FBC Carthage E-News for December 7, 2008

FBC Carthage E-News
December 8, 2008

Christmas Greetings,
It is hard to imagine how quickly Christmas is coming. For the children it probably seems like it will never get here but for parents and grandparents it seems to be a blur as the days fly by toward Christmas. In all the busyness, the hustle and bustle, the preparations, presents, pageants, and programs, let’s take time to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is Jesus. It is the celebration of God’s gift of His only begotten Son to all mankind. Celebrate Jesus and His birth this Christmas.

The Children’s Choir lead us in a great service of worship last night as they presented “The County Christmas Spelling Bee”. Thanks to Amy Broyles and all the workers and parents who worked with the children. It was a great night of worship to the One whose birth we celebrate, Jesus. Also, thanks to everyone who brought the goodies for the reception/fellowship after the program.

This Sunday, December 14 will be a special day of worship as the Adult Choir presents “Christmas Is Jesus” during both of the morning worship services. Invite your friends and family for these special Christmas services at 8:00 and 10:45 AM.

Fran and I would like to give you a special invitation to join us for a Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 14 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM. We would love for you to come and visit us in our new home. The renovations are complete and Fran has it looking beautiful. We will have cookies and light refreshments. (If you are baking next weekend bring some of your goodies to share.) Also, feel free to invite a friend to come with you and introduce them to us.

Christmas is a season of Joy as we shared in the message Sunday. However, many people struggle during the holidays and the days following with discouragement and depression. Let’s be extra encouraging to one another during these days and point people to the true Source of our joy, Jesus Christ. I love the passage we used yesterday as our text, Luke 2:10-11, “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The joy that Jesus gives within our soul is a joy that lasts, even through the tough times.

Remember to pray for our college students this week as they finish their classes and as many of them take their final exams. College can be a very stressful time, especially during the finals. Your prayers for them in general and specifically will make all the difference this week.

Have a blessed week as you share the joy of Jesus with everyone with whom you come in contact. “I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.”

Bro. Tim


Here’s the news for the week:
1. The sign-ups have begun for the Mission Trips during the Christmas break. Here is the information on the trips. You can also sign-up by e-mail to the church office or directly to Tim Frank tfrank@fbccarthage.com.

Holiday Missions Trip
December 29-30, January 1-3
Cost $30 per person (for January 1-3 portion)

Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Franklin, Tennessee
December 29-30
We will mainly be doing painting and light renovation work for one of the Children’s homes. Danny and Amy Calves are the House Parents and will be coordinating the work. Both days we will leave from FBC Carthage at 7:30 AM and return around 7:00 PM.

Big Creek Missions Center in Leslie County, Kentucky
January 1-3, 2009
This will be a great way to begin a new year, on missions. Leslie County, Kentucky is in the heart of Appalachia with many needs, both physical and spiritual. We will be working with the Big Creek Missions Center and their director, Kevin Rogers. The work will include renovations on the old school building which the Mission uses as it’s center. Weather permitting, we will go into the community and minister to the people of the area.
Lodging: Sleeping Bags and Air Mattresses
Food: We will be preparing our meals in their kitchen
facility.
Transportation: The church van and private vehicles.
Tools Needed: Light construction and painting

Sign-up in the Sanctuary or call church office at 735-1929.

2. The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering has had a great start but there is still need for you and your family to give. Consider the gift you give to missions as a gift given to Jesus on His birthday. This money goes 100% to mission work around the world through the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. Give so people may hear the “good tidings of great jot that shall be to all people.” That good news is that a Savior is born, Jesus Christ the Lord.

3. Sunday night we will have a special showing of the movie The Nativity Story during the evening worship service at 5:30 PM. You will want to make your plans to see this presentation of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The social customs and living conditions will provide a clearer picture of the world in which Mary and Joseph lived. We meet in the Family Life Center for this service.

4. Listed below is the calendar dates we have so far for 2009. Take a few minutes to write them onto your personal calendar.

Calendar Planning 2009

January
1-3 Big Creek Missions
4 Awana Begins Regular Schedule
6 Smith County School Begins
7 Children Choir resumes
10 Carthage vs Gordonsville Basketball
11 Church Council and Deacons
14 Business Meeting
17 Youth Connect - Volleyball
19 No School
25 Evangelism Focus

February – WMU Focus
1 Church Council and Deacons
4 Business Meeting
13-15 Youth Ski Trip (Tentative Date)
16 No School
21 Youth Connect – Movie

March – North American Missions Focus
1 Church Council and Deacons
4 Business Meeting
6-7 Youth Evangelism Conference
8 Daylight Savings Time Begins
15-20 Smith County Schools Spring Break
Youth Retreat to Panama City (Tentative Date)
28 Youth Connect – Game Night

April
5 Church Council and Deacons
5-8 Revival with Jimmy Napier
10 No School – Good Friday
12 Easter
15 Business Meeting
16-18, 20 Pictorial Directory with Olan Mills
19 Awana Thank You Service
25 Youth Connect – Basketball
26 Last Night of Awana

May
3 Church Council and Deacons
Children’s Choir Program
6 Business Meeting
15/16 High School Graduations
21 No school
22 ½ day of school
23 Youth Connect – “Outta Shool” Picnic


June
7 Church Council and Deacons
10 Business Meeting
10-13 Youth Refuel – Missions in Smith County
15-19 Vacation Bible School
20 Youth Connect
25-July 4 Hold for Missions Trip – New York
(Tentative Date – Possible destination: Long Island, New York)

July
1-4 Hold for Missions Trip
5 Church Council and Deacons
8 Business Meeting
18 Youth Connect – Camping
27-Aug1 Smith County Fair

August
2 Church Council and Deacons
Awana Begins
5 Business Meeting
Children’s Choir Resumes
21 5th Quarters

September
6 Church Council and Deacons
9 Business Meeting
11,18,25 5th Quarters
27 Sunday School High Attendance Day
27-30Tentative Date for Fall Revival

October
4 Church Council and Deacons
7 Business Meeting
9,16 5th Quarters
31 Community Fall Festival

November
1 Church Council and Deacons
4 Business Meeting
??? 5th Quarters – (Dependant on Regional Playoff Schedule)
29 Christmas Services Begin

December
6 Church Council and Deacons
Children’s Choir Christmas
9 Business Meeting
13 Christmas Choir
14 Ladies Ornament Swap
19 Youth Connect – Christmas Party
20 Ornament Service
24 Christmas Eve Service

5. I close this news with a Christmas article entitled “Christmas Is Jesus.” Make this a season that’s all about Him.

Christmas is Jesus
Every year it seems we bemoan the hustle and bustle of Christmas. It seems that the beautiful, simple meaning of Christmas gets crowded out by all the preparations, parties, presents, pageants and promotions. Let’s make this year different. Let’s make this year a celebration of Jesus and His birth.

Christmas is a time to thank God for His gift to the world, His Son Jesus Christ. This year, let every Christmas light you see be a reminder of God’s light to the world, Jesus. Let every gift you give and those you will receive point you to that Greatest Gift, “eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Let every gathering be an opportunity to share with friends and family the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. Christmas is Jesus. Let’s celebrate!

Here are a few thoughts that may helpful in making Jesus the main character in your Christmas:

A. If you have never personally received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord there is no greater thing you can do this Christmas than to open your heart and life to Him. The reason He came was to provide for you the way to eternal life, forgiveness and peace with God. The Bible says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Another passage in the Bible, Romans 10:9-10 says, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Trust Jesus as your Savior and you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas.

B. Read the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Read these passages in your own private quiet time with God. Read these passages with your family, a few verses every day during dinner or bedtime devotions. Read these passages during family Christmas celebrations.

C. Place a simple Nativity scene as the focal point of your Christmas decorations. As you pass by the Nativity pause and consider the true meaning of the season.

D. Attend church services through the month of December and enjoy the Christmas music and messages. Make plans to attend a Christmas Eve service and invite your entire family to join you.

E. Ask to Lord to direct you to a needy family with whom you can share this Christmas. Gifts, food boxes, clothing and/or a meal in your home are ways to reach out with the love of Jesus. Be sure and share with them the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

May this be the best Christmas of your life as you allow Jesus Christ to be the centerpiece of your celebration. Christmas is Jesus. Merry Christmas!