FBC Carthage E-News for December 6, 2010

FBC Carthage E-News
December 6, 2010

Good Frosty Morning,

It is beginning to look and feel like Christmas. Decorations are up, Christmas cards are being sent, and presents are being bought. Yesterday, I was reminded of how hectic this wonderful time of year can become. One of our members was commenting on all she had left to do and how it begins to feel overwhelming. I am sure she is not alone in feeling this way. It is a challenge to keep the proper perspective in Christmas. Jesus’ birth is a time to remember Him, but too often we are so busy with Christmas stuff we barely think of the One who’s birth we are to celebrate. This season is all about Jesus. It is His celebration. It is our opportunity to share hope, peace, and joy with our friends and families. Don’t let Christmas pass by and miss the wonder of the season. Here’s a thought:
· When you see Christmas lights, thank God for Jesus, the light of the world.
· When you hear Christmas music, remember Jesus is the One who’s birth brings joy and singing.
· When you see the evergreen tree (even the artificial ones), thank God for eternal life which comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.
· When you send your Christmas greetings (whether you send cards, e-mail, or Facebook posts), remember to include “the good news of great joy which is to all people, the Savior is born and His name is Jesus!”
· When you see the brightly wrapped presents, remember Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given. In fact, a present may be a good opportunity to share John 3:16 with someone.
· When you sit down to eat a delicious Christmas feast, thank God for Jesus as well as the food. Also, remember, that He is the bread of life and the living water.
· When you think Christmas is over and its time to get back to “normal”, remember that with Jesus, we never “put Christmas away”. An entire year is just waiting for us to live and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. He is our Lord and Savior whom we love, worship, and serve everyday.

With only two weeks until Christmas Sunday, December 19, it is time to begin inviting your friends and family to join you at the Smith County High School for the service which begins at 10:00 AM. This Christmas Sunday Celebration Service will be a great service of worship to Jesus as we celebrate His birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection. Christmas music, testimonies, and a special Christmas message will be included in this service.

On a personal note, Fran and I invite you to our home this Sunday afternoon, December 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM for our Christmas Open House. It is a joy to welcome you into our home and share some Christmas joy and refreshments with you. Feel free to invite friends to come with you. I look forward to seeing you Sunday.

May you have a blessed Christmas season and a happy new year as we serve Jesus Christ,

Bro. Tim

Here’s the news for the week:

1. We are glad to welcome Mike and Laurie Smith as new members of our church. The Smiths joined by transfer of their church membership in the second service yesterday.

2. Congratulations, Zeke Tomaselli! Zeke has completed his Bachelor of Science in Religion degree from Liberty University and will graduate on December 17. He is already enrolled and has taken several classes toward his Masters degree at Liberty Theological Seminary. Zeke shared with the church council and deacons that he is the first person in his family to graduate from college. Be sure and congratulate Zeke on this great accomplishment and wish him well in his further education.

3. The Carthage Christmas parade is rescheduled to tonight, December 6 at 6:00 PM. Youth and parents will meet at the parking lot across from Save-A-Lot to be a part of the church’s float. Everyone else is encouraged to gather on the church steps at 5:30 PM for “Singing on the Steps” as we sing Christmas carols for and with the community. We will also be serving coffee and hot chocolate, which should be much needed tonight with the cold temperatures. Come out and be a part of this community event.

4. Next Sunday, December 12 we will have a Christmas Sing and Share service at 6:00 PM. Many from our congregation will be singing and sharing the Christmas story. If you would like to sing or share please see Zeke or Lynn Sharenberger. There are already several special presentations that you won’t want to miss.

5. The Lighthouse Christian Camp Girl’s Christmas Party was a great blessing to almost 500 girls this past weekend. Thank you to all who donated gifts and those who went to serve in the event. The Boy’s Christmas Party will be this Saturday, December 11 and you can be a part of the excitement. The College and Career Sunday School class and several others are going to help with the party. The class will meet at the church parking lot across Main Street at 7:45 AM.

6. Our annual Christmas Eve service will be held on Friday, December 24 at 5:30 PM. The service will center around Christmas carols, communion, and a candle-light Christmas message. Take a moment out of your Christmas eve activities and join together as we remember and celebrate Jesus’ birth.

7. The year will end and a new year will begin with our New Year’s Eve Family Night. We will meet in the Christian Life Center on Friday, December 31 at 8:00 PM for an evening of fun, refreshments, and fellowship. Dress warm for a special adventure activity, “The Amazing Journey.” Zeke has a great game planned for everyone to participate, patterned after the “The Amazing Race.” Bring finger foods for refreshments after the game. We will conclude the evening with a time of prayer, welcoming in the new year and beginning our “amazing journey” into 2011.

8. We are making plans for a one-day mission event during the week after Christmas, working with the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. Send an e-mail reply and let us know which day of that week would be good for you. You can send the reply to tfrank@fbccarthage.com or simply reply to this e-news.