Last Month s Averages: Special Dates: (Specific times listed on pg. 3) Church Newsletter SEPTEMBER Inside this Issue: Church Family,

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1 Last Month s Averages: Morning Worship: 389 Sunday School: 231 Total Offerings: $56, (The offering total includes July 30, 2017.) Special Dates: (Specific times listed on pg. 3) 9/01 Crowder Concert 9/03 Building Fund Sunday 9/03 Macon Valley Service 9/03 Wk of Prayer for NC Missions 9/04 Labor Day (Office Closed) 9/06 Family Missions Night 9/08 Standing Firm (Nate Garrett) 9/09 Standing Firm (Nate Garrett) 9/09 Baptist Men Workday 9/10 Missions Pig Pickin 9/11 GEMS KY/ARK Trip-Departure 9/15 Parents Night Out 9/15 Outdoor Movie Students 9/17 Children s Council 9/17 Deacons Meeting 9/22 GEMS Game Night 9/29 Feed FHS Football Team Church Family, Church Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2017 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:5-6 These verses give us a great reminder from Paul s letter to a local body of believers in Colossae in the way we should interact with those that are outside the church. Paul knew, and we all know, that in our workplaces, as our kids go to school, as we are in our neighborhoods, that we will encounter people who are unchurched. These people that we encounter many times will accept an invitation to come to church if we are willing to ask them. According to Lifeway President Thom Rainer's research, "Eighty-two percent of the unchurched are likely to attend church if invited by a trusted friend or relative," while "only two percent of church-going people invite someone to church in a given year." Every Sunday is a great opportunity to invite a friend, but we have some special times coming up this fall of which we should make the most. The first of these will take place on 10th during our morning worship services. Nate Garrett, the evangelist who was with us for the Bonfire School Release, will be preaching. During the School Release this spring, we saw 154 decisions for Christ! Nate will connect well with young and old and mixes a unique style of preaching the truths of God s word with humor and storytelling. I believe this will be a very special Sunday and I encourage you to pray and commit to inviting someone who is unchurched to join you that Sunday morning. Once guests are here, our goal is to move people from the outside to the inside. How will they determine whether they fit and if they will become part of this fellowship? We hope many will hear the Gospel and become part of the family of God as a believer, and then connect in this body. There are guests each week that have been saved, but are new to the area or new to our church. Research indicates the most important question guests are asking during their first visit is, Is this a friendly church? The primary way they determine the answer is through the number of people who initiate a conversation with them. We must be ready to make the most of every opportunity. Will we be the one to reach out and talk to the new person in our worship service? I am thankful for our greeters and ushers who serve and welcome those that come in our doors each week, but our hospitality in the pews and interaction in the halls can adorn the Gospel and allow guests to see Christ in us in the way we welcome them in our midst. May we make the most of every opportunity in the days ahead to invite and to welcome those who may be outside of our walls and unchurched. Pray for many to know Him and be discipled as a result of the work God does through this body in the days and weeks ahead. Pastor Jason Inside this Issue: Bible Reading Plan & More Pg. 2 Monthly Calendar Pg. 3 Children Pg. 4 Students & Families Pg. 5 Missions Pg. 6 Announcements & Events Pg. 7 Events Pg. 8

2 Page 2 By dividing the Bible into daily readings, your goal of reading the Bible in a year can be accomplished. This listing corresponds with the Open Windows devotion reading plan, available in print and on our DevoHub app for smart phones and tablets Proverbs Proverbs Proverbs Proverbs Ecclesiastes 1-3 Ecclesiastes 4-7 Ecclesiastes 8-12 Song of Solomon 1-4 Song of Solomon 5-8 Isaiah 1-4 READ THE BIBLE THROUGH: SEPTEMBER Isaiah 5-7 Isaiah 8-9 Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Isaiah Galatians 1 Isaiah Galatians 2 Isaiah Galatians 3 Isaiah Galatians 4 Isaiah Galatians 5 Isaiah Galatians 6 Dear Casey, Thank you so much for leading such a humble, servant-hearted team for camp. We so enjoyed getting to know all of you and catching up with those who returned. We were truly blessed by the extra mile y all went helping us fix and maintain the Community Center. Thank you! Emily Hutchins (Friends of Refugees, Clarkston Trip) Cowee Baptist Church, We just wanted to say thank you for the generous donation of laundry products and paper goods. REACH Shelter Cowee Baptist Church, We just wanted to say thank you for the generous donation of CHILDREN S WING PAYOFF Month of July 2017 Loan Balance: $248, Paid on loan principal: $5, Colored in: 10 squares ($5,762.01/596=9.67) At this point: 661 squares are colored in Dear Cowee Baptist Church, It has been a long year, but your prayers have carried me through. God heard each one and He listened. His plan allowed my wound to heal and my heart surgery to be successful. Thank you also for your cards and phone calls. The gift certificate to Fat Buddies will be enjoyed. Thank you for being a caring church who practices Love in Action. Love! Helen Burnette I want to thank you all so much for all the warm friendship and especially all the extra help so many of you gave to James and me during the past few years as members of Cowee Baptist Church. We will certainly miss our Willing Workers Sunday School Class. What a great group of loving and giving people they are! We will miss being in the SS Class. With much Love and a Full Heart of Praise for each of you! With Christ s Love! Sue & James Magee Dear Friends, Thank you for your donation of the backpacks for our kids at KIDS Place. They will be so excited to pick one out. We re grateful that you thought of our kids and hope you will be in prayer for them as they start the new school year. Thanks for all you do for KIDS Place. Brenda Taylor, Victim Assistant My Friends at Cowee Baptist Church, Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my speedy recovery last month. Would also like to thank you for my abundance of beautiful birthday cards that made my day more special. Fun was had by all at my 90th birthday celebration with family and friends. Love and Prayers! Evelyn Morgan Cowee Baptist Church, We want you to know that we truly appreciate your acts of caring during Shonn s recent seven week hospitalization. Your Love in Action cards, the pastor visits at the hospital, and especially your prayers helped sustain us. Although our membership is in Asheville, you are (and will always be) our home church. With love to you all! Shonn and Kathy Peek

3 Cowee Baptist Church 2017 Page 3 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Crowder Concert SMCFTPA 7:30 p.m. DEACON (8/27-9/02) Charles Womack 3 Building Fund Sunday Macon Valley Nursing Home Service, 2:15 p.m. Week of Prayer for State Missions DEACON (9/03-9/09) Bobby Bolick 10 Missions Pig Pickin 5 p.m. DEACON (9/10-9/16) Terry Cabe 4 11 LABOR DAY (Office Closed) GEMS Kentucky/ARK Trip, Departure 5 6 Family Missions Night 12 Ladies Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Activities 5:00 p.m. LIA 365 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:15 p.m. Children s Choir 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 p.m. Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Fusion 5/6 7:00 p.m. Mission Friends, RA s, GA s 7:00 p.m. Adult Missions 13 Wednesday Activities 5:00 p.m. LIA 365 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:15 p.m. Children s Choir 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery 6:30 p.m. Sm.Grp. Studies 6:30 p.m. Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Fusion 5/6 7:00 p.m. Mission Friends, RA s, GA s 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Standing Firm (Nate Garrett) Windy Gap Baptist Church (After FHS Football Game) Parents Night Out 5:30 p.m. GEMS Kentucky/ARK Trip, Return Outdoor Movie 8 p.m. 9 Baptist Men Workday 8:30 a.m. Standing Firm (Nate Garrett) South Macon Baptist Church 9:30 a.m Deacons Meeting 4:30 p.m. Children s Council 4:30 p.m. DEACON (9/17-9/23) Jack Horton Ladies Bible Study 9:30 a.m. 20 Wednesday Activities 5:00 p.m. LIA 365 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:15 p.m. Children s Choir 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery 6:30 p.m. Sm.Grp. Studies 6:30 p.m. Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Fusion 5/6 7:00 p.m. Mission Friends, RA s, GA s 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Gems Game Night 6:30 p.m DEACON (9/24-9/30) Richard Lightner Ladies Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Activities 5:00 p.m. LIA 365 5:30 p.m. Supper 6:15 p.m. Children s Choir 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery 6:30 p.m. Sm.Grp. Studies 6:30 p.m. Youth Worship 6:30 p.m. Fusion 5/6 7:00 p.m. Mission Friends, RA s, GA s 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Feed the FHS Football Team 3:15 p.m. 1 Tommy Bates 11 Alexis Giles 20 Larry Penland 27 Betty Davis 1 Danny Knop 11 Abby Timan 20 Sheila Penland 28 Elizabeth Brenner 3 Julie Jenkins 12 Steve Green 20 Olivia Reynolds 28 Trisha Giles 4 Bill Fouts 12 Joyce Raby 21 Seth Guest 28 Anna Gilliam 5 Diane Lecount 13 Lane Crawford 21 Cheryl Ramsey 29 Trevor Averett 5 Kadence Watford 15 Geneva Burnette 21 Jasmine Schrichten 29 Grace Beasley 5 Kaira Watford 15 Richard Lightner 22 Zoe Stanley 29 Ladson Dubac 7 Andrea Brenner 16 Madison Klimas 22 Gayle Tallent 29 Michael Hall 7 Greyson Holcombe 17 Sarah Brenner 23 Brooks Dubac 29 Isaiah Roots SCHEDULE Please log into to see when you are scheduled to work with the children this month. If you have any questions, contact Sierra Womack (sierra@coweebaptist.org). 8 Vanessa Anderson 17 Helen Holbrook 23 Allen Pruitt 30 Jamie Leigh Tipton 8 Jeremiah Jennings 18 Jacob Anderson 23 Evan Young 9 Carter Davis 18 Bill Duffell 24 Russell Lacoe 9 Vern Davis, Sr. 18 Glynda Johnson 24 Tim Roots 10 Denise Bueck 19 Dixie Shook 25 Wayne Chandler 10 J. Paul Shuler 19 Bindy Winnegar 26 Mary Gilliam 11 Dillon Ford 20 Dennis Holland 26 Averie Guest 8/27-9/02 Charles Womack 9/03-9/09 Bobby Bolick 9/10-9/16 Terry Cabe 9/17-9/23 Jack Horton Traditional Service 8:45 a.m. *Bobby Crisp **Joel Medford Dennis Bishop Ron Gentry Bill Meyers, Jr. Keith Parker Larry Pickens Trevor Trammel Crossover Service 11:00 a.m. Bill Meyers, Jr. Josh Owens Brent Holbrooks David Adams Nathan Brenner Barry Breeden 9/24-9/30 Richard Lightner *Leader ** Assistant Leader

4 Page 4 As I was Back to School shopping this year for my niece, it hit me how much more we are being asked to provide and the increase in cost. From my own experience, I know if you are not prepared for the expense, it can hit you hard. While I was preparing to help some children in our church be able to have what they need, I came across an interesting article from NBC News: From binders and backpacks to USB drives and other gadgets, ballooning back-to-school supply lists are pinching poor families budgets and creating what some see as a have and have-not public education system. When it comes to things like school supplies, those are the things that can make or break your budget. The cost of everything keeps going up Then it makes everything else a struggle, said Robyn Eastwood, Assistant Director of Development and External Affairs at Project Hope, a Boston-based organization that helps low-income mothers. Experts say school districts now have less money for supplies, forcing them to rely more on parents for items such as markers and construction paper, cleaning supplies, tissues, copy paper, and printer ink. While this is a hassle for middle-class parents, it s a much bigger burden for poor families, who already struggle just to outfit their own kids for school. At this moment, it s a definite stretch, said Rhonda Maloney, a Project Hope client with two kids in school and one in college who works part-time as a medical secretary. Maloney might have to buy a graphing calculator instead of paying the electric bill. It s kind of just like a pinching game. I try to pay the most important things first but when it comes to going back to school, things kind of go downhill, she said. Thank you, Cowee, for being a giving church. I was able to provide six children with school supplies and two children with school clothes because of your generosity. You can see from the article there are lots of people all over the United States finding it hard to provide their child with what they need for school. I believe we start one child at a time, but because of your generosity, we were able to provide for eight children and one teacher this year. In additions, WMU collections provided classroom supplies to every teacher at Iotla Valley Elementary School. Blessings, Sierra FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 5:30-8:30 p.m. CHILDREN S CHOIR Wednesdays 6:15 p.m.- 6:45 p.m. Children's Worship Center Through various activities, games, and instruments, choir members learn rhythms, music note recognition, and new songs. Children s choir is open to boys and girls ages 4 through 6th grade. We hope everyone had a good first week back to school! Co-directors, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Bonnie Please sign up by 10. Contact Sierra Womack (sierra@coweebaptist.org). Please send a change of clothes for children 3 years of age and under.

5 Page 5 Dear Church Family! There is a lot going on in our lives, the lives of our family, community, church and all around us. There are so many "things" trying to rob us of our time, money, family and resources. What ways are you protecting the things that matter most- marriage, family, testimony? Do you use the resources we have: DevoHub, RightNowMedia, The Bible, Small Groups, Sunday School, Sunday Morning Worship, Wednesday Night Meal & Study, Parents Night Out? Parents, you are the greatest spiritual influence when it comes to your children, not me, not Pastor Jason, Pastor Ronnie, or Sierra, but YOU! It is our hearts desires to equip you as you lead your children and students into a deeper relationship with Christ. Over this past month, I've been talking to the students about being a BLVD, a road, a bridge, an access point connecting this world with Jesus. They've been challenged to pray to God for open doors of conversation to share the gospel, to season their speech with salt that their words would show love and kindness, to live persuasively because we know the fear of the Lord. I pray you will echo some or all of these points in your own life and pour this into the lives of your children and students that you are leading. Please know I am always here for you and your family- day or night! I love you. Pastor Chris

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7 Page 7 Sunday A Ten-Week Study Beginning a.m. Mike and Cindy Cochran (Facilitators) Fee: Cost of Workbook Sign up by contacting Mike: mdcochran@frontier.com RETIREMENT-AGED FELLOWSHIP CHRIST-CENTERED MINISTRY

8 Contact Us Office Hours: M-F, 10 a.m.-3p.m. Phone: (828) Fax: (828) Web: Addresses Rev. Jason Smith Rev. Chris Ciufo Rev. Ronnie Branson Children s Ministry Director sierra@coweebaptist.org Church Office office@coweebaptist.org Financial Secretary finance@coweebaptist.org CD/DVD Requests request@coweebaptist.org 6301 Bryson City Road Franklin, NC 28734