Church Office Phone: 740-687-1776 & 687-1575 Fax: 740-687-1588 Church E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.fbclanc.org
Volume 23, Issue 12
December 2011
Directory
Dr. John K. Beckett: Sr. Pastor
687-1451 [email protected]
Scott Gatian: Associate Pastor
653-4517 [email protected]
Susan George: Admin. Assistant
740-503-5536 [email protected] [email protected]
Steve Magill: Deacon Chairman 687-4720
Shirley Riggs: Church Clerk 654-1728
Marcy Whitson: Church Treas-urer 687-6438
Amy Bednar: Financial Secre-
tary 215-2198
Dale & Jan Flowers: Custodians
740-281-9410
Dale Flowers: Maintenance 740-684-6798
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
1950 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD NE1950 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD NE1950 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD NE1950 PLEASANTVILLE ROAD NE
LANCASTER, OHIO 43130LANCASTER, OHIO 43130LANCASTER, OHIO 43130LANCASTER, OHIO 43130
Discovery SeminarsDiscovery SeminarsDiscovery Seminars 101 & 301 101 & 301 101 & 301
January 8, 2012January 8, 2012January 8, 2012 5:005:005:00———8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM
A light supper will be served.A light supper will be served.A light supper will be served.
Please contact the church Please contact the church Please contact the church office to register or sign up on the office to register or sign up on the office to register or sign up on the
bulletin board.bulletin board.bulletin board.
A “Christmas Wish List”
I suppose there are as many different “Christmas Wish Lists” as there are peo-ple who take time to write them down. Maybe we can take a moment at the out-set of our Christmas Season & consider what deserves to be on our lists. First, we may feel that we would need to “think big” or speak in a profound way to include the whole world… sort of like “Miss America” wanting “World Peace!” It sounds good, but has little real meaning. Second, we may be overly concerned about what others would think of our list; therefore we might want to sound selfless and benevolent. However, a “Christmas Wish List” by its very title is meant to be a personal request for you to list what you want... what is important to you. I think I would wish…
That all true believers would obey God’s command (Mt. 5:13-14) to be “salt” (give a positive enhancement) and “light” (dispel the darkness) in all we do.
That all true believers would experience the love of Christ in a warm, caring, forgiving spirit of fellowship with all other true believers.
That the First Baptist Church, Lancaster, Ohio would become a “Flagship Church” in showing the world what God can radically & gloriously accom-plish through those who truly give their lives over to His control.
That I will see the healing of some dear friends… see the strengthening of some hurting families… and see many lost come to Christ.
That God would define the word “Revival” before our eyes and in our hearts as we see Him begin to change our world beginning right here at FBC!
That I will so live my life that when I am gone, my family and my church family will see my legacy as one in which I truly loved them, I truly loved my Lord and that I truly believed and sought to live out what I taught!
May ours be a God-honoring, glorious Christmas Season! Pastor John
Discovery SeminarsDiscovery SeminarsDiscovery Seminars 201 & 401 201 & 401 201 & 401
February 5, 2012February 5, 2012February 5, 2012 201 at 5:00201 at 5:00201 at 5:00———8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM 401 at 6:30401 at 6:30401 at 6:30———8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM
Please contact the church office to Please contact the church office to Please contact the church office to register or sign up on the bulletin register or sign up on the bulletin register or sign up on the bulletin
board.board.board.
Business MeetingBusiness MeetingBusiness Meeting December 7, 2011December 7, 2011December 7, 2011
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM This will be the 2012 This will be the 2012 This will be the 2012
budget presentation. The 2011 FBC Finan-budget presentation. The 2011 FBC Finan-budget presentation. The 2011 FBC Finan-cial Status will be discussed as well as an cial Status will be discussed as well as an cial Status will be discussed as well as an in depth presentation of the 2012 Budget in depth presentation of the 2012 Budget in depth presentation of the 2012 Budget
with full open discussion. with full open discussion. with full open discussion.
Red Cross Blood DriveRed Cross Blood DriveRed Cross Blood Drive First Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist Church
December 17, 1:00December 17, 1:00December 17, 1:00———7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM Please contact Denise Woodside Please contact Denise Woodside Please contact Denise Woodside
if you can give. (740) 536if you can give. (740) 536if you can give. (740) 536---777077707770
Ladies Christmas Caroling December 13 at 5:30 PM
Please bring a finger food to share and a dozen or two cookies to put in tins to
give away. We will eat, fill tins, then head out the door at 6:30 PM and first go to nursing home and then to any oth-
ers we have time for. We will deliver the fleece blankets then also. Please sign up
on bulletin board.
Blanket MakingBlanket MakingBlanket Making December 5 at 5:30 PMDecember 5 at 5:30 PMDecember 5 at 5:30 PM
Our Women’s Ministry is making no sew Our Women’s Ministry is making no sew Our Women’s Ministry is making no sew blankets to take to the nursing home blankets to take to the nursing home blankets to take to the nursing home
when we go caroling. when we go caroling. when we go caroling. No sewing experience required. No sewing experience required. No sewing experience required.
Just cut and tie.Just cut and tie.Just cut and tie. Please bring an appetizer to share and a Please bring an appetizer to share and a Please bring an appetizer to share and a
pair of scissors if you have them. pair of scissors if you have them. pair of scissors if you have them.
Christmas Music ProgramChristmas Music ProgramChristmas Music Program
December 18December 18December 18 Sounds of Joy & Praise ChoirSounds of Joy & Praise ChoirSounds of Joy & Praise Choir
Signing GroupsSigning GroupsSigning Groups Come enjoy an evening of Christ-Come enjoy an evening of Christ-Come enjoy an evening of Christ-
mas music and worship.mas music and worship.mas music and worship. Invite a friend!Invite a friend!Invite a friend!
Sunday, December 11Sunday, December 11Sunday, December 11
Vote on 2012 Budget, both servicesVote on 2012 Budget, both servicesVote on 2012 Budget, both services
Carol and Candlelight ServiceCarol and Candlelight ServiceCarol and Candlelight Service
December 24December 24December 24 7:007:007:00———8:00 PM8:00 PM8:00 PM
Will be in the gym this year.Will be in the gym this year.Will be in the gym this year. Invite a friend!Invite a friend!Invite a friend!
Christmas DayChristmas DayChristmas Day———One Service OnlyOne Service OnlyOne Service Only 10:0010:0010:00———11:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M.
No Bible Study Fellowship ClassesNo Bible Study Fellowship ClassesNo Bible Study Fellowship Classes
50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open HouseCelebration Open House December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011December 10, 2011 Pastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & DonnaPastor John & Donna First Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Baptist Church
4:004:004:004:004:004:004:004:004:004:004:004:00————————————7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM7:00 PM If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send If you cannot attend, please send cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can cards to Amy Grimm so they can be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.be presented at the Open House.
CalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendarCalendar
1—Made to Crave Class, 6:30 PM
2—Girls Sleep Over
3—Christmas Banquet, 5:30 PM
5—Blanket Making for nursing homes, 5:30 PM
7—Business Meeting, Budget Presentation, 7:00 PM
8—Made to Crave Class, 6:30 PM
10—Anniversary Celebration, 6:00 PM
11—Nursing Home Ministry, 1:30 PM
13—Ladies Christmas Caroling, 5:30 PM
15—Made To Crave, 6:30 PM
17—Red Cross Blood Drive, 1:00 PM
18—Christmas Music Program, 7:00 PM
22—Nursing Home Ministry, 6:30 PM
24—Christmas Eve Service
25—Christmas Day Service, 10:00 AM
26—Office Closed
31—New Year’s Eve—Office Closed
Opportunities for the week
Sunday: 9:00 AM First Worship & SS 10:30 AM Second Worship & SS 5:30 PM Hands of Praise 6:30 PM Pastor’s Gathering Adult Choir Practice RA’s & GA’s Youth Group
Wed.: 5:30 PM Wednesday Night Supper 6:00 PM Little Praisers 6:30 PM AWANA 7:00 PM Mid-Week at FBC Signs of Praise Youth Bible Study
A nursery is provided for all services.
Happy Birthday Jesus!Happy Birthday Jesus!Happy Birthday Jesus!Happy Birthday Jesus!
1—David Woodside
2—Connie Brewer
3—Carol Clark
3—Dan Schrader
3—Austin Thrapp
6—Callie Flynn
6—Holly Lowther
8—Tim Harbert
9—Crocket Dennis
11—Elizabeth Lavender
11—Rick Bevins 29—Barbara Skeen
13—Noelle Andres 29—Les Hill
13—Robin Becker 30—Angie Tyra
13—Donna Taylor 30—Janis Buckley
15—Jenny Dozier 31—Courtney Becker
15—Cindy Poole 31—Benjamin Hopple
15—Cole Jackson
16—Jim George
17—Sarah DeVries
18—Kayleigh Breeckner
18—Bryan Carlson
19—Anna Prickett
19—Ethan Hayek
19—Jim Green
20—Dan Muck
20—Emma Teagardner
24—Michelle Skeen
24—Betty Woltz
25—Nathan Morris
25—Margie Seals
25—Jeremiah Roby
25—Ralph Lovejoy
26—JoAnn Pollock
26—Marge Hess
28—Macie Thrapp
29—John Gordon
29—Carly Hanks
We’re on the Web at
www.fbclanc.org Birthdays
COUPLES MINISTRY MINUTE from First Baptist Church Issue 53 – December 2011TGG
TIS THE SEASON for all of the hustle and bustle associated with the celebration of the Christmas season! Consider this a warning…there are going to be things intruding into your schedule this month that will take your eyes off of the celebration of Jesus Christ. Be Alert! Be Aware! Be Discerning! Be Prepared to say…No! Set a clear focus on what you want your family to experience during this Christmas season. Is it gifts? Is it parties? Is it relaxing with family? All of these things are not necessarily bad, but they can distract you from your focus. Remember that you can control what you attend, you can control what you give to your children and you can control how your time is spent. With a clear focus of having your family understand our need for a Savior, you can easily determine which activities you will participate in during the next four weeks. I want to encourage all of you to take the message in some way and serve those around you. During this time of economic uncertainty, your service coupled with the message of the Christ, may be exactly what your neighbor, co-worker or family member needs. Pray…study…listen…be that channel of God’s love to a hurting world! WITH LOVE,
Andy & Janis Smeltzer
As you celebrate the Christmas season, take some time to meditate on the following passages of Scripture:
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 – Imagine the faith Mary possessed to make this statement.
And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 – Imagine Joseph hearing this mission for his son.
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[a] is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 – How are you like the manager in the Christmas story?
REACH OUT Spend some time in prayer and meditation before the Lord and consider a way in which you and your family could reach out to your family, your neighbors or your co-workers during the Christmas season. Here are some ideas to consider:
• Make a meal/cookies for a family • Buy $5 gift cards and give them to people anonymously • Give money to the clerk for the next people in line • Ask a young couple if you could babysit their children so that they can go out on a date • Ask individuals at work how you can specifically pray for them • Ask at work, neighborhood or church to see if there is a family you can support. ● Send a note of encouragement to someone that has positively impacted your family
1. Have you spent adequate time in personal prayer and prayer with your spouse? 2. Do we as a family spend quality time celebrating Jesus Christ during the Christmas season? 3. What activities could be removed from your calendar to provide more time for service/fellowship?
Save the Date: Couple’s Retreat: Seneca Lake – March 23 & 24
Christmas is right around the corner and if your kids are anything like ours (I'm sure they are), the countdown has begun. Wish lists are posted on the refrigerator, our agenda for the day is already set (not by the adults) and the kids are already talking about those presents they are sure they are going to get. But don't let your
kids miss why this day is so wonderful--”For unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) A Savior! My Savior, your Savior! Jesus is the reason we celebrate! So make His birth a special part of the celebration. We make a birthday cake with a miniature manager scene on it (no candles, we can't get 2,000+ lit in time) and sing happy birthday to Jesus. Others read or act out the Christmas story presented in Luke. Some make a ceremony out of placing the baby Jesus in the manger scene on Christmas morning. There are probably a lot of other ways to mark the day; whichever your family does or whichever you may chose to start, make it stick in your child's heart.
Mark the dates.... > December 7th – Stump the Pastor Night – Bring your Bible questions in to ask one of our pastors. > December 14th – Parents Night – Parents are invited to join their clubbers for the night. > December 21st - Bethlehem Night – Kids can dress like they did in Bethlehem at Jesus' birth. December 28th – No Awana – Merry Christmas!
> January 4th – B.A.R.F. Night – Be A Real Friend, Bring A Real Friend. > January 11th – Mystery Ticket Night – Earn tickets for prizes by reciting verses. Remember to encourage your child to spend at least ten minutes a night going over the verses in their handbook for the upcoming week. Help them remember to bring their bibles to Awana and Bible Study Fellowship time. Let them know it is important to make decisions based on what God tells us through the Bible and not what the world tells them is right. Please be considerate of others when your child is not feeling well, refer to the church wellness policy for guidelines. It is also the season of forgetting things, so if your child leaves behind a coat, a pair of shoes (it happens!) or anything else, we will place it in the lost and found in the church office. The only exceptions are items with names on them. I will keep anything with a name on it and give it back to that person the next time I see them. I just ask for cookies as a re-ward. If you would like to help I would be glad to talk to you about how you can fit into our program. If you have any other questions or comments about Awana, look me up or give me a call. Commander Dewey H (740) 687-5696 C (740) 974-2965 [email protected]
