Mountain Brook Baptist Church Monthly Guide OCTOBER 2017
A MESSAGE FROM DR. DORTCH Keep Seeking That We May Prosper This season of the year is for many the most beautiful. The fall colors bursting out all around us are a palette from which only God could create a masterpiece. Who among us isn t inspired by this range of remarkable hues so that we are reminded that this world we live in is truly a special place? If someone isn t so inspired, he needs to open his eyes; he doesn t know what he s missing. Unfortunately, there are a lot of folk who fall into that category because their focus is locked in on the mundane and they have allowed the beauty of what God is about in this world to go undetected. Even worse, while they might think they are attending effectively to the business at hand, they are actually missing out on the opportunity to experience something that can take one s breath away, and then give it back again. Last fall, our church adopted a Vision 2020 plan, which was the culmination of much thoughtful conversation around the question of God s mission for our church. As you ll remember, our plan landed on six areas of emphasis that we said were critical not only to our church s effectiveness but also to our church s faithfulness. Those areas were: Worship, Outreach, Discipleship, Missions, Fellowship, and Structures. In case you forgot, our thumbnail proposals were: We worship God; We share Christ; We follow Jesus; We serve others; We love one another; and We make ministry possible. MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 3
Introduction (Continued) This past year has seen a number of initiatives generated from our Vision 2020 plan, and this coming year more are on the way! But whereas our 2017 ministry budget required us to cobble funds from various ministry accounts to implement these initiatives, our 2018 plan demands that we be more intentional in funding our mission. With that in mind, our Finance Committee has recommended a proposed ministry budget of $3,347,719, which is a modest 1.28% increase over our 2017 budget. The Deacons have joined the Finance Committee in adopting this recommendation, and this month the church will have the chance to weigh in as well. We will have a churchwide discussion of the plan on Wednesday night, October 4, at 6pm in Heritage Hall. Then the church will vote on the recommendation at both morning services on October 15. I hope you will be present for the conversation and vote so that you might show your commitment to making our Vision 2020 plan become a reality. Following the budget adoption, we ll begin a stewardship emphasis around the theme, Keep Seeking That We May Prosper. Our text for the emphasis will be 2 Chronicles 26:5, where it says of the young King Uzziah, who ascended the throne of Judah at the tender age of sixteen: As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success. There is clearly a correlation between looking to God for guidance and direction and enjoying His favor as we follow His lead. So, hear this word on our upcoming budget conversation and adoption as involving much more than numbers and institutional 4 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
Introduction (Continued) necessities. Hear it as God s call to move forward into the good future He has for us to know and as our faithful response to it. Our church has always been a place where good things have happened and the cause of Christ has prospered. But there s even more for us to accomplish. So, let s seek God together so that we might be staggered at the beauty He brings about and inspired to do and give all we can that both the cause of Christ and Mountain Brook Baptist Church might prosper. Dr. Doug Dortch SENIOR MINISTER MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 5
Events & Small Groups CHURCHWIDE Combined Worship & Minister Appreciation Reception Sunday, October 29 9-11am On Sunday, October 29, we ll have a combined worship service at 10am in the sanctuary. Sunday Morning Bible Study will meet at 9am. Following the combined worship service, please join us in Hudson Hall for our Minister Appreciation Reception. MBBC Trunk or Treat Sunday, October 29 4-6pm Trunk or Treat is Sunday, October 29 from 4-6pm. We ll have food, fun, festivities, and a chance to reach out to others in our community! Here are some ways that you can help: Trunks: We are looking for lots of volunteers to decorate their vehicles and provide an interactive experience for the kids! Email Mary Splawn (mary@mbbc.org) if you d like to sign up. Candy Donations: We are asking for donations of candy for our Trunk or Treat event. Look for collection tubs in the reception area. Donations are due by October 25. Set Up and Clean Up: Email Mary Splawn (mary@mbbc.org) if you can help set up or clean up. Cooks On A Mission Cooking dates every Friday in October, 8am-4pm Our monthly sale is on Wednesday, October 18 from 2-6:30pm. In October, we ll offer Cuban Black Beans and Rice with Roasted Pork, Sweet Potato Biscuits, and Red Beans and Rice with Ham and Conecuh Sausage. Proceeds will benefit local missions projects. 6 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
For more events visit us online at mbbc.org/events Thanksgiving Collection for Perry County Collection begins Sunday, October 22 We will be collecting Thanksgiving Bag items for Perry County. Drop off your items in the designated box underneath the Grand Staircase. We need the following canned items: green beans, sweet potatoes, pie filling. We are also collecting boxes of Stove Top Stuffing. We will deliver these on November 16 - please plan to go with us to Perry County to deliver the bags. Contact Jo Wills (jo@taxspecialist.com) for more information. Grief Support Class Day and time TBD We ll have another Grief Support Class this fall (day and time are TBD). The purpose of this class is to comfort, encourage, and support those experiencing grief after the death of a spouse, family member, or friend. If you are interested in participating, contact Mary Splawn (mary@mbbc.org). BOOK CLUBS 2nd Monday Book Club Monday, October 9 12pm Hudson Hall Our book for the month of October is Sports Rehabilitation and the Human Spirit. MBBC Book Club Monday, October 9 6pm Fireplace Room Our book for the month of October is Paul Miller s A Praying Life. Bring a snack and join us! MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 7
Events & Small Groups (Continued) WOMEN S MINISTRY Bible Studies Monday Morning Bible Study October 2, 16, 23, & 30 Heritage Hall 11:30am-12:45pm Priscilla Shirer s The Armor of God Monday Evening Bible Study October 9 & 23 Elizabeth Baker s home (3005 Canterbury Lane) 7-8pm Sandra Stanley s Comparison Trap Life Group Resumes Wednesday, October 18 Conference Room 6-7pm Share His Joy Our six-week series will continue through October 11! Here is the schedule: Wednesday, October 4 5:45-7pm Bracelet Making Session $10 Sunday, October 8 4-6pm Painting Session $20 Sunday, October 11 5:45-7pm Flower Arrangement Session $10 Come join us to learn a new skill and make something for yourself while also making an item to share with someone in need of encouragement. Register today at mbbc.org/sharehisjoy. Prayer Retreat Wednesday, November 8 8am-4pm Consider joining us for a day of reflection and meditation at the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in Cullman. It will be a day for fellowship, prayer, and quiet time. Cost is $9 (includes lunch). Email Mary Splawn (mary@mbbc.org) to sign up! 8 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
For more events visit us online at mbbc.org/events MEN S MINISTRY Sharpen Up Breakfast Tuesday, October 24 6:30-7:15am Heritage Hall The goal of the Sharpen Up ministry is to provide an opportunity for guys of all ages to gather together for a hearty breakfast, an encouraging message from God s Word, and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with other guys. CHILDREN S MINISTRY ELC Pumpkin Patch October 1-29 Monday Saturday 9:30-5:30pm Sunday 11:30am-5:30pm The pumpkins are here! Please plan to purchase your pumpkins in our patch to support the ELC. STUDENT MINISTRY Football Frenzy Friday, October 13 9:30-11:30pm Meet us after Friday night football for food, fellowship, and fun at Heather and Barry Brown s house (3140 N. Woodridge Road)! Invite your friends! Bus & BBQ Sunday, October 15 5-8pm mbbc.org/busandbbq Bus & BBQ is coming! We ll meet at MBBC to head out to Lake George, where we ll enjoy dinner provided by the Full Moon BBQ truck, along with worship and a campfire. Cost is $10. Register online (mbbc.org/busandbbq) and invite your friends! MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 9
Events & Small Groups (Continued) Student Ministry Sunday Sunday, October 29 This is a special Sunday in the life of our church where our Jr. and Sr. High students will participate in leading worship and in teaching several adult Sunday Morning Bible Study classes. ACTIVE CHRISTIAN LIVING ACTIVE Luncheon Thursday, October 12 11:30am Heritage Hall At our next luncheon, we ll hear from retired Samford professor and artist Dr. Lowell Vann. We ll also have the opportunity to view art created by our own MBBC members. Bring your pieces to share! October Day Trip to the Covered Bridge Arts & Music Festival Saturday, October 28 8:30am Oneonta We ll meet at the church to go to the 34th annual Covered Bridge Festival in Oneonta. Bring money for lunch; register by calling the church office! 10 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
FELLOWSHIP Meet Our New Members We are so excited to welcome our new members to Mountain Brook Baptist Church. In the following pages, you are going meet our new members and find out more about their faith journey.
FELLOWSHIP Meet Kasey Powell What led you to MBBC? A desire for community, fellowship, ministry, and service led me to MBBC. It was also close to my apartment in Mountain Brook, so I decided to give it a shot! What have you enjoyed the most about MBBC? I have enjoyed the people at MBBC more than anything. They made me feel welcome from the moment I first attended. How long have you been a Christian? What are you learning about God? I have been a Christian since I was 10 years old; however, I recently decided to devote my life again to Christ. I have learned the power of prayer and to turn towards God instead of away from Him in hard times. This ultimately led me to MBBC. Where were you born and raised? Tell us about your family. I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa. My parents are members of First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. I have a brother who lives in Hoover and attends Church of the Highlands. Where do you work or go to school? Where did you go to college? I m a CPA and work at JamisonMoneyFarmer PC in Birmingham/ Tuscaloosa. I attended the University of Alabama for undergrad and graduate school from 2008-2013. 12 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
Interested in joining MBBC? Talk to one of our staff members or find out more at mbbc.org/im-new My hobbies and interests are food, running, video games, movies/television, sports (especially college football and NFL). My favorite restaurant is Taco Casa. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Kasey Powell Joined MBBC September 21, 2017 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 13
FELLOWSHIP Meet Jean Nunnelley What led you to MBBC? I am from Anniston and I came here because my husband was sick and I needed help with him. He passed away a few years ago. My son and his family also live here and attend another church. I felt led to check out MBBC since I am Baptist. What have you enjoyed the most about MBBC? The people are so friendly and have been so nice to me. The ladies in the Hope Class welcomed me right away and made me feel right at home. How long have you been a Christian? I was raised in a church and baptized at a young age - I ve been a Christian since I was 9 years old. Where were you born and raised? Tell us about your family. I was born in north Alabama and at a young age we moved to Talladega County. After I was married, I moved to Anniston and lived there for many years. I have one son and five grandkids - four grandsons and one granddaughter! Where did you work? I started off doing some clerical work, but later I worked and taught disadvantaged adults through a federally funded program in the state to help people get off welfare and to help train those who had 14 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
Interested in joining MBBC? Talk to one of our staff members or find out more at mbbc.org/im-new lost their jobs. I worked there for many years and I learned a lot about people - it was very challenging but also very rewarding! My hobbies and interests are after I retired, I was invited to join a group of ladies who quilted every week, so that s been my latest hobby. My late husband and I also really enjoyed traveling. My favorite restaurant is Demetri s BBQ is my favorite restaurant here in Birmingham. My favorite restaurant back in Anniston is Classic on Noble. They have an amazing Sunday lunch buffet with over twenty desserts to choose from! My favorite Bible verse is I ve always gone back to John 3:16 - I think that pretty well sums it all up. Jean Nunnelley Joined MBBC September 21, 2017 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 15
MBBC Staff Members Dr. Doug Dortch SENIOR MINISTER doug@mbbc.org Mr. Vince Blackerby DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS vince@mbbc.org Mr. Joel Burks CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER joel@mbbc.org Dr. Kely Hatley MINISTER OF MUSIC AND ACTIVE CHRISTIAN LIVING kely@mbbc.org Mrs. Sharon Howard DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES sharon@mbbc.org Mr. Tim Sanderlin ASSOCIATE MINISTER TO STUDENTS tim@mbbc.org 16 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
Want to find out more about MBBC and our staff? Visit mbbc.org/staff Mrs. Mary Splawn MINISTER OF CONNECTIONS mary@mbbc.org Mr. Wayne Splawn ASSOCIATE MINISTER wayne@mbbc.org Mrs. Hayden Walker MINISTER TO STUDENTS hayden@mbbc.org MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE 17
Vision 2020 VISION 2020 WORSHIP We worship God. OUTREACH We share Christ. DISCIPLESHIP We follow Jesus. MISSIONS We serve others. FELLOWSHIP We love one another. STRUCTURES We make ministry possible. 18 MBBC MONTHLY GUIDE
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Love God. Live with Grace and Generosity. mbbc.org /mountainbrookbaptistchurch /mtnbrookbaptist 205.871.0331