DECEMBER 2017 The Messenger VOLUME 60 NO. 12 Pastor - Dr. Eric Spano Youth and Children - Bobby Vann Dear MPBC family and friends, I can write this note with a clear conscience because last night we ushered in the Christmas season with our Hanging of the Greens service. Matthew and Amy did an outstanding job preparing the choir and the choir did an amazing job with their songs! Thank you MPBC for making Hanging of the Greens such a wonderful church experience. So, my family thinks that I am a scrooge when it comes to Christmas. That s not necessarily true; let me explain. I am a scrooge when it comes to beginning to celebrate Christmas way too early. I am sorry I can only take about 2 weeks or so of Christmas music, not 8! For me, once we get past the second week in December, I start to get excited about Christmas and the traditions my family have established. For example, I love the tradition we started many years ago. My Dad sends us a honey-baked ham every year around Christmas. So, what we do is, we worship together during the Christmas Eve service and head to the house and enjoy the ham with many trimmings. Then we spend the evening arguing about whether we (I), will let the kids open one present on Christmas Eve, to which I give in. For me, Christmas Eve service is a priority. Worship first, all the other stuff second. I encourage you to make our Christmas Eve service at 6pm a priority for your family. It is casual, laid back, but intimate and worshipful. It s also the perfect service to invite an unchurched family member and/or friend. Did you know that most families in America still associate Christmas with going to church? Wow! That s opportunity! We are excited to visit with the 6 Cokes on Sunday December 10 th during our morning worship service. This is a part of our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering emphasis on International Missions. Also, Sunday night December 10 th at 6pm, Dr. Ken Kessler will be here to help us celebrate what God has done during our Share and Prayer Triplets. If you were a part of a Prayer Triplet (or quad) we really need you to be here for this most important time. Of course, if you were not on a Triplet, you are still welcome to join us. We have lots going on this month, so make sure that you stay connected by visiting us at www.mpbcroanoke.com for all the latest happenings. I want to thank all of our volunteers who tirelessly serve the Lord through MPBC. You all are the best and it is because of you that MPBC may not be the biggest church, but we can be the best! From my family and I, we wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God grant you the desires of your heart as your heart is turned toward Him. Gratefully yours, Pastor Eric
Dear Church Family, I hope that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving as much as I enjoyed mine! As we approach Christmas I am excited for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior with you! This month we have more than a few opportunities for you and your family to plug in and worship with us! Take a look at all of the different events coming up, invite a friend and join us as we express thanks to our great God! Merry Christmas! In Christ, Bobby COMING UP December 1 Friday Night Friends Remember the bus leaves at 5:45pm! 3 Hanging of the Greens This Sunday at 6pm is our annual Hanging of the Greens service. 15 GEN246 Christmas Party! At the Logans from 6-9pm. Bring a baked good or snack to share, wear your tackiest Christmas sweater, & remember to bring a wrapped gift under $10 for the game! 17 Christmas Caroling at 6pm. Join us for an evening of ministering to those in our community through song! We will gather at the church afterwards to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies together. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service at 6pm. We will hold a candlelight worship service. 27 No Wednesday Evening services; enjoy the holiday with your family!! January 31 XFUGE on Mission to Carson Newman University in Tennessee June 18-22. The total cost is $287 with a non-refundable $50 deposit due by Wednesday January 31. Sign up on the Gen246 bulletin board and secure your spot today! See Bobby with any questions. Find more information online! www.mpbcroanoke.com/youth-generation246.html
AS sk eek nock Matthew 7:7 Peace with GOD Joy in Living MatthewPurpose 7:7 for each Day Boundless Love Celebrate Your Own Nativity! You, too, can be BORN AGAIN! By the Spirit of GOD! John 3:3 A S K ROOM Ministry Make appointment with Ms. Shirley Call & Leave Message At Church Office: 427-5494 At Shirley's home: 427-4954 Our Deacons will be accepting names this year for food basket recipients through December 10. The neighborhood food bag collection will be: distribution of bags on Saturday December 2, and food donation pickup on Saturday December 9. The food baskets will be delivered on Saturday December 16. Please see one of our deacons with any questions about sponsoring a family this year or if you would be able to help on any of these days. He that hath a bountiful eye will be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Proverbs 22:9 Healing: Physical-Emotional-Answers in making decisions Recreational / Respite Ministry Program for Special Needs Children & their Families Dec. 1 6:30 9:00pm Cave Spring Baptist Church F.L.C. Carpool leaves MPBC at 5:45pm Free Medically Staffed VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (Medical or Non-Medical) Brad & Laura Kelly NOTICE: The church office will be closed on the following Mondays: December 25 and January 1 There is a Sunday School class for everyone here at MPBC! Benjamin & Kendra Sotherden Fellowship and friends for life! Join us! Sunday Mornings at 9:30 We would like to welcome our new MPBC family.
Cecil A. Dec 01 Judy T. Dec 01 Cathy Fr. Dec 02 Ethan Tr. Dec 04 Ezekiel Ex Dec 05 Brianna Ro. Dec 05 Andrew He. Dec 07 Kassie S. Dec 08 Kinsey D. Dec 15 Kaylynn W. Dec 15 Ona E. Dec 16 Taylor He. Dec 20 Helen Gr. Dec 21 Nathaniel H. Dec 23 Lisa B. Dec 24 Gary D. Dec 27 Reva H. Dec 28 Pauline H. Dec 29 Come and enjoy our Christian fellowship and exercise in the Family Life Center. Mon. evenings Wed. mornings Dec. 3 Dec 17 Bring your Christmas cards and let us deliver them for you! All we ask is a 25 donation for each card. Please remember our homebound and nursing home members, too. Collections will be on Sundays and Wednesdays, or you can drop them off at the church office during regular office hours. For questions please see Pat Sink, Dee Burks or Patty Cronk. 5:30-6:15pm 10:00-11:00am Please call the church office if you have any questions. See you there! Church Lock-up Schedule 12/03 Monte M. 12/10 David D. 12/17 Todd R. 12/24 John B. 12/31 John L. BUSINESS MEETING Wednesday December 20 at 7pm Come join us as we minister in song! Lottie Moon Bake Sale Sunday December 10 Please support our kids and purchase some baked goodies. All proceeds will go to support our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Baked with Love for a Cause! To preorder cookies or cakes Contact Melinda D., Gina S. By Sunday Dec 3. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sunday December 24 at 6pm Children bring your coins/cash and light a bulb on the MPBC Lottie Moon Wreath! This is a fun fundraiser for children that will get them involved in learning about Lottie Moon and missions. Our goal is to get all the bulbs lit. For question please see Pat Sink. INFANTS 12/03 Kathleen S. & Alyson N. 12/10 Christie R. & Jennifer R. 12/17 Monte & Libbie M. 12/24 Michelle D. & Heather Wr. 12/31 Pat S. & Patty C. TODDLERS 12/03 Melinda & Aaron D. 12/10 Suzanne E. & Dee B. 12/17 Jill & Gretchen M. 12/24 April & Brandon F. 12/31 Bonnie B. & Reva & Randall PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN 12/03 Jennifer & Emma R. 12/10 Melanie & Brian D. 12/17 Joyce L. & Connie A. 12/24 Meredith & Ethan S. 12/31 Dee, Sierra & Sienna CHILDREN'S WORSHIP 12/10 Sonya L. & Julie E. 12/24 Cindy W. & Ethan T. WED - INFANT & TODDLER CARE 12/06 Bonnie B. & Diana W. 12/13 Jennifer R. & Lori T. 12/20 Gina S. & Kayla T. Sunday December 3 at 6pm
Growing Up Reaching Out 3000 Pitzer Road Roanoke, VA 24014 www.mpbcroanoke.com 540-427-5494 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9am - 4pm MPBC office email: mpbcoffice@mpbc.roacoxmail.com