2015 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Volume 21November 2015Number 11

2015 LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

November 29–December 6, 2015

National Goal: $175 Million

PRAY » GIVE »GO »SEND

Our missionaries minister in tough places, physically as well as culturally. They take the gospel to people living in mountains and valleys, remote villages, cities, places where refugees of war have fled,places where false religions have a stronghold. Churches are partnering in reaching a people group.

Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God. 100 percent of your gifts to the offering supports missionaries and their ministries. Your prayers and gifts make an essential difference.

Remember our veterans for their service and sacrifices to preserve our heritage of freedom. Pray for the men, women, and their families serving in our armed forces.

**********************

Deacon of the Week

November 1Mario Ward

November 8Ken Bean

November 15Lalo Peña

November 22Don Stewart

November 29Donnie Cox

**********************

Most Americans associate November with Thanksgiving. However, we, like most Baptist churches, emphasize Christian stewardship during this month as well. David penned a prayer of thanksgiving in I Chronicles 29:11–16 which is embedded with four precepts of biblical stewardship. First, as Sovereign Lord, God owns everything that is (v. 11b). God is primary and principle owner, with no conditions or limitations. Second, all resources come from God (v. 12a). We only have what God has given to us. Third, thanksgiving and praise are due God for His goodness (v. 13). Often a fresh awareness of the grace of God will result in giving back to God out of those resources He has given us. Finally, we can give only out of what God gives us (vv. 14b, 16). God may not give us millions of dollars, but we are to be faithful in giving at least a tithe of what God does provide us. The apostle Paul wrote, “God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).

Thanksgiving and stewardship really do complement each other. Let’s make November a time of thanksgiving and an opportunity to grow in Christian stewardship. Growth and maturity in stewardship requires acommitment to trust in God, take responsibility for management of our own possessions, be obedient to God’s teaching, and be a joyful tither. An old hymn says: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” God wants us to follow this teaching. The question remains, will we? I anticipate a great month as we worship, give thanks, and learn to be good stewards.

Your Pastor,

Brother Donald

In November, we are encouraged on all sides to be thankful for everything. I would like to be more specific in my thankfulness, so please allow me!

I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation and calling. I am thankful for Christian parents who nudged me in the right direction. I am thankful for a Christian soulmate who supports my ministry and has provided four sons who in turn provided the best grandchildren in the world! I am thankful for a loving church who prayerfully supports our ministry and our prayer needs. I am thankful for a faithful choir and hand bell ringers who lead in worship. I am thankful for faithful musicians who assist in worship (Nerissa and Rachel). I am thankful for a church staff who are prayer warriors. I am thankful for Sunday School teachers, for their preparation and investment in the lives of their groups. Lastly, I am thankful for YOU, for your friendship, encouragement and support.

As we near the official Thanksgiving Day, let us be thankful every day for all the blessings that we receive from God, our Provider.

Paul

*********************

Agape Ministry needs volunteer workers for two hours a week. Call Lalo Peña or Dot Peacock at 590-6655.

3Jim Scott22Anna Stulsas

8Collye Washington22Keely Lawson

9Chris Snyder22Allison Ballard

9Diane Soliz23John Davison

11Clifton Cranford24Becky Willetts

12Donald Valenta25Pete Mathenia

14Henrietta Glowacz28Becky Stewart

16Amanda Wilson28John Harris

19Roberta Fountain30Margie Bates

*********************

6th Annual SABA Hunger Walk

Saturday, November 7th

9 am to 12 Noon

Comanche Park #2

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Help us raise funds for our 37 Baptist food pantries so they can meet the needs of the hungry in our community! Ed Essary will be participating in the 10K run. Please support him and this ministry with your prayers and donations.

**********************

Randolph Area Christian Assistance Programreaches out to those in need and provides a food basket so they can enjoy a holiday meal. Please help RACAP fill their Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Items needed: chicken broth, flour, sugar (4 lb. bag), brown sugar (1 lb.), evaporated milk, stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, yams, fruit cocktail, cranberry sauce, corn and green beans. Donated funds will be used to purchase turkeys and perishable items for the baskets. Call 658-1613 for more information.

Join us for lunch at Las Palapas. We will meet at the church at 11:30 am and carpool to the restaurant.

**********************

November 19Thursday, 6:30 pm

Fellowship Hall

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love. Join us we learn to fall (back) in love with God.

Join us for Bible study, dinner, and fellowship with your sisters in Christ. Check in the foyer for the menu and sign up sheet to help with food for the meal.

**********************