The Pastor Writes by Dr. Chuck Hampton, Transitional Pastor

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Page 2 December 2015 The Pastor Writes by Dr. Chuck Hampton, Transitional Pastor Don t be afraid! he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

The celebration of Jesus is headlined not only with Festival, but with a commitment for global missions.

2 Page 2 December 2015 The Pastor Writes by Dr. Chuck Hampton, Transitional Pastor Don t be afraid! he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. That announcement still echoes as we set aside this month to celebrate the birthday of the Lord Jesus! The celebration of Jesus is headlined not only with Festival, but with a commitment for global missions. The spectacular Operation Christmas Child program led the way for the International Missions Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering scheduled November 29 through December 6. This is a great opportunity to give a gift to Jesus toward our $87,000 goal! Knowing the tragic circumstances in recent days in our small world, ask the Lord what you should give so that others can receive the true message of Christmas. Deb and I look forward to expressing our adoration of Jesus with you during this special season before a watching world! In Christ, Pastor Chuck RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DAVID LANGERFELD Forty-five years ago, as a young college student, God called me into the gospel ministry. In August of 1989, I continued to follow His call on my life when I joined the staff of Harrisburg Baptist Church. These last 25 years at Harrisburg have been the best years of my ministry. You are an incredible church. You have encouraged me, supported me, prayed for me and most of all, you have loved me. It has been such a blessing and privilege to serve you, and to serve with you, to teach you, to preach to you, to pray with you, to counsel you, to hurt with you when you hurt, and to rejoice with you when you rejoice. It has been such a joy to preside at your weddings, to hold your newborn babies, to baptize you, and your children, and your grandchildren, and more than anything else, to pray with you and to lead you in a sinner s prayer when you asked Jesus to come into your heart as your Lord and Savior. It has been an honor to walk with you through your struggles, to sing with you in hospice rooms, to hold your hand in times of grief, and to weep with you as I presided over your loved-one s funeral. I have been so blessed to lead you, to work with you, and to travel with you as we served together on medical-dental teams in Ecuador and Honduras, on local construction teams, and on Zamar and Student Mission Teams. I ve worked beside you in 72 Hours of Service, in local ministries and on Sunday School class projects. I ve visited with you in hospitals, in nursing homes, in jails and I ve sat beside you in living rooms of shut-ins and the lonely. I ve traveled around the world with you, and especially to Israel where we walked together where Jesus walked. There are not enough words to truly say thank you or to express my heart-felt gratitude for all you have done for me these last 26 years. God has worked in you and through you to bless me, to bless Lynda, and now, to bless Martha and me in our new lives together. I will always be thankful for a home makeover, a sitter ministry, Monday and Thursday meals, Christmas visits to the mall, a handicapped van, and for so many other expressions of your love that are just too numerous to mention. In the months to come, I will attempt to express my gratitude to you for being the wonderful church that you are. I pray that the next six months I spend with you will afford me that opportunity. Today, however, I want you to know that the same God who led me into full-time ministry those forty-five years ago is leading me into retirement. Therefore, I am announcing my retirement, effective May 22, This early announcement of my retirement will allow the appropriate committees and leadership of our church the time to evaluate my position and job description in light of the staff needs of our church. Meanwhile, I will continue to faithfully serve as your Associate Pastor for these next six months. Thank you, Harrisburg Baptist Church. It has been such an honor and privilege to serve you, to serve with you, and to work beside you in the building of God s Kingdom. I love you with all my heart. Rev. David Langerfeld

December 2015 Wednesday Evenings begin at 4:45 p.m. with a Family Fellowship Supper in the Fellowship Hall. A delicious meal is served (with separate children s meal) for only $4.00 for adults and $2.

3 December 2015 Wednesday Evenings begin at 4:45 p.m. with a Family Fellowship Supper in the Fellowship Hall. A delicious meal is served (with separate children s meal) for only $4.00 for adults and $2.50 for kids, with a $12.00 family maximum. Come enjoy the food and the fellowship prior to the various activities that begin at 6:00 p.m. December 2 nd : Roast Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, Cornbread, Pasta Salad and Dessert. Kids: Fish Sticks and French Fries. December 9 th : Chicken and Dumplings, Corn, Green Beans, Biscuits, Broccoli Salad and Dessert. Kids: Chicken Nuggets and Tater Tots. December 16 th : Turkey and Dressing, Sweet Potatoes, Lima Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls and Dessert. Kids: Pizza and Chips. December 23 rd and December 30 th : There will be no Family Fellowship Supper due to the Christmas Holidays. Sunday School Attendance October 25 November 01 November 08 November Extended Teaching Care: December 6 th 8:10 a.m.: Denise Green, Lauren Harrison, Ben & Stephanie Meriweather, Wade & Brandi Henley, Michael & Amy Green 10:40 a.m.: Jeffrie Bruton, Tangie Blankenship, Jeff & Lauren Fox, Keith & Alanna Teeple. December 13 th 8:10 a.m.: Rhea & Kimberly Brown, Chad & Dallas Blankenship, Stephanie Johnson, Vicki Marshall, Al & Tonya Cox 10:40 a.m.: George & Tiffany Stone, Mike & Margaret Robinson, Jon & Miranda Maynard. December 20 th 8:10 a.m.: Summer & Brandon Blinson, Clayton & Kim Sullivan, Brent & Arian Waldrop, Rob & Shonda Morgan 10:40 a.m.: Liz Troxler, Leah Sheffield, Neal & Holly McCoy, Becky Sartor, Alice Scott. December 27 th 8:40 a.m. (One service at 9:00 a.m.): Mark & Ellen Bresee, Jason & Sheila Kelly, Reagan & Leigh Ann Wise. Welcome Centers: December 6 th Front: John and Delores Smith, Back: Tim and Sharon Miles December 13 th Front: Charles and Martha Warren, Back: Larry Chittom and Gerald Conaway December 20 th Front: Blue and Sue Logan Back: Terry Simons and Sue Abernethy December 27 th Front: Kenneth and Patsy Williams, Back: Lee and Kim Tutor. December WEEKLY AT A GLANCE December 4 North Mississippi Christmas Festival 7:00 p.m. December 5 North Mississippi Christmas Festival 7:00 p.m. December 6 Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. North Mississippi Christmas Festival 7:00 p.m. Page 3 December 13 Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Family Night at Christmas Fellowship Hall 5:00 p.m. December 20 Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Zamar Student Choir 3:30 p.m. Brief Service and Christmas Caroling 5:00 p.m. December 23 No Wednesday Activities December 24 Christmas Eve Lord s Supper Service, 5:30 p.m. December 24-25, January 01 Church Offices Closed December 27 Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. No Evening Service December 30 No Wednesday Activites Free Family Ice Skating, BancorpSouth Arena, 6:00 p.m. MONDAYS Mother s Day Out 8:30 a.m. - See notes on Page 4 Merrymakers 6:00 p.m. (14 th ) Trail Life 6:30 p.m. Weekly Budget Requirement Budget Received October 25 November 01 November 08 November 15 Required to Date Received to Date Building and Maintenance Fund Received 2015 $ 60, $ 71, $ 113, $ 68, $ 50, $2,802, $2,649, $ 125, Monthly Giving TUESDAYS Morning Stretch 9:00 a.m. WMU 11:15 a.m. (1 st & 15 th ) WEDNESDAYS (2 nd, 9 th, and 16 th ) Evening Meal 4:45 p.m. Library Open 5:00 p.m. Music and Missions 5:45 p.m. Mid-Week Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Student Revolution 6:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. THURSDAYS Mother s Day Out 8:30 a.m. - See notes on Page 4 Morning Stretch 9:00 a.m. FRIDAYS Parents Night Out 6:00-9:30 p.m. (11 th ) STAFF ON CALL In the event of an emergency, the minister on call can be reached at The ministers for the following weekends are: December 05-06: Tim Alexander, December 12-13: Aaron Tomes, December 19-20: David Langerfeld, December 26-27: David Smith.

Page 4 December 2015 PRESCHOOL NEWS A Night Like No Other! We will celebrate A Night Like No Other as we have a Happy Birthday, Jesus party for PNO on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 6:00-9:30 p.m. While you are out this month, your child(ren) will hear the Christmas story in a special way and watch a movie.

The deadline to reserve your spot to ensure proper childcare will be Sunday, December 6, 2015. Please call Tonya Cox at 348-2505 or 372-6592 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there!

4 Page 4 December 2015 PRESCHOOL NEWS A Night Like No Other! We will celebrate A Night Like No Other as we have a Happy Birthday, Jesus party for PNO on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 6:00-9:30 p.m. While you are out this month, your child(ren) will hear the Christmas story in a special way and watch a movie. We will enjoy eating birthday cake as we celebrate Jesus birth. Come dressed in warm pajamas and bring your pillow and/or stuffed animal. The cost is $15 per family for members and non-members. The deadline to reserve your spot to ensure proper childcare will be Sunday, December 6, Please call Tonya Cox at or with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there! Mother s Day Out will be taking a break for the holidays. We will be closed December 21 st - January 4 th. We will be open January 7 th at 8:30. We pray you have a safe and blessed holiday season. Merry Christmas! COME TO BETHLEHEM AND SEE Families of preschoolers, come and enjoy a fun night together! On Wednesday, December 9 th at 6:00 p.m. in the gym, we will have some Christmas crafts, some Christmas treats, and watch the Nativity story acted out. Please join us for this special preschool event. We look forward to seeing you there! We are in need of children s clothing, especially pants. We try to keep a supply of clothes in all preschool sizes in case of accidents. We have shirts in most sizes, but we very much need jeans/pants in sizes 12 month 5T, or even larger. If you have clothes that your child has outgrown and you need to get rid of, we will be glad to have them! a word to parents, from God But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10-11). Remember to keep Jesus the reason for the season in your home this year! Preschool M&M s Holiday Schedule Dec. 2 Regular M&M s Dec. 9 Christmas Crafts Dec. 16 Regular M&M s Dec. 23 No M&M s Dec. 30 No M&M s DAY SCHOOL NEWS The HARRISBURG DAY SCHOOL children and teachers invite the church family to their Christmas Program on Tuesday, December 15 th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The children will be singing their Christmas songs and the Kindergarten class will portray the Nativity. We would love to see you there. HOLIDAY CLOSURES FOR THE HARRISBURG DAY SCHOOL: The Day School will be closed for Christmas holidays Thursday and Friday, December 24 th - 25 th. We will reopen on Monday, December 28 th. We hope all of our families and our church family will have a Blessed Christmas! Our New Year s holiday will be Friday, January 1 st. We will reopen after New Year s on Monday, January 4 th.

December 2015 Page 5 CHILDREN S NEWS FAMILY ADVENT WREATH FELLOWSHIP Sunday, November 29 th ; 5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Enjoy a special time with your family during this church wide fellowship as you create your own Advent Wreath to use throughout the season.

December M&M s Schedule: December 2 nd All Music 4 th - 6 th Grade - Festival Rehearsal 1 st - 3 rd - Regular M&M s December 9 th M&M s Christmas Party and Craft Night (Regular

!!! Bring your family and skate the night away at the BancorpSouth Arena. Wednesday, December 30 th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Children s Worship will resume in February with an exciting new theme. CENTRI-KID REGISTRATION will begin in January!

STUDENT NEWS DISCIPLE NOW Reset - JANUARY 15-17, 2016 - $25 Deposit due by December 9 th. YOUth PRAYer BREAKfast! Thursdays @ 6:46 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring money for Breakfast!

Bible Study, Worship, Fellowship & Games! Bring your Bible and your friends!

5 December 2015 Page 5 CHILDREN S NEWS FAMILY ADVENT WREATH FELLOWSHIP Sunday, November 29 th ; 5:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Enjoy a special time with your family during this church wide fellowship as you create your own Advent Wreath to use throughout the season. All supplies (and easy-to-follow instructions) will be provided. You will also receive a devotional guide to use as you celebrate Advent by lighting a candle each week. December M&M s Schedule: December 2 nd All Music 4 th - 6 th Grade - Festival Rehearsal 1 st - 3 rd - Regular M&M s December 9 th M&M s Christmas Party and Craft Night (Regular Schedule) December 16 th M&M s Caroling December 23 rd No M&M s, Merry Christmas! December 30 th No M&M s ICE SKATING PARTY A FREE night of family fun!!!! Bring your family and skate the night away at the BancorpSouth Arena. Wednesday, December 30 th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Kids must be accompanied by an adult. We had a great semester of CHILDREN S WORSHIP participating in Adventures in Science. Thanks so much to all of the volunteers who help each week. Children s Worship will resume in February with an exciting new theme. CENTRI-KID REGISTRATION will begin in January! This year we will attend Centri-Kid Camp at Shocco Springs Conference Center, June 27 th - July 1 st. Watch the mail for details. STUDENT NEWS DISCIPLE NOW Reset - JANUARY 15-17, $25 Deposit due by December 9 th. YOUth PRAYer BREAKfast! 6:46 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring money for Breakfast! Student-led devotional and prayer time. Transportation to schools is provided. STUDENT REVOLUTION! 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays! All YOUth Grades Bible Study, Worship, Fellowship & Games! Bring your Bible and your friends! SUPER SUMMER 2016 Covenant Signature form, Testimony Worksheet, 3 sets of Scripture Memory, 2 References and $50 Deposit due. Follow Requirements Timeline! UPCOMING STUDENT MINISTRY EVENTS! November 30 th Super Summer $50 Deposit due December 2 nd - 9 th Disciple Now Sign-up $25 Deposit due December 16 th - All Students CHRISTmas Party January 2-4, Generation Passion Conference Atlanta (Srs 16 & College) January 15-17, Disciple Now!

6 Page 6 December 2015 HBC Goal: 87,000.00

December 2015 RECREATION / SENIOR ADULT NEWS CHRISTMAS CAROLING Sunday, December 20 th, 5:00 p.m. Come join us for a brief Sunday evening worship and then caroling to many different families.

If you know of a person that we might carol to, contact David Smith,231-4944, by Wednesday, December 16 th.

7 December 2015 RECREATION / SENIOR ADULT NEWS CHRISTMAS CAROLING Sunday, December 20 th, 5:00 p.m. Come join us for a brief Sunday evening worship and then caroling to many different families. If you know of a person that we might carol to, contact David Smith, , by Wednesday, December 16 th. Page 7 CHRISTMAS CAROLING Sunday, December 20 th, 5:00 p.m. Come join us for a brief Sunday evening worship and then caroling to many different families. If you know of a person that we might carol to, contact David Smith, , by Wednesday, December 16 th. HOLIDAY SCHEDULE The Rec Facilities will be closed all day December 24 th - 26 th, December 31 st at 5:30 p.m., and all day January 1 st. Gym will open from 1:30-9:00 p.m. each day, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday when school is out. Day School has the Gym all day on Wednesdays. BASKETBALL Check out the scheduled games in our gym on the Church Web Page. There are three games each night, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and four to six games on Saturdays. MORNING STRETCH Come in from the cold and join warm friendly faces on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00-9:45 a.m. in the gym. We gather to stretch our body and spirit with simple exercise and laughter! Friends are invited. REC FACILITIES Gym Open Play: (Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri: 2:30-9:30 p.m) (Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.); Fitness Room: Mon thru Fri, 7:00 a.m. 9:30 p.m., (Parents Night Out, Friday, December 11 th ), Sat, 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Call the Rec Desk for a up to date schedule FITNESS ROOM AUTHORIZATION Authorization will be done on as needed basis. Contact David Smith Children 7 th and 8 th Grade can come with their parents. Ninth graders can get their own ID. MERRYMAKERS Christmas Banquet Monday, December 14 th, 6:00 p.m. Special guest will be Lauren Kitchens from American Family Radio. Deadline for tickets is Sunday, December 6 th. These tickets are available ($10) at the church office or by calling David Smith at Transportation provided by calling or texting by Monday, December 7 th. MORNING STRETCH Come in from the cold and join warm friendly faces on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:00-9:45 a.m. in the gym. We gather to stretch our body and spirit with simple exercise and laughter! Friends are invited. NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH We pick up on Sunday mornings this fall for 8:30 a.m. Worship, 9:45 a.m. Sunday School, and 11:00 a.m. Worship. We take home after Sunday School, and after second Worship. Call David Smith to arrange pickup route. SHEPHERD S CENTER Seniors Serving Seniors Thursday, December 17 th, at All Saints Episcopal Church, Tupelo, 9:00-11:00 a.m. This is for everyone in our community 50+. Contact Dot Rieves or church office for more information. BIRTHDAY PARTIES Contact David Smith or come by the Rec Desk and pick up an updated brochure to see how you can reserve a party. SECURITY WALKERS December 6 th 8:15 am - 9:30 am Phil Swords 9:45 am - 10:45 am Dan Purnell 11:00 am - Noon Jack Clark December 13 th 8:15 am - 9:30 am Bryan Tanner 9:45 am - 10:45 am Ronnie Russell 11:00 am - Noon Keith Kyker December 20 th 8:15 am - 9:30 am Billy Earl Gordon 9:45 am - 10:45 am Robert Yarber 11:00 am - Noon Frank Kessler December 27 th (Holiday Schedule) 9:00 am - 10:00 am Ricky Metcalfe 10:15 am - 11:15 am George Hand

What s Happening at Harrisburg DEACON ELECTION The following men have been elected to begin serving as Active Deacons on January 1, 2016: Jack Clark, Bill Duke, Charlie Estes, Alan Flowers, Kenneth

8 What s Happening at Harrisburg DEACON ELECTION The following men have been elected to begin serving as Active Deacons on January 1, 2016: Jack Clark, Bill Duke, Charlie Estes, Alan Flowers, Kenneth Greer, George Hand, Ben Meriweather, III, Randy Morgan, Brian Riggs, Jon Simmons, Charles Warren, Scott Williamson, and Reagan Wise. PRAY FOR OUR SEARCH COMMITTEES Pastor Search Committee: Bobby Smith, Chairman; Bill Collins, Helen Hancock, Mickey Holliman, Ross Loftin, Roseanne McPherson, Sandra Ray and Jessica Roy; Student Representatives: Taylor Fikes and Ross Weeden. Minister to Students Search Committee: Tim Brown, Chairman; Shannon Carter, Scott Cochran, Theresa Grisham, Brian McCoy, Brian Riggs and Lee Stratton. Daily Devotion Would you like to receive a devotion in your inbox each weekday to encourage you as you live the Christian life? David Langerfeld sends out a devotional thought each weekday that is free to anyone who requests it. To receive the Daily Encourager, send a request to dlangerfeld@harrisburgonline.org. JOINING BY LETTER: Paul Bouchillon, Susan Bouchillon, Mary Jennings Bouchillon, Austin Bouchillon, Davis Bouchillon, Elizabeth Bouchillon, NEW MEMBERS Harrisburg Baptist Church 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd. Tupelo, MS The Herald is published monthly by Harrisburg Baptist Church 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo, MS USPS Periodical postage paid at Tupelo, MS POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Harrisburg Baptist Church 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo MS harrisburgonline.org

Our Pastor Writes. Page 2 June 2018

Our Pastor Writes. Page 2 June 2018 Page 2 June 2018 Our Pastor Writes by Rev. Rob Armstrong, Senior Pastor By the grace of God I was saved when I was 7 years old. I remember it vividly, it was the week of Vacation Bible School at Pinelake