Eastside Missionary Baptist Church

From Our Pastor:

Over the next couple of weeks you’ll see installments of an article published in the Trumpet two weeks ago, called “I am a Church Member.” Portions were written by Thom Rainer and other portions by Bro. Larry Barker at our Missions Department. I have asked Bro. Phil to reprint the article because I loved it. The Bible calls the local church a “body.” Just like the human body, the church functions properly only when each of its members are together and working together. This article is an excellent reminder that each member of this church matters; each one of us is vital to the work we do.

I Am A Church Member By Larry Barker

Director of Operations North America

BMA of America Missions Department

Maybe you have read or heard me say that I “almost” wish we did not call it membership when you unite with a local congregation. Today many interpret membership with entitlement instead of enlistment into service. We think because we are a member that we have rights such as a parking spot, a particular pew and the ability to sway the vote in business meetings. The problem is that the Scriptures do not speak about rights but rather about serving one another and others. Through the years I have even heard “members” say that they pay their tithes and that entitles them to certain privileges.

Recently I ran across the article “I Am a Member” on Thom Rainer’s blog and it challenged me about church membership. My attention was especially drawn to the paragraph on how much he liked the “metaphor of membership.” Our message is the same because whatever word we use for our participation in a local body of believers we are a part of the body because of Who we belong to and what He has called us to; a life of sacrifice and service. My prayer is that all of us will think about an old adage as we read this, “What kind of church would this church be if every member were just like me?” (Note: Article will continue in next week’s bulletin.)

Thank You Notes:

I want to thank everyone at Eastside for the prayers, cards, and other kind expressions of sympathy and encouragement since the passing of my mother. I appreciate your continued love and prayers. —Warren Dugas

Thank you so much for your cards, phone calls and prayers. Roy has an appointment for his final surgery on February 17^th at Washington Regional Medical Center. Please continue to pray. —Carolyn Mahon

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Prayer Requests:

T. J. Bryant will have surgery at Northwest Medical Center, Springdale, next Wednesday at 7:30 AM. Remember to pray for him.

Remember to pray for Brenda Yancey and her family due to the death of her father, James Yancey. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM today at Luginbuel Funeral Home, Prairie Grove. The funeral will be tomorrow, 10 AM, at Farmington Baptist Church.

Senior Saints Meeting:

Next Tuesday, February 14^th, the Senior Saints will meet in the fellowship hall at 1100 AM. Russell Jones, a member of Temple Baptist Church, Rogers, will bring a program about the efforts to help the citizens of the Joplin tornado. He will have pictures to show of the devastation. A Potluck lunch will follow the program. See you there! —Darrell Barker

Only God Can Turn

A Mess into a Message,

A Test into a Testimony,

A Trial into a Triumph,

and a

Victim into a Victor!

—Copied

World Missions Sunday:

Don’t forget that we will have Missionary David Dickson and his wife, Shelley, with us as special guests on Sunday, February 26^th. Pray for Brother David as he preaches and gives us a report on the missions work of the Baptist Missionary Association of America in our Morning Worship. We will receive a special offering for missions at the close of the service. Let’s GIVE that others might LIVE!

Say A Prayer?

                Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’s house.  Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.  When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.  “Johnny!  Please wait until we say our prayer,” said his mother.  “I don’t need to,” the boy replied.  “Of course, you do,” his mother insisted.  “We always say a prayer before eating at our house.”  “That’s at our house,” Johnny explained.  “But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook.”                       —Copied

NOTE: The bulletin cover is courtesy of a forwarded E-mail. THANKS!

Mary Had a Little Boy (Copied)

Mary had a little boy, his soul seemed white as snow;

He never went to Sunday School, ’cause Mary wouldn’t go.

He missed the Bible stories that thrill the childish mind;

While other children went to class, this boy was left behind.

And as he grew from babe to youth, Mary, to her dismay,

Saw the soul that once seemed white was turning dingy gray.

Knowing now that he was lost, she tried to win him back.

Alas! The soul of the boy she loved had turned an ugly black.

Now Mary goes to Sunday School and stays for preaching, too;

She begs the preacher, “Isn’t there a thing that you can do?”

He tries and fails and then he says, “We’re just too far behind.”

“You warned me years ago,” she cries, “but I would pay no mind.”

And, so another soul is lost that once seemed white as snow.

He would have gone to Sunday School but Mary wouldn’t go.

Background Checks

If you plan to work with children within the next five years, please fill out the background check form. See Mike Mitchell for a form and when the form is completed, return it to him. –Michelle Jarrett

Result of Obedience

A little boy was riding his tricycle furiously around the block, over and over again. Finally a police officer stopped and asked him why he was going around and around. The boy said that he was running away from home. Then the boy was asked why he kept going around the block. The boy responded, “Because my mom said that I’m not allowed to cross the street.” The point is clear–obedience will keep you close to those you love.

A good illustration of the above story is found in I Samuel, Chapter 15. Samuel was sent by God to anoint Saul to be king over Israel. Because of the wickedness of the Amalekites, through Samuel, God commanded Saul to completely destroy them and all their possessions. However, Saul spared the king, Agag, and the best of their livestock.

When confronted by Samuel, Saul made the excuse that this was done in order to sacrifice to God. The words of Samuel to Saul in verse 22 are very important for us today. “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

Our lesson today? If we decide to “run away from God, don’t cross the street!” That way we will remain close to Him. By the way, Saul’s rebellion cost him his kingship, because rebellion and stubbornness are as bad in God’s sight as witchcraft, iniquity and idolatry. (Verse 23)

From Our Pastor

When I have time to, I have been reading Andrew Murray’s Lord, Teach Us to Pray. In it, he writes, “To know how to speak to God is more than knowing how to speak to man.” I think I know what he means by that, but in our day I would add a word to that: knowing how to speak to God is more important than knowing how to speak to man. We spend much time trying to fix people, trying to change them, or trying to get them to do what we want them to. Instead, we ought to learn how to talk to God and ask Him to do what only He can do. –Bro. Jared

Thank You So Much

I’m so thankful for all the church praying and visiting. I didn’t realize so many came to the hospital for the surgery. Thanks for so many beautiful cards, for food brought and the phone calls. It really makes me humble for all the support from my church family. –Darrell Barker

H-E-L-P!!!!!

Someone has well said, “Church is not a Spectator Sport!” We do need the cooperation and participation of all. Some may feel that the numerical report given in the bulletin is not important. Others may say that we don’t come to church for numbers’ sake.

There may be some truth in that, but God saw fit to name an entire book of the Bible “Numbers!” We can get a better perspective of our stewardship as a church as we look at the above report.

As we compare one report to another, we get an idea of areas of ministry that should be of concern to us. Let’s work and pray toward the end that we will see these numbers climb.

This article began as an effort to ask for participation. We desperately need for individuals to make a commitment to record attendance in Evening Worship and AWANA. Also, someone to make sure there is a count on Wednesday night (Bible Study and WMA) Those who take care of this on Sunday morning do a great job. We need others to H-E-L-P!!!!!

Prosperity

The danger of prosperity is simple: it binds us to the world. Prosperity leads us to think that we have found our place in the world. Of course, the reality is that the world has found its place in us. –Copied

Our Deepest Sympathy

As a church, we want to take this means to express our sympathy to Warren Dugas and family due to the death of his mother, Eva Dugas. She passed away last Tuesday in New Orleans. Her funeral was Friday at 1:00 PM in New Orleans. Do remember to pray for Warren and his family.

Darrell Barker at Home

Darrell Barker was able to go home from Health South Rehab Hospital last Friday. Let’s pray for him and his family as he continues to recover. We look forward to the time he can be back in services with us at Eastside.

Just Four More Weeks!

Have we been praying for our missionaries? Also, have we been praying about the amount of the special offering we will give for World Missions on February 26^th? Let’s remember that day has been designated as World Missions Sunday for the churches of the Baptist Missionary Association of America.

Our special guest will be David Dickson and his wife Shelley. Their pictures, along with statements of prayer and praise, are on page 20 of our prayer calendar. Also, he had an interesting article in the last issue of the “Gleaner,” the world missions’ magazine of the BMA of America.

Make plans now to attend this special service. Come, praying that God will bless in that our hearts are challenged to truly be a “Missionary Baptist” church. Let’s also give liberally.

A Note From Carol Goff

We are back home, hopefully to stay awhile. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. I need to thank everyone for all their prayers, for all that sent cards to me and called to check on us, many I wasn’t able to return, but greatly appreciated. I feel as if I have been away forever and have missed everyone! Love, Carol

Choir Notes

There will be a choir for Morning Worship beginning today. Also the choir will rehearse at 5:15 each Sunday evening.

Surely Not…

A Sunday School teacher asked her children as they were on their way to church service, “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied, “Because people are sleeping.”

From Bro. Jared:

Have you made your list yet? It’s not too late! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you should be here on Sunday nights as we talk about evangelism/discipleship. As I challenge our church to do more to spread the Gospel, I’m not insisting that anyone stand on the corner with a sign and a billboard (unless God tells you to). But a good first step is to make a list of people to pray for about spiritual matters. We all know people who have never trusted Christ, and we all know believers who aren’t following Him. We need to be mindful to pray for the spiritual openness of people around us, and ask God for opportunities to share the Gospel and make disciples.

The Dead Sea

I looked upon the sea and, lo, ’twas dead,

Although by Hermon snow and Jordan fed.

How come a fate so dire?

The tale’s soon told–

All that it got it kept, and fast did hold.

All tributary streams found here their grave

Because that sea received but never gave.

Oh, sea that’s dead, teach me to know and feel

That selfish grasp my doom shall seal.

And help me, Lord, myself, my best to give,

That I may others bless, and, like Thee, live.

Author Unknown

Thanks, Judy!

Judy Faulkner sends articles each month to the “Baptist Banner,” publication of the BMA of the Ozarks. As a church member, you should be receiving it. If not, see Roy or Johnnie Woods.

I Need Your Help

I have been editing our weekly church bulletin for almost a year now. I do need the help of each of you in preparing it. In order to make sure that your articles and information get into the bulletin each week, I need to have it in writing (typed, hand-written or e-mailed) no later than 12:00 Noon on Friday before the Sunday you want it in the bulletin.

In this way I can make sure the bulletin is e-mailed to Johnnie Woods no later than noon on Saturday. She will make a copy and then she and her “helpers” will make sure that copies are made and folded. I e-mail a copy to James Thompson, who has served as our webmaster for quite a long time. I also send copies to Bro. Jared and to Diane Spriggs, the editor of the Baptist Trumpet.

I have said in the past that my aim in editing the bulletin is that it be inspirational and informational. I do include humor from time to time, because we need to take time to laugh. We do pray that you are encouraged as you read the bulletin. I trust that you are sharing it with family, friends and neighbors.

By the way, if you know of members of our church who are ill or shut-in and have a computer and an e-mail address, I will be happy to e-mail them a copy each week. So you see, our bulletin is a team effort. You become a part of the team by getting your information to me in a timely manner. Thank you so much.

–Phil Misenheimer

The Tithers Surprise!

The Christian who begins to tithe will have at least six surprises. He will be surprised:

1. At the amount of money he has for the Lord’s work.
2. At the ease in meeting his own obligations with the nine-tenths.
3. At the deepening of his spiritual life in paying the tithe.
4. At the ease of going for one-tenth to larger giving.
5. At the prudent disposal afforded to a faithful and wise steward over the nine-tenths that remain.
6. At himself in not adopting the plan sooner.

—Copied

Choir Notes

There will be a choir for Morning Worship beginning today. Also the choir will begin rehearsals at 5:15 each Sunday evening.

“Don’t brag about what you are going to do tomorrow.

Somebody might ask what you did yesterday.”

A Note From Bro. Jared:

I thank you for allowing us the opportunity to go to this year’s BMAA Missions Symposium. It is my favorite conference sponsored by our association. For months, I have been praying earnestly that God would grow our church and use us to reach Northwest Arkansas for Christ. And there is nothing quite so challenging and encouraging as hearing the ways that God is working in other areas. Please join me in this simple prayer, “God grow our church and use us to reach Northwest Arkansas for Christ.” Be here tonight, as I share more about our part in missions work (here and around the world).

A Thank You Note

I want to take this means to thank our church for your prayers for me during my surgery. Thanks also for those who came to the hospital to be with me and my family. Please pray for my physical therapy at Health South and my complete recovery. —Darrell Barker

Both Knees are Needed!

A certain speaker recently declared at the outset of his lecture that he “received his moral training at the knee of a devout mother and across the knee of a determined father.” One wonders how many of the on-coming generation will be enabled to make such a statement. —Copied

Faith and Works

A man who ran a small ferry boat painted the word “Faith” on one oar and the word “Works” on the other. Most passengers ask him the reason. “Well,” is his reply, “to make a passage across the river you need both oars. See where ‘Faith’ without ‘Works’ takes us–”

He ships one oar and pulls with “Faith” only–round and round in a circle, while the stream drifts them out to sea. “Or try ‘Works’ without ‘faith,’” says he. “Well, you make just as little headway. And it’s just the same in the journey through earth to heaven!” —A. E. Richardson

Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Noah’s Ark:

1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat!
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
6. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting. —Adapted

Children’s Ministry Workers

Michelle Jarrett is asking that all children’s ministry workers meet with her this afternoon at 5:00 PM in the Children’s Church room. She is asking that all workers come with any questions or ideas that you might have.

Over Five Times!

If we remember to read about one missionary family a day and pray for them, we will have done this five times during this year! There are almost 70 families listed, and it doesn’t take a doctor’s degree in math to figure out that we can go through this over five times! In fact, some have already read through it one time and prayed for our missionaries.

As you pray, remember to pray about an amount that we will give for World Missions on February 26^th. Brother David Dickson will be sharing about missions on that day. God has given him talent and ability to preach His Word. He also has given him a heart for missions.

Speaking of Brother Dickson, he has written an interesting article which is included in the current issue of the Gleaner. From reading his article you can get an idea of the love and enthusiasm he has for missions.

Till He Come

“I never begin my work without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt that work and begin His own. His word to all believing souls is: ‘Till I come.’”

The above quote from G. Campbell Morgan ought to inspire us to look for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ today!

From Our Pastor

This week, I read an article about people who escape from North Korea. After fleeing their country, many come into contact with Christianity for the first time and trust Christ as their Savior. The amazing part, however, is that some of these choose to go back to their country, facing torture, imprisonment, and death, in order to share Christ. It is a great sacrifice, but they do it because they see how great is the need for the Gospel in North Korea. The need for the Gospel is great here too, but we have a much clearer path to meeting that need. Pray that God may give us the same burden to share the Gospel as these admirable brothers and sisters!

Memorial Plaque

Mike Mitchell has asked that, as soon as possible, we give the names of all of the members of Eastside who have died. He will have a Memorial Plaque made to be hung in the foyer. This will be a great way to remember them and praise God for their service to Him through our church.

Thank You So Much

Thanks for your cards, calls, prayers and the food during my recovery from surgery on my broken arm. Our church means so much to us.

Mary Sagely

A Note From Carol Goff

Julie has been released from the hospital. She’s had seizures, panic attacks and finally lost all control. She doesn’t remember anything that happened at that time. Please help me pray for her. She has a hard, tough road ahead of her and I have a great deal of fear for her. She is very determined, but at this moment, not very strong. Thank you for all your prayers for Julie and for us. We love all of you at Eastside, Carol.

Note: In a phone call Friday night, Carol said that they would return this coming week, bringing Julie with them. She said thanks to all for prayers!

Thanks From Both of Us

We appreciate the cards, calls and prayers for us during the past couple of weeks. Your love and support mean so much.

Phil and Joyce Misenheimer

Choir Notes

There will be a choir for Morning Worship beginning today. Also the choir will begin rehearsals at 5:15 each Sunday evening.

Bulletin Cover Today

Today’s bulletin cover is a reminder for each of us to pick up a copy of the prayer guide for World Missions that you will find on the table in the foyer. You will find it to be informational and inspirational. There are pictures of our missionaries and families. They will list specific prayer requests as well as praises.

One of the families we will be praying for will be with us for World Missions Sunday on February 26. David and Shelley Dickson will share about their current missions work, as well as the entire world missions program of the Baptist Missionary Association of America. Our church will be taking a special offering on that day. Why not begin now to pray about an amount that we will give in addition to our regular tithes and offerings.

Our church is liberal in supporting missions through regular contributions. Our treasurer shared with us last Wednesday evening that the total missions contributions of December were $980.00, which was 14 percent of the deposits for the month!

Use All Your Strength

A boy and his father were walking along a road when they came across a large stone. The boy said to his father, “Do you think if I use all my strength, I can move this rock?”

His father answered, “If you use all your strength, I am sure you can do it.” The boy began to push the rock. Exerting himself as much as he could, he pushed and pushed. The rock did not move.

Discouraged, he said to his father, “You were wrong; I can’t do it.” The father placed his arm around the boy’s shoulder and said, “No, son, you didn’t use all your strength–you didn’t ask me to help.”

We so often become discouraged with the “rocks” along the road in our lives. We push and push, but they don’t move. Most of the time we think we are using all our strength–when we haven’t asked Our Father to help.

—Copied

Believe it or not, a certain amount of opposition is helpful. Kites rise against the wind. Ship can sail even with a headwind. God is able!

From the Pastor

Is it possible to know God’s will? Some would say, “No.” Others would say that it’s possible, but it’s hard to find or hard to know for sure. But it is possible, and it’s not as complicated as we often think, once we realize what we’re looking for. For the next several Sunday mornings, we’ll be studying God’s will and how to find it. I hope you’ll be faithful to attend and invite people.

And speaking of God’s will, it is in God’s “perfect will” (I’ll explain what that means on the 22nd) that we share the Gospel and that people trust Christ. On Sunday nights we’ll be studying evangelism. If you’ve ever felt like a failure at witnessing, don’t miss this study!

Attention, AWANA Workers and Children!

The AWANA program at Eastside will continue tonight at 5:30 PM. This program is a blessing to all who attend. Be sure to invite others to be a part of this program. Then, all of us can pray that Christ will be honored and glorified through this ministry of our church.

Discovering God’s Will

Here is a tentative schedule for “Discovering God’s Will,” so everyone may follow along:

• Jan. 8: “Discovering God’s Sovereign Will” (Genesis 1)
• Jan. 15: “Discovering God’s Permissive Will” (Genesis 3)
• Jan. 22: “Discovering God’s Perfect Will” (Genesis 2)
• Jan. 29: “Discovering God’s Will in Obedience” (Genesis 12)
• Feb. 5: “Discovering God’s Will Unconditionally” (Daniel 3)
• Feb. 12: “Discovering God’s Will from His Word” (Psalm 119)
• Feb. 19: “Discovering God’s Will through Prayer” (James 1)
• Feb. 26: “World Missions Sunday”–Missionary David Dickson
• Mar. 4: “Discovering God’s Will by His Spirit” (Acts 16)

Note: Please pray that God will bless this important study!

A New Year’s Prayer

Another year is dawning;

Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting,

Another year with Thee;

Another year of mercies,

Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness,

In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of service,

Of witness for Thy love,

Another year of training

For holier work above;

Another year of progress,

Another year of praise,

Another year of proving

Thy presence all the days;

Another year of leaning

Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting,

Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year is dawning!

Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven,

Another year for Thee.

—Frances R. Havergal

Servants!

Michelangelo, the famous artist, was called on to decorate the cathedrals of Italy. He was a master, but under him worked many servants. They followed his directions. He retouched, finished, approved and accepted every piece of work, and it was pronounced perfect.

We are the servants of Christ. He is the head Master. However humble and imperfect our work may be, if we do it in Christ’s Name, it will receive the touch of the Master and be accepted. As we go into the new year, let’s determine as a church and as individuals, to be accepted of Christ. —Copied

From Our Pastor

It’s a new year, and my prayer for this church is that throughout 2012, God will grow us spiritually and numerically. I’m excited about a couple of message series I have been working on. Next Sunday morning we will start a series called “Discovering God’s Will.” We all wonder at times how we can know God’s will for a given situation, and over the next few weeks we’ll look at how to find it. I hope to see you here!

Attention, Ladies!

The Women’s Missionary Auxiliary meets at 7:00 PM on the Wednesday evening following the church business meeting. At the same time, there is a Bible Study in the auditorium. This Bible Study is not for men only! There may be those who are not a part of the WMA. If that is the case, you are encouraged to attend the Bible Study while the WMA is meeting in the basement of the building. All of our members need to be involved each Wednesday evening.

How To Stop Gossip!

Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church’s morals, kept sticking her nose into other people’s business. Several members did not approve of her extra-curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town’s only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that every one seeing it there would know what he was doing!
Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn’t explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred’s house, walked home and left it there all night. (You gotta love Frank!)

—Copied

Hidden Books of the Bible

In these remarks are hidden the names of fourteen books of the Bible. It’s a real lulu, kept me looking so hard for facts that I missed revelations. I was in a jam especially due to the fact that the names were not capitalized. The truth will come to numbers of you–to some it will be a job, but to others it will be a most fascinating search. Yes, there will be a few easy ones to spot, while others will be hard to judge, so we admit it usually results in loud lamentations. One lady says she brews coffee while she puzzles over it. One book is underlined to help you start, so see how many of the other thirteen you can locate. —Copied

Keeping Christmas

Are you willing to forget what you’ve done for other people and:

• to remember what other people have done for you;
• to ignore what the world owes you, and to think of what you owe the world;
• to put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance, and your chances to do a little more than your duties in the foreground;
• to see that your fellow men are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for love just as you;
• to own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life;
• to close your book of complaints against the management of the universe and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness?

Are you willing to do these things even for a day? Then you can keep Christmas. Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world; that it is stronger than hate; stronger than evil; stronger than death; and the Blessed Life which began over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem is the image and brightness of Eternal Love?

And, if you can keep it for a day, why not always? But, you cannot keep it alone! —Henry Van Dyke

A Lesson in Sharing

Five-year-old Tom was having trouble learning to live with his younger sister. She seemed to help herself to his toys and other belongings and it bothered him.

When they opened their gifts on Christmas morning, Tom was heard to say to his sister, “Laura, this is your new toy and this is my toy. I won’t play with yours and you must never play with mine. That is what we call sharing.”

This seems to be the attitude of so many Christians today. We have adopted a very selfish attitude, especially when it comes to our sharing the Gospel message. We know Christ is our Savior, and we are not willing to share Him with others.

Let’s determine this coming year to share the “Gift of Christmas” with all those around us.

From Our Pastor

God bless you for your faithfulness in being here today. This morning, as we celebrate the Messiah Who came to us as a tiny baby, let us remember that He is so much more than a baby. He walked among us sinlessly, shed His blood, died for our sins, and rose again from the dead! We have so much to praise God for, because His gift of Jesus Christ was the greatest gift anyone has ever received. “But as many as received [Jesus Christ], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). Merry Christmas! —Bro. Jared

A Special Thank You!

Buford and Rose Francis want to take this means to express their love and appreciation to each member of our church for the love and fellowship extended to them while they were attending here. They wanted the choir to know how much they appreciated the hard work on the Christmas special presentation. They look forward to the time when they may be able to be back to worship with us.

A Note of Appreciation

There are so many to thank for making last Sunday so special. Thanks to those who prepared the gift bags of treats for the children and the rest of us. Thanks to the Mitchells for the fruit. Also, thanks to the Byrns family for the candy last Sunday. Johnnie Woods has prepared our Christmas cards for pick-up again. A special thanks goes to all those who worked so hard decorating our building for this special occasion. We thank Ward Mading in advance for making CDs of the choir program on December 11^th. If you want a copy, sign the list on the sound system console today.

“When Jesus was born, He was as old as His Father–

and older than His mother!”

—Baptist Trumpet

From Our Pastor

Thank you so much for the generous Christmas bonus that you presented me during last week’s services. You are a kind and wonderful church! As a Christmas gift to you, Kristian and I have brought homemade hard candy. It will be outside the auditorium after the morning service, and we hope that you’ll each take some. Please pray for our service next Sunday morning, and make it a part of your Christmas Day celebration!

—Bro. Jared

A Very Special "Thank You!"

Our church owes a very special thank you to Buford Francis, our choir, and others who worked so hard in preparing for the musical presentation, "Silent, Holy Night," last Sunday morning. It involved hours of time and patience on the part of all.

If you want to know the names of all those involved, their names were listed in the order of worship included in the bulletin last Sunday. If you want a copy of the CD of last Sunday morning’s worship, which includes the choir presentation, see Ward Mading. He will be glad to make a copy for you. However, you must let him know that you want one.

A Matter of Praise!

We are so thankful for the good reports that have been received concerning the surgeries of Billie Vandervort, April Goodlander, and Mary Sagely. Each of these ladies were doing well at last report. We are sure that they will appreciate our continued prayers in their behalf.

Attention Choir Members

There will be no worship choir or practices until after a meeting of the choir to be held at 5:30 PM on Sunday night, January 8^th. Please make a special effort to attend that meeting.

Senior Saints Report

Last Tuesday, we delivered fruit baskets to our shut-in families. It was a blessing to visit with them, sing a carol and pray with them. On Thursday, nine traveled to Branson to see an awesome production of "THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS" at the Sight and Sound Theater. The show vividly depicted the coming to earth of our Savior. —Darrell Barker

"Beans, Or Peas?"

A little boy concluded singing "Silent Night" in this way, "Sleep in heavenly beans." "No," his sister corrected, "not beans, peas!"

The Sting Removed From Death

A boy and his dad were traveling in a car when a bee flew through the open window. The boy was so highly allergic to bee stings that both of them knew his life was in danger. As the boy frantically jumped around and tried to avoid the agitated bee, his father calmly reached out and grabbed the bee.

When he opened his hand, the bee began to fly again, terrorizing the boy once more. The father then said, "Look, son," holding up his hand with an implanted stinger, "his stinger is gone, he can’t hurt you any longer."

As a bee loses its stinger when it stings, so death lost its sting when it stung Jesus.

It is important that, during this very special season of the year, we don’t forget that, "death lost its sting when it stung Jesus." We read in I Corinthians 15:55-57, "O death, where is thy sting: O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Stop one moment and think–if a bee came into this building today and flew around–each of us would do everything within our power to avoid being stung, even if we were not allergic. Yet, some of you will sit through the message and invitation today, knowing that the sting of sin will result in an eternity in a Devil’s Hell, and do nothing to avoid the sting of sin!

Jesus removed that "stinger" for you when He died on Calvary, was buried and rose again the third day. The Bible tells us that he is presently at the right hand of God to make intercession for you. Instead of a bee stinger, the hands of Jesus have the scars of the nails of that cross.

The song writer said it this way, "Only trust Him, only trust Him, only trust Him now; He will save you, He will save you, He will save you now." There is no better time to be saved than during the Christmas Season!

From the Pastor

I just want to say thank you to all of those who have worked so hard in preparation for this very special service. Thank you to the choir members, who have been rehearsing diligently for months now. Thank you, Bro. Mike and Bro. Ward, for giving your time to narrate the presentation and run the sound system, respectively. And thank you, Bro. Buford and Sis. Rose for your gracious and able leadership of our choir ministry. Each and every one of you are a blessing to me and to this church! —Bro. Jared Byrns

Special Prayer Requests

Please remember to pray for Mary Sagely and April Goodlander, who will be having surgery next Tuesday at Washington Regional. Pray for their complete recovery. Continue to pray for Roy Mahon.

Christmas Day Schedule

On Sunday, December 25^th, there will be an abbreviated schedule of services. There will be a Worship Service at 10:00 AM. Sunday School and Evening Worship will be cancelled to allow for time with our families. We will look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, December 28^th.

AWANA Schedule

There will be no meetings of the AWANA program on December 25^th and January 1^st. Meetings will resume on January 8^th.

Christmas Cards

Johnnie Woods has volunteered again this year to distribute our cards to members who attend. There are two lists on the table–one for those who attend and another for those members to whom you should mail cards.

Choir Rehearsal

Choir rehearsals have been cancelled until further notice.

Tuned In To Jesus’ Name!

Christmas is a depressing time for many people. An article written by a director of the California Department of Mental Hygiene warns: "The Christmas season is marked by greater emotional stress and more acts of violence than any other time of the year."

Christmas is an excuse for some to get drunk, have a party, get something, give a little, leave work, get out of school, spend money, over eat, and all kinds of other excesses. But, for churches, Christmas is an excuse for us to exalt Jesus Christ in the face of a world that is at least tuned in to His Name. —Copied

Summary of Business Meeting

Following is a very brief summary of the church business meeting held last Wednesday evening. A more detailed report will be given as the minutes are read in the January business meeting.

• Motion carried to ask the Washington County Sheriff’s Department to conduct background checks on officers and teachers of our church at a cost of $25.00 each.
• The church regretfully accepted the resignation of Buford Francis as Choir Director and Deacon due to personal reasons.
• Motion carried to adopt the following recommendation: That Bro. Byrns’ salary include a housing allowance in the amount equal to the smaller of the fair rental value of his home, including furnishings and additions, plus utilities, or $1,812,50, effective January 1, 2012.
• Motion carried to dismiss Sunday School and Evening Worship on Christmas Day. The Morning Worship will be conducted 10-11 AM.
• Motion carried that the church provide each child in AWANA, Sunday School, Nursery, and Children’s Worship with a gift valued at $15.00, as well as a small bag containing an apple and an orange. Thanks to Mike and Naomi Mitchell for providing the fruit. Kristian Byrns volunteered to oversee getting the gifts for the children.

Why Are We Running?

A dog boasted of his ability as a runner. Then one day a rabbit he was chasing got away. This brought a lot of ridicule from the other dogs because of his previous boasting. He explained, "You must remember that the rabbit was running for his life, while I was only running for my dinner."

Hebrews 12:1-2 declares, "…and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;" Too often, we as Christians are not running "for our lives," but only running for whatever gain we can get out of our spiritual experience. We need to "endure the cross, despising the shame."