The Heartbeat

A publication of Heartland Baptist Church

What’s INSIDE

222 Pastor Jim’s GemsPastor Jim’s GemsPastor Jim’s Gems

3 Music Ministry3 Music Ministry3 Music Ministry

4 Grandparent’s Ministry/WMU4 Grandparent’s Ministry/WMU4 Grandparent’s Ministry/WMU

InsertsInsertsInserts———CalendarCalendarCalendar

555 Heartland KIDS/Nursery MinistryHeartland KIDS/Nursery MinistryHeartland KIDS/Nursery Ministry

6 Announcements6 Announcements6 Announcements

7 Volunteer Schedule7 Volunteer Schedule7 Volunteer Schedule

November 2016

Daylight

Saving Time ends November 6.

Pastor Jim’s Gems

2

November is Thanksgiving and Veterans

observance holidays. Both of these holidays are

significant for they cause us to remember our

nation’s past. Thanksgiving is a reminder of

America’s beginning, and Veterans Day a reminder

of the cost to remain the nation that the founding

fathers and the constitution seek to establish. As a

military veteran, I once was privileged to witness the

various surviving veterans in a prestigious

ceremony in their honor. I noticed their graying hair

and the slow pace of their walk. But what really

made me take notice, was the various uniforms they

wore. Each had their respective branch of service,

with the insignias, decorations and medals for their

honored service to our country and flag. Listening

to them tell their stories of battle and military time,

not a single one of them were disgruntled about

having to pay a high cost for supporting our country.

It was also remarkable how they loved the American

flag. This is significant for I know in their time and

mine, we fought and served so others could have

the freedom to “disrespect and walk all over it” in

blatant contempt for our country and constitution. I

know there are many who still give the due honor to

our flag and national anthem, and for that I am

pleased. We are not a perfect country; we have a

lot of problems that have not been addressed much

less resolved. But I find it difficult to “listen to the

voices of dissent” when the very democracy that

enables them to express their protest” is the very

democracy they want to destroy. There are two

events which I hope will never become common for

me. Both are seen at the funeral of a service

member; the 21-gun salute and the folding

ceremony from a draped casket.

In light of the previous commentary, our

nation is going to the polls to elect the next

president of the United States. In the last 2 years

the American people have been inundated with

political rhetoric and viewpoints. I have heard that

many are thinking of not even voting, for they find

both candidates undesirable. There is a lot of

anger, stress and opposition within America. The

election is important, and we all must exercise our

constitution rights. Voting is more than just a

right it is also a responsibility. While I agree that

all eligible people should be registered and vote;

there is more to voting than casting a ballot. As

Believers we are commanded to respect and honor

those civil authorities over us [Romans 13]. We are

to “render unto Caesar’s and unto God what is

God’s. We live in two worlds, as believers were are

to be “pilgrims and aliens” for we seek a city whose

builder and maker is God; having said that we do

live life in the earthly existence so we can just

ignore civil issues. I have been in a dilemma as

many of you asking “how do I exercise my

citizenship in America, while remaining faithful to

trusting God?” Well I know that Caesar is always

going to be Caesar, therefore I must seek what

God’s will is in all things. Our voting responsibility

means that we must be informed about each

candidate, and seek to understand what God is

doing in our country. As the Holy Spirit illuminates

your understanding through reading and listening to

the abundance of material – you have to ask “How

does God want me to vote?” Let me give you two

examples from scripture that will show you that

God’s choice isn’t necessarily man’s choice. The

first is when Israel wanted to be like all the other

nations and have a king. Samuel told them they

didn’t need a king, they had Jehovah. Pressed by

the people, God instructed Samuel to let the people

have a king. God gave them King Saul, he was the

tallest and most impressive “candidate”. Needless

to say, Saul lasted a year before the Holy Spirit was

removed from him by God. [1 Samuel 9-11] The

second example was King Nebuchadnezzar, the

King of Babylon. The Father in heaven chose to

elevate Nebuchadnezzar to a lofty position as the

The Heartbeat

Pastor Jim’s Gems continued on page 3

3

Blessings in Christ, Bro. Jim

MUSIC MINISTRY

Heartland’s Adult Christmas Program will be presented the

evening of December 18 at 6:00pm. If anyone is interested in being a

part of this year’s presentation, please email music@hbcalton.com or

sign up in the church foyer. Our rehearsals are on Sunday nights at

5:00pm beginning October 23.

That evening we will also be joined by the Heartland Kids

Department with their Christmas Presentation.

Please join us for a festive celebration of the coming of our

Savior.

Steven Trask

Music Minister

The Heartbeat

greatest kingdom to ever exist. God used the

Babylonians as His instrument of discipline towards

the unfaithful Israelites. The reigning king,

Zedekiah, was flabbergasted that Jeremiah would

proclaim such a thing to the people of Judah. The

point I am trying to make is that people want a king

of their own liking and supportive of their own

agenda and issues. However, God is the reigning

King and will remain so. We may not like what He is

doing – but we must accept His judgment and

person He chooses to raise to power. Now I know

that the situation for my two examples is opposite.

God chose Nebuchadnezzar to discipline an

unfaithful, carnal people of God. They went into

captivity for 70 years – only 4600 people were

saved after the disciplining of God. I don’t think I

have to explain the condition of America. But I do

want you to know why we are in such a condition. I

believe that the “Church” is the fault. The Church

has followed the demise of Israel then; it stands to

reason any people who refuse to live for the Lord

will be the object of His punishment and anger. If

we want to see the morality and ethics of our nation

changed to a biblical standard, then it starts with us.

We must live out what we say lives in us. Jesus

Christ is the difference maker, not an elected

official. I am reminded of how the early Church was

persecuted terribly by the “Caesar’s” yet they turned

the known would upside down with the Gospel.

Who do you vote for? Be educated on the

candidates, be fervent in prayer and listen to the

Holy Spirit being convinced of what God in doing in

our midst – then vote accordingly and leave the

results to God.

Pastor Jim’s Gems continued from page 2

4

The Heartbeat

GRANDPARENT MINISTRY

VISITATION

November 2 and 16

Visitation of our members who are unable to get out will take place on the first and third Wednesday

of the month immediately following Bible Study.

HEARTLAND SENIORS GAME DAY

November 17

We have been having fun with our Game/Snack/Fellowship time! We

meet in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00pm, gather into groups to chat and decide

which games look interesting. We play Dominoes, Sequence, Pinochle and any

other game you might want to bring. Dominoes seems to be the favorite right

now, with players new to this version learning fast!

We take a break for snacks and usually go home about 3:30pm. If you qualify for a Senior discount

at your favorite restaurant please feel free to join us!

If anyone has a card table they would be willing to donate please see Linda McRoy. Some games

are hard to play on our big round tables.

Thank you,

Nancy Denby & Linda McRoy

TOY COLLECTION Beginning November 1 we will be collecting new,

unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 years old for the

Community Hope Center. There is a Christmas box in the Fellowship Hall and also one in the foyer. The toy

collection will run through December 4. If you have any questions please see Kathy Grant.

WINTER CLOTHING TREE Beginning November 27 the traditional Christmas clothing tree will be set up in the

Fellowship Hall. We will be collecting mittens, scarves, hats and socks for children ages

5-18 years old. Please have all donations on the tree by December 14. This year we will

be donating these items to the Christian Children's Activity Center in East St. Louis.

5

The Heartbeat

HEARTLAND Now that Thanksgiving is here we turn to God and thank him for all he has done

for us. Every year on facebook several of us take the time to daily tell “friends” what we

are thankful for. While it is nice to read these things, it seems lacking. Wouldn’t it be

better to tell the person(s) themselves? This year I plan to

take the 30 days of November to thank a person each day.

Sometimes it may be on facebook, messenger or it may be

by snail mail. I challenge the kids to come up with a list of 30 people they are

thankful for. Then tell, or write those people for all the days of November.

November 6—Practice for Christmas program at 6:00pm

November 13—Practice for Christmas program at 6:00pm

November 20—Thanksgiving Dinner—No PM Classes (no RA/GA/MF)

NURSERY MINISTRY

November is the month of Thanksgiving! We in the Heartland Kids

Department are so very thankful for all of our volunteers who so willingly work in the

Nursery and other areas of the Children's Department. Our parents are very

appreciative for you loving care of their babies and children. It is our Prayer that

you have a happy, safe and restful Thanksgiving Holiday!

Hazel Morgan and Mary Burger

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Have you signed up to pack a shoe box for Operation Christmas

Child? Have you assembled the school supplies, hygiene items and toys for

your special child? When you have completed the packing, a $7.00 shipping

fee will need to be included in the top of the box. Please make your check

out to Samaritan’s Purse. One check can be used if you prepare more than

one shoebox. Also, a rubber band should be put around each box with the

appropriate BOY/GIRL label attached.

If you haven’t started yet, you still have time. Completed shoeboxes can be turned in until Sunday,

November 20 after Morning Service. Thank you for participating in this worthwhile project. The children that

receive these boxes will be smiling!

Jackie Parish, Children’s Ministry Director

6

The Heartbeat

If you have a need or know of someone who needs assistance, has become ill or hospitalized,

please contact the church office or Mike Harris at 972-9145.

MONTHLY DEACON’S MEETING

No November Meeting

Next meeting: December 5 at 5:00pm

THANK YOU FROM THE NOMINATING TEAM On behalf of the Nominating Team, I would like to thank everyone who has said YES to serve next

year. Your willingness to serve will allow us to be and do all that the Lord has planned for us so that we will

be His light faithfully shining in our community.

If you would like to become involved in some way, big or small,

please contact the church office or me and we will find a spot in a ministry

for you. Many hands make light work.

Thanks again to all who are and will be faithfully serving.

Mary Moreton

Thanksgiving Week Schedule

Sunday, November 20

Church Family Thanksgiving Meal immediately following Morning Service

No PM Classes

Tuesday, November 22

11:30am—Lunch; Noon—Mid-week Bible Study

Wednesday, November 23

No Activities

Thursday, November 24

Thanksgiving Day—Office Closed

Sunday, November 27

No PM Classes

7

Nursery/Children’s Church

November 6

Babies: Linda Witcher & Amy Vatole

Toddlers: Bridget Perkins & Jessica Darr

Children’s Church: Sandy Stolze & Becky McGowen

November 13

Babies: Leona Barnett & Lisa Pimentel

Toddlers: LeAnn Parish & Karen Burleson

Children’s Church: Mitch Vernatti & Matthew Payne

November 20

Babies: Missy Denby & Susie Kreitner

Toddlers: Linda Chapman & Kathy Kliefoth

Children’s Church: Jeremy Sneddon & Kathy Kliefoth

November 27

Babies: Karen Harris & Carole Fredrick

Toddlers: Amy Vatole & Glennita Clendenen

Children’s Church: Carol Vernatti & Dee Boren

Greeters

November 6

Gene & Becky McGowen

November 13

Minnie Johnson Mary Hyndman

November 20

Chris Bramstedt Selma McAdams

November 27

Ted & Karen Burleson

Volunteer Schedule for November 2016

For more information or to volunteer contact:

Nursery: Mary Burger at 462-5634

Hazel Morgan at 466-2306

Heartland KIDS : Jackie Parish at 789-2974

Greeters: Linda Witcher at 466-1844

The Heartbeat

Bus - Driver’s Schedule

If you would like to set a pick up time, please call the scheduled driver. To volunteer as a bus driver please contact Ed Kreitner at 466-9047.

November 6: Karen Harris

November 13: Ed Kreitner

November 20: Karen Harris

November 27: Ed Kreitner

Ed Kreitner

(618) 466-9047

Karen Harris (618) 920-8992

Church Staff

Senior Pastor

Dr. Jim Grant

pastor@hbcalton.com

Music Minister

Steven Trask

music@hbcalton.com

Financial Secretary

Jeanie Farrow

financial@hbcalton.com

Church Office

Sarah Neuhaus

office@hbcalton.com

preachbetweenthelines.com