First Baptist Church East Martinsville Advancing the Kingdom Through Partnerships Luke 5:1-11 F I R S T B A P T I S T M E S S E N G E R

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1 First Baptist Church East Martinsville Advancing the Kingdom Through Partnerships Luke 5:1-11 December 2011 F I R S T B A P T I S T M E S S E N G E R F r o m t h e P a s t o r s P e n I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Announcements A Word from Lady Whitfield 2 3 Save the Date 4 Prayer Request/ Birthdays 5 Grace Network 6 Spotlight: Just Because Ministry 7 Safety Tip 7 Reflections 8- Puzzle 9 F.B.C. Deacons 10 You re Invited! 11 No One Can Steal Christmas Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. There is a scene from the 1966 Christmas Holiday special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In that animated special, the Grinch who lives in a cave on a Mount Crumpit, sets out to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville by stealing all of their presents late one Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning the Grinch leans in as he stands on a perch of the mountain to hear what he expects to be silence. He s shocked by the sound of the Whos singing a joyous song about Christmas, signifying that Christmas has arrived. My favorite part is when the Grinch reflects out loud with his dog Max. The Grinch says this: It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags! Yes, the Grinch is correct! Christmas comes without all of the hoopla of shopping, presents and other traditions! It s amazing to me that the Grinch can still move me through his anger, fear, revenge, surprise, joy and ultimately love. At Christmas we celebrate our greatest gift our gateway to eternal life. No matter what we will or will not get under a tree or wrapped tied with a bow, we should be the happiest we have ever been because of the gift of the child born wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Pastor Whitfield The birth of Jesus should make us forever thankful and grateful. It also sends us into action on behalf of children, to teach them that Christmas should not be about our getting, but about WHO we have already received JESUS CHRIST. Thanks be to God for the child who came to save us all This is something that no one can STEAL from us!!! Merry Christmas, Pastor Whit

2 P a g e 2 F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h Dinner will be served! The Watch Night Services in African-Americans communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as Freedom s Eve. On that night, African-Americans came together in churches and private homes all across the Nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law! At the stoke of midnight on January 1, 1863, all slaves were declared, by law, as free! When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Ever since, African-Americans have gathered in churches annually on New Years Eve praising God for bringing us safely through another year! Pastor Whitfield s 14th Anniversary February 5, 2011 Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. - Job 4:3-4 (NIV)

3 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 P a g e 3 A W O R D F R O M F I R S T L A D Y W H I T F I E L D Greetings First B Family!! Sometimes the Lord has a way of teaching us a life lesson in the most unique places. My lesson was learned while sitting in my Anatomy class. I came to class prepared and ready to listen to yet another lecture, when several of my classmates began whining and complaining to the teacher. They complained about needing extra credit in order to pass the class, wanting to skip an entire section so we would not have to attend class during Thanksgiving week, and whined about being overwhelmed this semester. The teacher listened to their concerns and advised the class he would see what he could do. We then proceeded to begin class as usual, and about midway through the lecture the teacher decided to pause and give the class a 35 minute break. We had covered a lot of material and he felt we needed a break before proceeding. Again, my fellow classmates began complaining. They didn t understand the need for such a long break before continuing with the lecture. After the break was over, only six of us remained in the class. When the teacher returned to the classroom he was astonished that the majority of the class had decided to leave (mindful that the whining classmates were among those who left). The teacher advised that he gave us a long break so that we would have an opportunity to relax our minds before continuing with the final portion of lecture. He then informed us that he had something great for the six of us that decided to endure the entire lecture. He proceeded to give us information that would enable us to pass the next test with ease. After leaving class I reflected on the days events. I thought about the complainers/ whiners, and how they all left because the break was too long; but I also thought about the test information that was given to those of us that endured the entire class. The lesson I learned: there is a blessing in enduring to the end. Often times in life we give up too quickly, we throw in the towel because we are tired. We get frustrated because God doesn t answer our prayers or come to our rescue when we want Him to. (God s pauses/breaks frustrate us) We frequently feel that our situations are overwhelming. Today I encourage you, don t give up, don t quit instead endure to the end! What does it mean to endure? It means to last, to be durable. Endurance goes hand in hand with longsuffering and patience. It simply means to hang on to your faith until God comes to your rescue. Along the way we will get tired, we will even want to give up; but as I tell Chas and Charity, quitting is not an option. What s the benefit in enduring to the end? There is a GREAT blessing if we endure. Not only will we be blessed, but what we learn during the enduring process will enhance our Christian walk! During the process we grow in God s grace and knowledge. Yes, life does bring problems, great and small. Sometimes our hardships can last for years and it seems as if there will be no end. However, remember the race is not given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who endureth to the end! Saints hold on! It s going to be alright!

4 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 P a g e 4 December 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Just Because 12:00pm Usher s Christmas F.B.C. Christmas Program & 3pm F.B.C. New Years January 2012 Eve 10:30 pm Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Leadership 6:30 pm Leadership 8:30 am Save the Date! -Pastor s Anniversary-February 5, 2011

5 P a g e 5 F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h Bro. Anthony Dillard (VA Beach) Sis. Ressie Beamer (Blue Ridge) Sis. Leutisha Hairston (Blue Ridge) Bro. Jamarr Kirby (Home) Rev. McArthur Clark (Stanleytown) Sis. Anita Hairston (Home) Sis. Dorothy Scott (Home) Sis. Ressie Beamer (Blue Ridge) Sis. Louise Martin (Home) Bro. Jim Linthicum (Home) Bro. Ronnie Ramey (Golden Living) Sis. Geneva Penn (Hospital) Sis. Mattie Freeman (Hospital) Sis. Willie Mae Geter (Home) Blue Ridge Nursing Home 300 Blue Ridge Street Martinsville, VA Golden Living Center 1607 Spruce Street Ext. Martinsville, VA Stanleytown Healthcare Center Nursing Home State Rte 682 & 57-A Stanleytown, VA December Michael Harvey 12/1 Larry Hodge 12/3 K Sime Millner 12/4 De Jah Williams 12/4 Elexis Dandridge 12/9 Ardaith Winslow 12/9 Keenan Turner 12/12 Marla Eldridge 12/12 Renee Brown 12/12 Kenneth Devin 12/21 Brooklyn King 12/21 Roger Epps 12/24 Janette Smith 12/24 Patricia Walton 12/25 Alexis Wood 12/30 Benjamin Hairston 12/31 VA Beach Rehab Center 1801 Camelot Drive VA Beach, VA January Blanche Scott 1/4 Brenda Hampton 1/5 Marquerite Wilson 1/8 Alfreda Brown 1/8 Leslie Brooks 1/9 Bruno Hodge 1/9 Chas Whitfield 1/12 Wayne Moore 1/15 Morris Geter 1/15 Leslie Simmons 1/17 George Brown 1/18 Karen Carter 1/21 Ian Turner 1/23 Gorrell Webster 1/24 Sybil T. Worrell 1/25 Michelle Epps 1/29 February Brandon Dillard 2/3

6 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 P a g e 6 Grace Network is a place where people facing a crisis involving essential life needs can find help. They give short-term assistance, but they also want to help find long-term solutions. Grace Network provides the following: Provide financial assistance for essential life needs in a crisis. Help clients pay bills for housing, utilities and some related items. A choice food pantry. The pantry can provide 2 week s worth of food to a family. The client shops for their food selecting only the items their family will use. Their involvement with United Way s HOPE initiative in helping people to prepare their income taxes. Address 433 E. Commonwealth Blvd. Martinsville,VA gracenetworkmch@gmail.com Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am-12:30 pm Thursday - 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

7 P a g e 7 F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h The Just Because Ministry was formed under the name, The Senior Citizens Ministry. The establishment of this ministry began as a vision of Rev. Charles R. Whitfield in the spring of 2005 as a fellowship for mobile senior citizens. The ministry stemmed from the growing need of those persons having to deal with the pressure of working full-time jobs and caring for aging parents. The dedicated committee of volunteers that preside over this ministry are Dorothy Puddin Still, Debra Moore, Jan Smith, Ardys Winslow and Shelia Williams. These women plan the meetings, prepare meals for the ministry meetings and also plan and prepare meals for First Baptist Noon Day Revival services. In the past the Just Because Ministry has taken a trips to Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. They take an annual trip up to Lovers Leap and then travel up to the Farmers Market for fall mums and vegetables. The next Just Because Ministry gathering will be Dec. 12, 2011 at the Parrish House for a Christmas Dinner. The Just Because Ministry will be sponsoring a spring trip to Niagara Falls, Canada and the Sights and Sounds Theatre in Lancaster Pa. to see the play JONAH. To be a part of the ministry, please contact Dorothy Puddin Still at , or speak with one of the committee members. Please note that you do not have to be a member of First Baptist to be a part of this ministry! Safety Tip: Winter Home Heating Safety More home fires happen during the winter months. Heating devices and household appliances that are fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or wood can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Some simple things to protect ourselves are: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home and check the batteries every month Remember that space heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heater When using a wood burning fire place, make sure to have a glass front or screen to catch flying sparks and rolling logs. Purchase an ABC multipurpose fire extinguisher for your home; learn how to use it and check it yearly to be sure it s working.

8 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 P a g e 8 Sunday School & Youth Workers Conference The Conference was held on October here at 1st Baptist Church. There were delegates attending from the Martinsville area, Roanoke, Eden, NC, Petersburg, and as far as Macon, GA. There was a great emphasis on Youth Ministry & Sunday School training that's relevant for the 21st Century. Our presenters were: Pastor Whitfield, Pastor Derek Dumas, Pastor John Faison, Pastor Carl Keith, Pastor Carl Goodman, Karen Goodman, Dr. Milton Liverman & Dr. James Coleman of VA University of Lynchburg brought greetings on behalf of the school. A special "Thank You" goes out to all of the volunteers who made this Conference a success! We hope to see you again in 2012! Virginia State Usher s Fellowship The 28 th Annual Session of the Virginia State Usher s Fellowship was held on November 5, 2011 at Moral Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Axton, Virginia. Youth Voices of Praise rendered the music for the closing ceremony, and the First Baptist Church praise dancers ministered through dance! Associate Minister Matthew Brown preached the Word. Job well done to F.B.C. Ushers, Youth and Minister Brown for their participation at this wonderful convention! Women s Day First Baptist Church celebrated our annual Women s Day with a breakfast on Saturday, November 19, We enjoyed music by Psalmist Demetria Dillard and heard a powerful Word from Elder Angela Dones. We concluded Saturday s event with a delicious breakfast prepared by the men of First Baptist, while the youth served attendees. On Sunday, the speaker was Dr. Michelle McQueen-Williams from First Baptist Church, South Richmond, Virginia. She spoke on being Fit for the Master s Use. The Women s Day choir, under the direction of Minister Tamika Grogans, rendered the music. Thanks to the Women s Day Committee for all their hard work!

9 P a g e 9 F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h On October 14, 2011, members and friends of First Baptist Church set sail on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line s Monarch of the Sea. The trip began with an All White First Baptist Meet and Greet Affair in which all members and friends, dressed head-to-toe in white, introduced themselves and fellowshipped together. Later that evening, the group enjoyed a 4-course group dinner with Pastor Whitfield and First Lady Whitfield. Baptist members and friends enjoyed a Nassau Island. Tour guides provided ture of Nassau as they passed by histori- visited Fort Fincastle, the Queen s Stair- to name a few! One of the highlights of Fish Fry, which is a famous location as fried fish and conch salad. Later that in their finest attire and enjoyed another On the second cruise day, First taste of the Bahamas during a tour of information on the rich history and culcal buildings and landmarks. The group case, and the luxurious Atlantis Resort the Nassau tour was the Arawak Cay known to locals for native delicacies such evening, the First Baptist group dressed 4-course dinner aboard the ship. Matthew 18:20 reads, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. On Sunday morning Pastor Whitfield and the First Baptist Church family held church on the ship. The service was open to all on the ship. Numerous cruisers attended the service in which Min. Tamika Whitfield and Min. Matthew Brown directed a wings over Jordan choir that consisted of members and non-members singing for the glory of God, and Pastor Whitfield preached the Word of God while the ship sailed the beautiful ocean. The ship returned to the Port Canaveral, Florida on Monday morning. While First Baptist members and friends left the ship and returned home, memories of the fun and fellowship aboard the Monarch of the Sea also left with them!

10 P a g e 10 F i r s t B a p t i s t C h u r c h Deacon James Hampton: I believe that being a deacon is a spiritual position chosen by God to serve His people and work as a servant. Being a deacon goes beyond the walls of the church. You should be an example to others in the community by witnessing and helping any way you can. Deacon Merideth Jeffress: A deacon is a person that is appointed and accepted by the pastor and the members. A person who is qualified to render a spiritual service to the members and act as an overseer or assistant to the pastor. A deacon helps to make sure things run smoothly at the church. They should have a good relationship with the pastor and the members, and aspired to do God s will and to study the Word. Deacon Donald Kirby: I believe that being a deacon requires Christian devotion. You have to understand that it is not about us but about God! You have to look at situations through the eyes of God not man. Being a deacon means being able to understand change and accept it even when it is different than your traditional belief. Being a deacon makes me feel worthy. Deacon James Noel: It is an honor to be appointed as a deacon. It is being an assistant to the pastor. When situations arise you are called to assist the pastor in various ways. You should be well trained and qualified to hold the position. A good deacon studies the Bible, knows the Word, prays and would be able to teach Bible study. A deacon is always ready to assist his pastor and to be a good example to others and please

11 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 V o l u m e 1, I s s u e 6 P a g e 11 P a g e 11 Guest of Honor: Jesus Christ Date: December 25th, 2011 (He s always around so the date is flexible!) Time: Whenever you re ready! Place: In your heart...he ll meet you there! (You ll hear him knock!) Attire: Come as you are! (Although He said something about new white robes and crowns for all who stay til the last) Tickets: Free! He has already paid for everyone!( It cost Him everything He had) Gift Suggestions: Your life R.S.V.P. is very important! He s keeping a list for future reference!

12 F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H M E S S E N G E R F I R S T B A P T I S T C H U R C H E A S T M A R T I N S V I L L E E A S T C H U R C H S T R E E T M A R T I N S V I L L E, V A P H O N E : F A X : F B C G M A I L. C O M R E V. C H A R L E S R. W H I T F I E L D, M. D I V ; D. D., P A S T O R We are partners with God in His Kingdom Ministries Deacon-Bro. James Hampton, Chairman One in the Spirit-Min T. Grogans, Min. L. Allen, Sis C. Whitfield Deaconess-Sis. Leora Hampton, President Senior Ushers-Sis. Katherine Hairston, President Senior Missionary-Sis. Virginia L. Hairston Junior Ushers-Sis. Sheila Williams, Advisor Junior Missionary-Sis. Marie Jones, President Sanctuary Choir-Sis. Scharlean David, President Willing Workers-Sis. Artis Law, President Youth Voices of Praise-Min. Tamika Grogan, Director Youth-Sis. Ardys Winslow, Sis. Tiffany Neamo, Co Directors Male Chorus-Bro. James Hampton, President Transportation-Bro. James Hampton, President Praise Dance Sis. India Dillard, Sis. Ardaith Winslow