A Monthly Publication of Live Oak First Baptist Church Phone # 210-656-8200 FAX # 210-656-0848 Web Site: http://www.liveoakfbc.org https://www.facebook.com/liveoakfirstbaptistchurch Donald Valenta, Pastor Paul Reavis, Minister of Music & Education Rachel Dorchester, Secretary Volume 20 December 2014 Number 12 Joined by Letter November 2, 2014 Paul Rigsby Kathy Rigsby WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS NOVEMBER 30 DECEMBER 7 2014 LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING National Goal: $175 Million Church Goal: $2,000 Given To Date: $195.00 From a song stage in Sweden to pregnancy health classes in Southeast Asia, International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries find creative and effective ways to meet people where they are. They are grateful for Southern Baptists prayers and gifts that make it possible to share Jesus with those who don t know Him. When you pray for missionaries and give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, you support a network that extends your outreach from our church to those without Christ. You become part of God s story around the world! The best story, of course, is written by the Author of all history. In His perfect plan to redeem all peoples, He continues to call His people to advance His gospel among all
nations. One hundred percent of the offering is used in this one sacred effort.
In the midst of all the challenges we face, this would be a good time to stop and relax in God s presence and reflect on what God is doing. The psalmist says Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Just think, God has provided us a Savior in Jesus Christ who is ever present to strengthen and help us. He has given us a loving church family who encourages us through prayer, fellowship, and worship. I personally have a supportive godly wife, children and grandchildren who bless my life immensely. I am deeply grateful to God for healing physically and spiritually. Our church is facing challenging times but God continues to provide, strengthen, and sustain us by His grace and power in our lives. I hope your life is filled with love, joy, peace, and thanksgiving during the holiday season. Remember, it s all about Jesus. Your Pastor, Brother Donald December 11 th at 11:30 a.m. In the Fellowship Hall For ages 50+ Join us for our Christmas potluck lunch. The Lively Oaks are providing the ham. Please bring a vegetable dish, dessert or salad to go with ham. Bring plenty as we will be treating the Judson Choir to lunch. December is my favorite month! Now I can stop ignoring all the Christmas stuff that has been in stores since before Halloween and start enjoying it. Christmas music is available on the radio 24/7 and I can enjoy the Christmas cds and tapes in my office! Our purpose needs to be to keep Christ in Christmas and not miss the real meaning of the coming of Christ into our world to redeem us of our sins and provide a way of salvation. Plan to be in church on the 14 th to hear our choir present We re glad You Came. On the 19 th, we will go to Kirby Baptist Church and sing the musical with their choir and enjoy a chili cook-off dessert bake-off afterwards. You are certainly welcome, but bring a dish of snacks or dessert. Our choir will be caroling on the river on the 20 th, so if you are downtown, give us a holler! The Lively Oaks will celebrate Christmas with a potluck lunch with our special guests from Judson High School. Hearing Cantate has become a tradition for us. Their music is really nice and they are outstanding teenagers. Plan to be at our Chrismas Eve service of candles and carols. This is another tradition that has changed over the years, but is a highlight of my Christmas season. As we traverse the days of December, keep Christ first and have quality family time. Paul Praise the Lord!! Thank you for all of your contributions. We collected a total of 46 shoe boxes and to date $325.00. Continue to pray for the children who will receive our gift of love and that they receive God s greater gift His Son.
Live Oak First Baptist Church. Non-Profit Org. 11560 Toepperwein Road U.S. Postage Live Oak, TX 78233-3199 Return Service Requested Dated Materials Please Deliver In Home by December 5, 2014 P A I D Universal City, TX 78148 Permit No. 9 providing the 2015 pocket calendars. They will be available for you to pick up in the sanctuary. Our special mailbag for Christmas cards for fellow church friends is located in the hall across from the choir room. Please consider donating the money you save on postage to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Thank you to Carol Carr, Nell Matthews and Lesley Jones for decorating our sanctuary for Christmas. A special thank you to Bunny Costo for
3 Alice Lee 17 Shanon Lawson 9 Nancy Godwin 18 Abby Valenta 10 Katie Jo Ector 19 Wanda Hutcheson 13 Sharyn Peña 19 Eleanor De Vaughn 14 DeLaney Lawson 20 Cole Lawson 15 Joyce Smith 24 Joyce Taylor 15 Nerissa Valenta 26 Sherri Mace 16 Janet Webb 31 Priscilla O Neil December 7 December 14 December 21 December 28 Danny O Neil Mario Ward Ken Bean Donnie Cox Please note that beginning January 2015, the bulk mailing permit will not be renewed. View our newsletter online at http://www.liveoakfbc.org. Printed copies will be available for you to pick up at church.