FBC Carthage E-News for December 27, 2011

FBC Carthage E-News

December 27, 2011

Good Tuesday Morning,

This has been a great Christmas season, filled with celebration, awe, and wonder at the remembrance of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Whether you spent the day surrounded by family or quietly by yourself, I trust your focus was on Jesus and all He means to you.


As we move from this season into a new year, may we carry that same focus and commitment as we minister and share the hope we have in Jesus. I call each one to a year of compassion during 2012. Jesus came to love and care for those around Him. May we do the same. This year, reach out in the name of Jesus to those in our community who need a friend. Throughout this year, we will have opportunities to reach out to people outside our community through missions. Let this be the year you become involved in missions and ministry.

I want to say a special “Thank-You” to all who led us in worship during the Christmas services. The readings, special music, drama, videos, singing, etc. blessed my heart and centered my attention on Jesus.

I also want to thank the church and each family for the Christmas cards, gifts, and honorarium.


It was good to see Sam Smith in the service Sunday. Sam is a student at the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, Texas. Pray for Sam as he continues his studies in preparation for missions and ministry.


During the holidays, it is good to see all our college and university students. Say an encouraging word to them as you see them back at FBC Carthage. I am very proud and thankful for the faithfulness of our students as they continue to grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ. Let’s pray for them as they look toward a new semester in school.


Have a wonderful finish to 2011 and a great beginning to 2012.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Tim


Here’s the news for this week:


1. We will have Wednesday night service and activities this week, December 28.


2. This Sunday we will have Sunday School at 9:30 AM and one morning service at 10:45 AM. We will also have the 6:00 PM service as we begin the new year.


3. Speaking of services, we will begin offering Children’s Church during the 8:00 AM service on January 8. Children, ages 4 thru 1st grade, will be dismissed to Children’s Church from the Sanctuary before the morning message.


4. The Mission Trip to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home in Brentwood will be this Thursday and Friday, December 29-30. We will do some painting and projects in the cottages and rake leaves, weather permitting. Bring a paint brush, leaf rake and a leaf blower, if you have them.


5. This Sunday, January 1 will begin a special emphasis on the Sanctity of Life. We value human life and consider it as a sacred gift from God. We will distribute baby bottles as a reminder of the precious life of the babies and to collect a special offering for the Smith County Pregnancy Help Center. The Center opened this year and has had several ladies come for help and encouragement during their pregnancy and raising their babies. Sunday, January 22 will be our Sanctity of Life Sunday and we will bring our filled baby bottles on that day.


6. As we focus on life during the month of January, it is also time to make or review our wills. A will is an important part of every person’s life, whether young or older. A will reflects your care and concern for the well being of your family. In addition to financial assets, a will gives direction for the care of children, final wishes, and charitable contributions. One of the best times to make a will is when you are young, strong, and healthy. If you have a will, take a few minutes this month to review it.


7. Read the Bible through in 2012. We will have reading guides this Sunday for you to start your journey through the Bible during this new year. For some, this has become a yearly journey. For some, this may be your first trip. The Bible, God’s Word, is written for us to read, study, and apply.