From the Pastor

Written on Monday, December 11, 2017...

Greetings in Christ!

I wanted to take this opportunity to send a note to thank you for the Adult Cantata and the Children’s Play that was presented under capable direction during this Christmas Season. Both were wonderful services, and I just want to thank all those who took part to make this a wonderful success. All praise and honor go to the Lord first, for gifting His people with the talent and willingness to sing, act, and direct. Rest assured, your sacrifice of time and resources to bless the congregation hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated! But to change gears a bit…Wow! What a year it has been! We had an election season unlike any I have seen, and I don’t know about you, but I’m just glad to be on the other side of it! America is reminded once again of deep divisions in so many areas, yet for the Christian, it serves as a reminder that we are to pray for our nation, as well as those who are serving in leadership regardless of where our political leanings may take us. I heard something during the election repeatedly. As Christians, I think we can all agree on the following statement: “No matter who is elected President, Jesus Christ is still King of Kings!” This serves as a constant reminder to me. That while I appreciate this nation and our world, we are citizens of a far better and greater country. The primary reason Jesus came, was so that we would enjoy becoming part of this one day. We are not only citizens, but I believe also we are family! When Jesus was born into this world over 2,000 years ago we know He humbled Himself to be born in a “stinky” stable surrounded by lowly animals. He was laid into a bed made from a feeding trough that we softly sing about today as a manger. Keep in mind though, of the humility He not only was born with, but that kept Him throughout His time here on earth. Jesus Christ came to serve, and He showed it time after time by His actions. Think of it! King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet washing the feet of His disciples as an example of service. Regardless of where we are politically, we can be in the proper place spiritually, and that is in the place of humble servanthood! Matthew 20:28 says; “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Let’s take on the spirit of Christ this Christmas Season and serve as He would serve, minister as He would minister, but primarily, love as He would love! Isn’t it good to know He is STILL King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

Christmas Blessings, Bro. Nick

Youth News

Hello Church Family,

It’s hard to believe that Christmas and the new year is just a few weeks away. This is a wonderful time of year where we get to spend time with our families eating great meals and catching up with the ones we don’t get to see throughout the year. This year I am excited to see my dad. He lives out of state and does not get to come in often, so the years he does are very special to us. Also, my family and I are doing Christmas a little different this year. We have decided instead of spending money on gifts and things we really don’t need, we are going to take a much-needed mini vacation and enjoy some time together making memories.

Christmas is often one of those holidays that either people are completely secular and get all caught up in the decorations and materialistic parts of the holiday and the others worship the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. As Christians, it is often hard to find that middle road on this holiday. This year, I challenge all of us to not necessarily worry “if” we are celebrating Christmas properly and instead ask ourselves, “How would Jesus want us to celebrate His Birthday?” I think once we ask ourselves this question we will quickly find out that Jesus wants us to gather with one another, share gifts from the heart, and eat lots and lots of food, haha! Well maybe not lots and lots of food, but if my granny is cooking I am eating. On a serious note, let us spend this holiday making memories with the ones we love and praising the birth of Jesus, the One that makes all things new.

For several families in our church this year, they will be spending this Christmas without loved ones. I encourage you all to join me in remembering those families in our prayers. My family and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to 2018 and all that God has in store for Stanford Baptist Church.

Blessings to all, Ricky Lane

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

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From the Mailbox:

Dear Church Family, I have been a member of Stanford Baptist since I was in the Cradle Roll and still have my certificate, and at the age of nine accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. We were married in the parsonage, Joe and I, and raised our children there. Now I am at Morning Point and can no longer be there. I miss all of you. Keep me in your prayers and God bless Bro. Nick as he preaches God’s word. So many happy hears were spent at Stanford Baptist. God be with you all. Love to all, Dorothy L. Robbins

You are invited to join us for the Winter 2018 Women's Bible study at Stanford Baptist Church! Come and join us as we study Psalm 107 and remember the fact that no matter the season of our life, or what circumstances we may face now or in the future, one thing remains....the steadfast love of God. It's an anchor we can hold tight to with complete confidence!

Who's invited? Any ladies 18 years of age and older

Where and When? As with the last several studies you can choose to attend either the Tuesday morning group, the Thursday evening group, or you can float between the two depending on your schedule each week. Both groups will meet at Stanford Baptist Church.

Tuesday morning group: 7 weeks of class beginning January 9 from 10:30-11:45 am Meet in the Christian Life Center lobby For more info contact Becky Stogsdill: stogbecky@gmail.com

Thursday evening group: 7 weeks of class beginning January 11 from 6:30-7:45 pm Meet in the church sanctuary For more info contact Susan Kirkpatrick: s_m_kirkpatrick@hotmail.com

Cost? The Bible study book (used in both groups) costs $12.99. Books will be available for purchase the first two weeks of class or you can purchase your own in advance at LifeWay (or probably online at various places). Checks can be made to: Stanford Baptist Church.

For more information, video clips and a sample of the student book check out this link: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Steadfast-Love

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Mark Your Calendar:

18 - LCBA Commodity Distribution, 9:30 AM (Volunteers needed) 18, 19, 21, & 22 - Upward practice (6:00-9:00 PM) 20 – Christmas Caroling by children & youth (Adults welcome) Meet at the church at 5:45 PM 24 - Morning service only, 10:00 AM 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service, 5:30 PM 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY (Church Office closed) 25 – Christmas Outreach meal 26 - Amazing Grace Book Club meeting, 10:30 AM 31 – NEW YEAR’S EVE, No PM services

Let me start by thanking our Children’s Choir and their leaders for giving you a sneak preview of what was to happen last Sunday night. Thanks to Patricia and the Handbells for the offertory and they never played better! And the Adult Choir- they were tremendous presenting a beautiful musical. I cannot say enough about this dedicated group to prepare and present music weekly. They are special, and I hope you appreciate them also. Special thanks to our resident narrator Ronnie Deatherage for a wonderful job. Sunday night was great! We were blessed by piano specials by Emma Johnson, Baylea Snow, Brody Skipper, Brody Baker, Kendall Smith, and Lily States. Our Children’s Choir was special! Thanks to the choir and their leaders Jenn Foster, Devona Playforth, and Paula Playforth. They work with this group each Wednesday and we enjoyed the “fruit of their labor”. Thanks to Dennis Spangler for his work on our sound for Sunday Worship and our extra programs. This Sunday we light the Candle of Peace. The Ricky Lane family will be our lighters this week. George Munday will be playing our offertory. The Adult Choir has two great new anthems to share. Our Call to Worship is the “Calypso Carol”. I know you will enjoy this new arrangement using conga drum, claves, triangle, and bass. Our anthem is “Unto Us”. This anthem incorporates a number of difficult styles. Sunday night we will be having a service of carols, some secular music as a sing-along. Special music will be presented by Rachael Yaden, Evonna Marcum, Lydia Tiller, Kayla Upchurch, Lisa Johnson, and Samuel Bullock. The Adult Choir welcomes back Becky Gastineau.

Have a great week! Stuart

PRAYER LIST

Beth & Frank Allen Patsy Harmon Bereavement Connie Armentrout Chris Holland Calvin Walton family Tristan Ballinger Ken & Ann Hopkins Jr. Deatherage family Marion D. Bastin Steve Howerton, Jr. Betty McCall family Liz Beckly Bruce Johnson Dorothy Austin family Brenda Bottoms Lowell Jones George Andrew family Donna Brock William Maddox, Jr. Shut-ins Gary Brummett William Maddox, Sr. Glen Davis Brandon Buis Selah Manzie Betty Gooch Gladys Burnside Timothy Manzie Marjorie Gooch Nancy Caldwell Penny Moore Geneva Hawkins Ancil Cave Check & Donna Morrison Lou Martin David Cave Keith Napier Faye Oaks Alice Coffey Dorothy & Howard Noland Pauline Shearer Alice Collins Blaine Oswald Lucian Ray Tillett Jeremy & Bridgete Cook Kathy Oswald Stanford Care & Rehab Michael Coulter Bonita Patton-friends Elsie Butcher Nancy Cowles Anne Nita Rankin Billie Sue Cornelius Jae & Shae Cox Ewona Robbins Millie Hundley Ailene Dabney Melissa Sanford Maonia Jones Nell Deatherage Beth Sebastian Landmark of Lancaster Frank & Anna DeMarcus Elaine Sebastian Sandy Austin Harriet & Calvin Denham Emily Jeffries Slyh Sam Burton Todd Denham Lee Speaks Wilda Sweeney Lucy Ann Embry Joe, Norma, & Lily States Brenda Watts Ann Erwin Terry Whitis Stewart Morning Point Fred Fox, Jr. Susan Sullivan Dorothy Robbins Connie French Mike Tracy McDowell Place Paul & Betty Greer Shawn Trent Frances Young Marjorie Grigson Lisa Turpin Charlotte Haney Military: Marcus Denham, Maria Hunter, Jared Johnson

The Pathfinder

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY STANFORD BAPTIST CHURCH

Phone: 606-365-2178

Vol. 21 No. 50 _ December 15, 2017

SERVING THIS WEEK

Lady Greeter: Lois Oliver

Deacon Greeters: Dan Grigson (front), Glenn Spoonamore (east), & Brett Curlis (west)

Van Driver: Steve Howerton (606-669-0267)

Children's Church: Susan Johnson

Nursery Workers: (AM) Amanda & Damon Foster (PM) Jessica Manzie

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Musically Speaking Stuart Underwood, Minister of Music

Our Goal - $12,500 Received - $9,636.00

6:00 PM

Christmas Carol Sing-Along

OCTOBER FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Undesignated income from tithes & offerings…………$49,468.89 Average weekly offering………………………………………….12,367.22 Amount needed weekly to meet budget expenses…….…7,520.35 August operational expenses………………………………….. 28,057.50

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS The Relay for Life team still has about 30 Christmas ornaments left and will have them for sale after worship service on Sunday. They are $10.00 each.