VOL. 9 NO. 35 SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

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1 THE BRIDGE Page 1 VOL. 9 NO. 35 SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 This Sunday marks the 15 th anniversary of 9/11. A very moving time of remembrance, reflection, and prayer is planned for each worship service this Sunday. I hope you will not only be able to attend, but will invite neighbors, friends and acquaintances and particularly first responders. I am praying that God will be honored by our worship and that He will guide us to a fresh new fervor to intercede on behalf of a needy nation. Football season has arrived. There are so many downer stories connected to football and football players, and they get an inordinate amount of press. Now and then, however, a heartwarming story surfaces about football players that inspires us. Such was the case last week with Travis Rudolph, star receiver for the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles. The football team went to eat with students at Montford Middle School in Tallahassee. While eating his pizza, Travis Rudolph saw a boy eating alone, isolated from the other students. He went over to him and asked if he could sit by him and eat with him. The lad was delighted. He told Travis that his name was Bo, Bo Paske. He told Travis he loved Seminole football. Bo s mother posted on Facebook that Bo is autistic and eats alone almost every day. She added this, I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. My favorite part of the story is Bo s response. He was asked what he thought of getting to eat with a star football player. Bo said, It was like sitting on a rainbow! Travis Rudolph didn t have to do what he did. No one would have chastised him for eating his pizza with the crowd. But because he did what he did, he set a wonderful example of compassion. (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 THE BRIDGE (Continued from page 1) 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 Jon Marc Burge CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP ASSOCIATE jonb@austinbaptistchurch.com ADMINISTRATION Christina Mendoza MINISTERIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & IT SPECIALIST christinam@austinbaptistchurch.com Jennifer Koret FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR jenniferk@austinbaptistchurch.com Rita Jones OFFICE MANAGER ritaj@austinbaptistchurch.com Derek Tackett FACILITIES MANAGER Cell derekt@austinbaptistchurch.com Clifteen Samuelson EVENTS COORDINATOR events@austinbaptistchurch.com Joe Pere DIRECTOR OF MEDIA MINISTRY joep@austinbaptistchurch.com SUPPORT STAFF Bill Dickson FINANCE CLERK billd@austinbaptistchurch.com Elena Samper ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT elenas@austinbaptistchurch.com Kati Dobbs CHILDREN S MINISTRY ASSOCIATE katid@austinbaptistchurch.com As we now move into the final four months of our emphasis Love Where You Live, Travis Rudolph has shown us that it is sometimes the little things we do that make the biggest difference of all. I still remember a poem by Henry Burton that my dad would quote quite regularly as a pastor. It seems fitting: Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on. Twas not meant for you alone, Pass it on. Let it travel down the years, Let it dry another s tears, Till in heaven the deed appears. Pass it on. Did you hear the loving word? Pass it on. Like the singing of a bird? Pass it on. Let the music live and grow, Let it cheer another s woe, You have reaped what others sow. Pass it on. Twas the sunshine of a smile. Pass it on. Staying but a little while! Pass it on. April beam, the little thing, Still it wakes the flowers of Spring, Make the silent birds to sing. Pass it on. Have you found the Heavenly light? Pass it on. Souls are groping in the night, Daylight gone! Hold your lighted lamp on high, Be a star in someone s sky. He may live, who else would die. Pass it on. Be not selfish in thy greed. Pass it on. Look upon thy brother s need. Pass it on. Live for self, you live in vain; Live for Christ you live again. Live for Him, with Him you reign. Pass it on! If we pass along a kindness shown, we may just make someone feel like they are sitting on a rainbow! Gary Dyer, Pastor John 3:30

3 THE BRIDGE Page 3 Welcome New Member! Jadyn Goodland made his profession of faith in the traditional service on September 4. Jadyn is a third grader at Williams Elementary in south Austin. He was accompanied by his mother Jennifer Goodland. ABC member Gerald and Phyllis McPhail are Jennifer s parents and Jadyn s grandparents. Jadyn has a special interest in helicopters and has made several visits to the Starflight facility. David Procter JADYN GOODLAND

4 Page 4 THE BRIDGE Reaching the Unchurched Through Our Bible Fellowship Socials Socials and get-togethers are an important part of any Bible teaching ministry. But sometimes our Bible Fellowship group socials are about us and what we want and not about the unchurched and what they need. Every group social that we plan needs to keep the lost in mind. Here are some simple steps that will make your socials more open and inviting to those who need Christ. Socials should be accessible. Think about the time, location and cost of an event that you are planning. These can prohibit people from attending because of hardships placed on those we are seeking to reach. Socials should be available. Understand that most classes will only have percent of its members in attendance. To announce your socials to the most faithful will result in most faithful attending. Promote well with announcements, , social media and phone calls. Everyone should be welcome regardless of their attendance when your group meets. Encourage members to bring friends to your socials. Some will attend a social event who might not attend your regular group meeting. Have socials that will relate well to the age group and the things they enjoying doing together. Plan socials that are a mission project or are connected to a mission project. It is about them and not us. We should be reaching out to people who need Christ to attend our socials and our socials themselves should be reaching out to others. David Procter

5 THE BRIDGE Page 5 Four Reasons to Join Sanctuary Choir Now! When you re in the habit of making excuses, any excuse will do: I m too tired, I don t have a great singing voice, I m too busy, I m afraid they ll make me sing a solo and so forth. Well, let me take a moment to give you some reasons TO join Sanctuary Choir. Maybe God is calling you to embrace the fun task of weekly leading others to worship our Great God Because You Love to Sing People who sit near you in worship consistently tell you that you have a good singing voice and should be singing in the choir. Because You Love Christmas Music Sanctuary Choir s very first rehearsal of Christmas music is Wednesday, September 7, at 7:15 p.m. Each rehearsal from then until December 11 will be jammed full of Christmas music. You know you love it why not come sing it? Because You are Searching For a Place to Serve Sanctuary Choir is a community of singers who simply want to glorify God with their leadership in worship. It s a wonderful place to connect with a diverse crosssection of ABC members a fantastic place to serve the Lord. Because We Need You Sanctuary Choir is continually searching for those who might join our leadership team. We want every member of ABC who is gifted and called to add to our number, weekly, those who work together to make God s praise glorious. Check Out ChristLife Beginning Wednesday evening, September 14, I am excited to be leading a brand new Bible study for young adults and college-aged people. The first six-week segment is called Christ-Life: Ancient Bible Principles in a 21st Century World. We will gather at 6:00 p.m. in Room 243-A in the new East Building to dive deep into six key parables Jesus used to teach His followers timeless truths about Himself, His Father, and how we can apply them to our everyday lives. I hope you ll come to be part of our gathering. Please sign up on the ABC website by clicking here. For your children, we will have our excellent children s choir program, KIDZMUZIK! Private Lessons Available ABC s own Jon Marc Burge will be offering private guitar lessons beginning right away. For more information, contact Mr. Burge directly at jonb@austinbaptistchurch.com. Blessings, John Parker MUSIC IN WORSHIP SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, :00 a.m. All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Orchestra If My People Will Pray Speak to My Heart My Tribute Canticle of Hope - Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra Great is Thy Faithfulness 11:11 a.m. Alive Healer Resurrecting It is Well Always

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7 THE BRIDGE Page 7 New babies are the greatest things! Some of you have new little ones in your family; or perhaps you are anticipating a blessed event in the near future. Exciting times! There are usually many activities: announcements, shopping trips for needed items, preparation of the baby s room, parties to celebrate, choosing just the right name, and wondering what the child will be like. Family and friends and even nosy neighbors get involved offering to help offering advice. We are all involved in a sort of blessed event this week. The new baby church, Connect, will have its first worship service Sunday morning in Calgary, AB. Many of you have been praying for this for a couple of years. Kathy Morales has been praying for God to establish a church in the this particular area for many years. The pastor and his wife, Daniel and Amber Sweaza, have been preparing for this day for over a year, choosing a name, finding a space, choosing a launch team, meeting people. Our church, along with others, is helping financially. We have sent teams of helpers to announce and have parties to celebrate. There have been shopping trips, conversations, invitations goodness! Sounds like a new baby to me! Please pray. Next week, I am sure we will hear stories of the birth. Perhaps there will be photos and descriptions. As a nosy neighbor, I would love to be there. I know that some of you would, too. This week, I have thought about the four mission trips that ABC has sent to Calgary. I am so grateful for each adult and student who made the effort to go teaching children, leading worship, encouraging the ministers, and making new friends. If you remember the Disney movie, Lady and the Tramp let s just say that I hope that we did not play the part of Aunt Sarah, who probably meant well, but set a couple of mischievous Siamese cats loose in the house. Just joking I know without a doubt that God used us. Let s be thinking about how we can help next year! How can they call on him unless they believe in him? How can they believe in him unless they hear about him? How can they hear about him unless someone preaches to them? And how can anyone preach without being sent? It is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! ROMANS 10:14-15 NIRV

8 Page 8 THE BRIDGE In this study, you will discover evidence of God s mission for motherhood and His greater purpose for each and every woman. Questions? Contact Ginger Tew at gingertew@yahoo.com.

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11 THE BRIDGE Page 11 Members and Guests, Does God speak to us today? If so, how? Come join us on Sunday as we learn how God spoke to a young boy named Samuel during Old Testament times, and why this is vitally important to you today. Zack MEMBERSHIP 101 WITH PASTOR GARY DYER Sunday, September 11, :10 am Choir Room This class is for those interested in finding out more about ABC and are considering membership. If you ve been worshipping with us and would like to learn more about our church, we invite you to attend. The ABC family wants to encourages and disciple those who God brings to our church and help them feel welcome and truly a part of the family. Participation does not commit you to membership. No need for reservations! Just plan to attend!

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13 THE BRIDGE Page 13 America needs prayer now more than ever. Join us as we follow the call from 2 Chronicles 7:14 to seek the Lord in praying for spiritual healing in our country, the upcoming elections, our nation s leaders, and issues at hand. When: Every Wednesday through Election Day 5:00-5:30pm Where: Austin Baptist Church Room 108 Led by: Amanda & Daniel Sanders

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15 THE BRIDGE Page 15 Begins Sept 12, 13, & 14 Classes 9:30 am 9:30 am & 10:30 am 10:00 am Limited Availability - Classes Fill Fast Sign-up on the website at the link below

16 Page 16 THE BRIDGE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS September 8 & 22 October 6 & 20 November 3 & 17 December 1 & 15 January 5 & 19 February 2 & 16 March 2 & 23 April 6 & 20 May 4 & 18 For further information, please contact Dodie Morris at dodiem@austinbaptistchurch.com Meetings are located in the new Children s Worship Center and adjoining classrooms. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS September 8 & 22 October 6 & 20 November 3 & 17 December 1 & 15 January 5 & 19 February 2 & 16 March 2 & 23 April 6 & 20 May 4 & 18 THEME: LEGO NIGHT Meetings are located in the new Children s Worship Center and adjoining classrooms. For more info, contact Jennifer Wilcoxson jennifer.wilcoxson@yahoo.com

17 THE BRIDGE Page 17 Sundays During Worship Services Room 137 SAVE THE DATE! Trunk or Treat Sun, Oct pm Two Per Service Starting October 9 4 Yrs/1st Gr - Room 137 2nd - 4th Gr - Room 148 Parents: Please remember to pick up your children right after worship services end on Sunday, September 11. U ARE NEEDED! Contact Kati Dobbs or Cathy Smith at

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19 THE BRIDGE Page 19 NEW WEDNESDAY AXIS SCHEDULE 4:30 pm - Study or Hang After School 5:30 pm - Early Bible Study 6:30 pm - Dinner $3 7:00 pm - Student-Wed Worship 7:15 pm - Bible Study for Latecomers NO AXIS ON SEPT. 7 ALSO UPCOMING Oct. 30 iserve Trunk or Treat Nov. 12 On the Ropes Nov. 17 iserve Operation Christmas Child Nov. 19 High School Bonfire Walters Ranch Dec. 7 AXIS Christmas Party AXIS STUDENT-LED WORSHIP Dec. 18 iserve White Christmas

20 Page 20 Next Week at ABC MARY HILL DAVIS WEEK OF PRAYER Sunday, September 11 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 10:10 a.m. Bible Fellowship Groups Membership 101, Choir Room 11:11 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 2:00 p.m. Parent Meeting for Awana Ministry, Rm. 137 Joyful Noise, Choir Room Monday, September 12 10:00 a.m. Adults on Mission Committee, Rm. 206 Tuesday, September 13 7:00 p.m. 11:11 Band Rehearsal Wednesday, September 14 Student Ministry AXIS tonight 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal, Great Hall 6:00 p.m. Bible Study, Great Hall Christ-Life Young Adult Bible Study, Rm. 243-A KIDZMUZIK Begins, new Children s area Handbells 7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:45 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal Thursday, September 15 11:30 a.m. West Austin Chamber Luncheon, Great Hall Saturday, September 17 9:00 a.m. Adopt-a-Highway 2:00 p.m. Student Ministry Paintball Outing On the Horizon Fellowship Menu Wednesday, September 14: Taco Soup Deacons on Call Week of September 12, 2016 Dick Naylor Rodney Tew THE BRIDGE Response to God s Faithfulness Our Tithes & Offerings YTD General Fund $94, $1,913, Designated $ $50, Bldg./Strong Foundation $15, $374, Fill the Rooms $ $313, Total Giving $110, $2,652, Building on a Strong Foundation Total-to-Date $4,179, Our Attendance :00 Service :11 Service Bible Fellowship Amistad SEPTEMBER Trustee Meeting Missions Committee Meeting AWANA Joyful Noise Rehearsal Finance Committee Meeting 22 Mom2Mom Begins Women s Bible Study Begins American Heritage Girls & Trail Life 25 AWANA Joyful Noise 26 Deacons Meeting 28 Business Meeting OCTOBER Acteens Fall Food Drive Begins 7 Parents Night Out 9 Membership Adults on Missions Meeting 16 Mission Committee Meeting Finance Committee Meeting NOTE: Items for THE BRIDGE are due to Rita Jones by noon Friday. Send to ritaj@austinbaptistchurch.com AUSTIN BAPTIST CHURCH 7016 RIBELIN RANCH DRIVE AUSTIN TX