENT All Kinds/Small Boxes Bath Soap Dish Detergent PLEASE NO FOREIGN OR PERISHABLE GOODS. EXPIRATION DATES MUST BE IN GOOD STANDING. BRING TO BIBLE FELLOWSHIP GROUP CLASSES OR RECEPTACLES NEAR THE WELCOME CENTER.

9 THE BRIDGE Page 9 APRC had 600 in attendance for their Fall Extravaganza at the DoubleTree Hotel. Their first adoption placement was one of the special featured speakers for the evening. Austin Baptist Church was well represented at this annual event.

10 Page 10 THE BRIDGE SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE!!! Wed., Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. ABC Parking Lot

11 THE BRIDGE Page 11 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 6:00 9:45 PM Cost $10 child $30 family max Pizza is provided. Sign up in Bible Fellowship Group classes or come by the church office.

12 Page 12 THE BRIDGE We ll be handing out bottled water during the homecoming parade. For More Info, Contact Matt

13 THE BRIDGE Page 13 Next Week at ABC Sun., Oct. 4 The Lord s Supper 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship, Worship Center 10:10 a.m. Bible Fellowship Classes 11:11 a.m. Contemporary Worship, Worship Center 11:15 a.m. ACTEENS, Rm 223 Wed., Oct. 7 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal, Great Hall 6:00 p.m. Bible Study for Adults, Great Hall 6:30 p.m. Student Ministry: AXIS Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Evangelism & Outreach Team Meeting, Rm. 275 Sat., Oct. 10 8:00 a.m. The Climb 9th-10th Gr. Retreat On the Horizon OCTOBER Todd Phillip s Movie Thirst 12 Adults on Mission Meeting 14 Student Ministry: Fields of Faith (Dell Diamond) Committee on Committees Meeting 15 E3 Parenting Seminar 16 Parents Night Out 17 Adopt-a-Highway 18 Membership 101 Class Missions Committee Meeting, Rm. 187 Finance Committee Meeting, Rm Student Ministry iserve: Vandegrift Homecoming Parade 22 American Heritage Girls/Trail Life Celebration Dinner 26 Deacons Meeting, Great Hall 28 Trunk or Treat Some previously announced dates have changed: In October: Trunk or Treat is Wed., Oct. 28. Therefore, no Wednesday night meal on the Oct. 28. October Business Meeting is rescheduled for Wednesday, November 4. In November: Deacons Meeting is moved to Monday, November 19. The ABC Family Thanksgiving Dinner is scheduled for November 18 and the November Business Meeting will be held following this dinner. In December: The Deacon s Banquet has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 1. NOTE: Items for THE BRIDGE are due to Rita Jones by noon Friday. Send to ritaj@austinbaptistchurch.com Fellowship Menus Wednesday, Oct. 7 Spaghetti & Meatballs Recurring Events SUNDAY AWANA 2:00 pm Joyful Noise Rehearsal 2:00 pm, Choir Room MONDAY Men s Prayer Group 6:45 a.m., Welcome Center TUESDAY Tiny Tots & Tunes 10:00 am Class, Rm :00 am Class, Rm 117 Music Rehearsal 6:30 pm, 11:11 Band WEDNESDAY Tiny Tots & Tunes 10:00 am Class, Rm 117 Kids Choirs WACK 6:00 pm WEDNESDAY (cont.) Music Rehearsals Handbells, 6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir, 7:15 p.m. Orchestra, 7:45 p.m. Celebrate Recovery Starts Oct. 21 6:00 p.m., Rm. 266 THURSDAY American Heritage Girls Oct. 1, 15 & 29 6:00 pm, Rm 117 Trail Life Oct. 1, 15 & 29 6:30 pm, Rm 268 Mom2Mom Bible Study 9:45 am Room 267 Women s Bible Study 9:45 am, Room 268 Deacons on Call Week of October 5, 2015 John Boyd Dan Price Our Response to God s Faithfulness Our Tithes & Offerings YTD General Fund $55, $2,039, Designated $1, $60, Bldg./Strong Foundation $7, $2,272, Total Giving $64, $4,372, Building on a Strong Foundation Total-to-Date $3,610, Our Attendance :00 Service :11 Service Bible Fellowship Scofield Farms Amistad AUSTIN BAPTIST CHURCH 7016 RIBELIN RANCH DRIVE AUSTIN TX