Coming to a Close

The end is drawing near. The end of one year and the beginning of another. I am sure some are reflecting on this past year and all the things that occurred. Then there are those who are contemplating this new year and all that it might bring. While we can never know what the future holds, we can be sure of one thing, God's ever abiding love for us, His children. As you contemplate your New Year's Resolutions, remember to put the most important one at the top. Making time for our Lord and Savior. Spending time with Him daily in prayer and devotion, reading His word and knowing that His promises are true. When all else fails, God prevails!

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and enjoyed the time with the ones you love. We have so much to be thankful for. The new year brings with it many activities that you will want to be sure to remember. January starts out 2008 with a flurry of activity. Some are the normal things such as Wednesday night suppers, choir practice and such. But I did notice some new things on the agenda. Continue reading for more information:

The Women on Mission have shared some wonderful news with us. We are working to exceed our Lottie Moon Offering of $5,700.00! As of last Sunday's bulletin we have given $2,271.00. Praise the Lord! May His word continue to be spread to those who need to hear the Word of God and the promise He has in store for us! This new year will bring with it many opportunities to continue giving to help our missionaries do the jobs they have been called to do! Allow to God to speak and guide you in giving to these mission needs.

Each month our calendar is full of folks having birthdays or anniversaries. Something new will be taking place for those celebrating a birthday during the current month. There will be a church-wide birthday celebration in conjunction with the Wednesday night supper each 2nd Wednesday of the month. During this special time, folks who have a birthday in the current month will have their birthday remembered and celebrated with his/her church family. There will be a special birthday cake for dessert to commemorate the special occasion. Be sure to be in attendance the second Wednesday (Jan. 9th) during the month of January! Happy birthday to those having a birthday in the month of January!

Here are some highlights for the month of January 2008:

Sunday, Jan. 6th: Lord's Supper during morning worship hour
Wed., Jan. 9th: Church-wide birthday celebration
Sunday, Jan. 13th: Quarterly Church Conference (morning worship hour)
Friday, Jan. 18th: Newsletter deadline
Sunday, Jan. 20th: Baptist Men's Day
Sunday, Jan. 27th: Spaghetti dinner/Youth Fund Raiser

The children and youth have several items on the agenda as well:

Youth:

Lock-in: Dec. 31st-Jan. 1st
Youth Committee Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 6th
Youth Winter Weekend Retreat: Feb. 1-3 (deadline for signing up & turning in half of fee is
Jan. 9th)
WinterJam Concert: Feb. 22nd

Children:

Trip to see the movie: "Veggietales: Pirates Who Don't do Anything", Jan. 12th. (I don't know if you have ever seen a Veggietale movie, but they are quite cute and have a very good message along with it!)

Children's Committee Meeting: Jan. 13th.

Also, parents, youth and children: don't forget to check out the blog especially for our youth and children. This site will help keep you up-to-date on activities taking place for your children/youth. You will also find links for permission slips, etc. there as well. Remember to mark this link (as well as the church-wide blog) as a favorite so you can follow the happenings in and around our church!
The link for the site for youth/children: http://www.fbcnsm.blogspot.com/.

The link for this website (church-wide site): http://www.northfbc.blogspot.com/.

I believe that covers all I have for now. Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

Christmas Will Soon be Here!

My how time flies! Christmas will soon be here. I haven't done any Christmas shopping (well, I have bought 2 items). Things have just been crazy at work and I haven't had a chance to shop like I did last year. Not to mention that I have been a bit grumpy lately. Am not in the same place I was this time last year. And I don't like it. I love Christmas and what it represents; it's the hustle and bustle and such that drive me batty.

I went to the Children's Program last Sunday. If you weren't able to attend, you missed a treat! They did a wonderful job. And the theme of the program was fitting. "Bows of Holly" was designed to remind each of us how important it is to help others less fortunate than ourselves. One thing is certain, none of us are above being in the same position as those who are struggling to make ends meet, etc. this time of year. At any point in time, we can find ourselves on the receiving end of the "criticism" surrounding those who seem "beneath" us. We are NEVER better than anyone else. We all have short-comings. For anyone who thinks they are above the majority, you are in for a wake up call. I hope this Christmas finds everyone counting their many blessings and taking an extra minute to do something nice for someone else. Regardless of who he or she might be.

I wanted to update you on some activities taking place in the coming week. Remember to amrk your calendars!

The adult choir will perform their Christmas cantata Sunday, Dec. 23rd at 6pm. The program is entitle "Worship the King". The service will include Christmas hymns and a devotion. Everyone is invited and encourage to attend. Invite someone to come and here the story of our Lord and King.

There will be a talent showcase on Sunday, Dec. 30th at 6pm. If you have a talent you wish to share or if you know of someone who would be interested in participating, please let him or her know so they can be a part of the festivities. Please see our Interim Music Director if you wish to sign up for this fun time of fellowship. The last day to sign up is Sunday, Dec. 23rd.

Don't forget to make your donation to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Our church goal is $5,700.00. As of Sunday, Dec. 16th the total given so far is $1,8331.00. Please allow God to speak to you and guide you in giving to this worthy mission. These monies are needed to help missionaries out in the field spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

I believe that's all I have for now. I am wishing each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

P.S. If you wish to donate items to the Cooperative Ministry for food baskets, the following items are needed for this week:

dish towels and detergent. I know there are those who would greatly appreciate receiving those items as well as other items such as canned meat, tomatoes, dried peas/beans, peanut butter/jelly, flour, sugar, meal, cookies/candy, grits, rice. Tis another way help those who need it, not just during the Christmas season, but all year long.

Christmas Rush

I tell you, things certainly get crazy this time of year. People are very crazy when it comes to driving and shopping. You rush around for weeks on end, searching for the "perfect" gift. There is no greater or perfect gift than the gift of love that flows freely from our Heavenly Father. We all need to slow a bit and remember what this time of year represents. The blessings that God has richly bestowed to each of us far outweighs the negative. I encourage everyone to take a breather and reflect on those things that we should be thankful for.

Tonight my workplace had its annual Christmas party. We were going to see the lights at the zoo. Unfortunately, there was lots of traffic on both ends of the zoo exit (stretching out onto the interstate). Absolutely no telling how long it would have taken each of us to actually be able to make it to the zoo parking lot. I know the youth were heading up there tonight. I hope they made it into the zoo with little to no problems. They will need to share their experience with the rest of us so we can have a small glimpse of it. I am sure their shopping experience was quite busy as well.

This time of year brings about many things that are happening in and around our church. Remember to mark you calendars. Or post the newsletter calendar on your refrigerator.

The youth will have their Christmas party on Wed., Dec. 12th. Invite a friend or two to join you in the fun and fellowship!

The children will have their Christmas party on Sat., Dec. 15th. I am sure they will have a lot of fun as well!

The XYZ club will have a Christmas activity on Fri., Dec. 14th.

The children, preschool and youth choirs have been working on their annual Christmas program. This year's program is entitled "Bows & Holly". I know they have put lots of work into this program and those who will be in attendance are sure to receive a blessing. If you don't make it, you have no idea what you are missing! It's a true wonder to see things through the eyes of child. This year's program will be on Sunday, Dec. 16th at 6pm. The children will also be sponsoring a food and toy drive by bringing a toy or non-perishable item to be collected at the end of the performance. Please remember to give to this worthy cause so that those less fortunate than ourselves can have a better Christmas than they would have had originally.

The adult choir has also been working on their own Christmas cantata. Lots of hard work goes into preparing for such occasions. This year's cantata is entitled "Worship the King". The cantata will be held on Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6pm. Come on out and bring a friend!

The Flower Committee is taking orders for poinsettias to be placed in honor or in memory of a loved one. The flowers will be placed in the church sanctuary on Sunday, Dec. 16th. The cost is $14.00 per flower. If you wish to order a poinsettia, please speak with one of our folks serving on the flower committee or simply contact the church office in order to receive an order form. Make checks or money orders out to FBC.

Remember to continue giving to the church bus fund. Allow God to guide you in giving to this goal of $60,000.00.

There will be a New Year's celebration on Sunday, Dec. 30th at 6pm. A music service will be followed by a covered dish supper and family game night.

The church office will be closed in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Those dates are:
Monday, Dec. 24th (Christmas Eve) & Tuesday, Dec. 25th (Christmas Day);
Monday, Dec. 31st (New Year's Eve) & Tuesday, Jan. 1st (New Year's Day).


Remember to submit any information you like to have added to the newsletter for January. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 14th at 9am.

Don't forget to always check the webpage for the youth and children's activities. That link is:
www.fbcnsm.blogspot.com.

And as always, if I have overlooked something, please email me and let me know. My email address is : nricha4903@hotmail.com.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)

Good Saturday morning to each of you reading this blog on this chilly December morning. If you haven't been outside yet today, it was quite chilly when I stepped out a couple of hours ago (7am). While the temperatures outside may be ever changing, there is always one constant in our lives that will never let us down. That is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is ever present, ever faithful, loyal and loving. Full of forgiveness and promise. He IS the reason for the season. Without Him, Christmas isn't Christmas. His love for us keeps the fires in our hearts burning. Keeping the torch lit in our hearts and minds.

If you or someone you know is in need of a church home, invite them to Sunday services with you. There is no greater gift one can give than of the love and hope of Jesus.

This time of year always brings with it a certain amount of extra stress. The pressure to meet all the needs of those around us. The pressure to shop til you drop. The pressure to participate in as many activities as one possibly can. While doing all of those things can be a good thing to a degree, don't place so many demands on yourself and those around you to "stay in the race". When we focus on things like how many Christmas parties we will attend, who to buy a present for, what you will actually buy for that person, how many Christmas cards to send (and I LOVE sending cards), and so on and so on. Don't forget to take time for our Redeemer. When we rush around trying to meet all these expectations, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in all the hustle and bustle. Instead of looking for the perfect gift on the shelf in department stores, seek the perfect gift that is Jesus Christ. He is a gift that will keep on giving.

I have to admit, I have been rather lax in my church attendance this year. No-one but me is to blame. I have read my devotion daily and I can feel the Holy Spirit nudging me at times to not say the first thing that comes to mind (especially when I am feeling stressed). And stress has certainly been a fore front. I place more demands on myself than others do. Rest assured my dear church family, I think of each of you daily and send up a silent prayer that all is well with each of you and that God will keep His loving hand upon each of you and your families. I truly appreciate the kind words of concern when I have seen several of you out and about. It's nice to know others care. I love you all more than words can say.

I finally got all my decorations put up this Thursday (11/29). I was determined I am going to be in the Christmas spirit one way or another. It is working slowly. I absolutely love Christmas. I love watching the faces of people light up when they see a friend they haven't seen in a while. I love the way a child's face beams when sitting on Santa's lap. This is also a time of reflection as I remember those who aren't with us this Christmas. My heart aches, but I know they are in a better place. I cry for those who have friends and/or family members serving in our Armed Forces, knowing they will miss this Christmas with their families. This is also a time of year that we should give back some of which has been so graciously given to us. This need can be reached by participating in the local Cooperative Ministries, giving as God would lead you in giving to missions such as Lottie Moon, or donating to Good Will causes such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Harvest Hope Food Bank or even holding the door for someone struggling with groceries and children all at the same time. It can also be something as simple as assisting an older member of our church family in coming to church or helping them with their own Christmas decorations. The thing that you do doesn't matter as much as the time and love that are given when you share a tiny part of yourself during this holiday season (and always).

There are many opportunities in which we can come together and worship during this holiday season. I challenge each of us to remember what it is about. It isn't about who has on the prettiest outfit or who drives the fanciest car. There will be none of that in Heaven. When we come to God's house, it is a body of believers coming together under one roof to sing their praises to the one who makes all things possible. God has richly blessed us in so many ways. And it is for His glory that each thought we think and each word we speak, reflect His love. People can see through our actions. When we aren't genuine, it doesn't go unnoticed. By man or God.

I will stop all my rambling now and move on the ministries we have at our fingertips this holiday season.

First of all, our Student Ministry now has a webpage! If you ever find yourself needing another medical/permission form or flyer for upcoming events, it can be found on the SM website. All info for upcoming events for our children and youth can be found not just here on the main webpage for our church, but also on the SM webpage. This page can be found at www.fbcnsm.blogspot.com. Check it out today!

Speaking of activities for the youth and children: they have several fun events planned for them. The youth will be taking a trip to Riverbanks Zoo on Saturday, Dec. 8th; the children will venture out tonight, Dec. 1st. Youth and children's Christmas parties are as follows:

Youth: Wed., Dec. 12th. Children: Sat., Dec. 15th. For more details on these events, please see our Student Minister or check out the SM webpage.

Sunday evening, Dec. 2nd will be the kickoff for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Allow God to lead you in giving to this worthy mission.

The XYZ has a Christmas activity planned for Friday, Dec. 14th. Don't miss the excitement!

The newsletter deadline is Friday, Dec. 14th. Please have all info into the church off by 9am to ensure a spot in the January 2008 newsletter.

As many of you are aware, the youth, children and preschool choirs have been working very hard on their upcoming Christmas program. I always love seeing the children perform. Their spontaneity and zest for life always brings a smile to my face. Their program is entitled, "Bows & Holly". The performance will be held on Sunday, Dec. 16th at 6pm. This musical is designed to remind us to give to others as God has given to us (freely, unselfishly and with loving hearts). On the evening of the play, our children and youth will be hosting a food and toy drive to benefit the Cooperative Ministries of North. Please bring a toy or non-perishable food item to be collected at the end of the performance.

On the evening of Wed., Dec. 19th right after the fellowship meal, folks will gather to go caroling around our community. Come and join in this fun time of music and fellowship. Help bring the news of Christ to those this Christmas season who may not hear of His love by any other means!

The adult choir is also working on their Christmas cantata. It is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 23rd at 6pm. Invite someone to join you to listen to the story of Emmanuel!

There will be a New Year's Celebration Sunday, Dec. 30th at 6pm. There will be a music service along with a covered dish supper, followed by family game night. Invite a friend or family member to join in the fun and fellowship as we bring 2007 to a close.

Office closings: the church office will be closed the following days in observance of Christmas and New Year's. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 24th & 25th along with Dec. 30th & 31st.

Reminder to our deacons: deacons are scheduled to meet Sunday morning, Dec. 2nd at 8am in the conference room.

I hope your Saturday is a blessed one.

Until next time, take care and God bless!

In Christian Love,

Tina :-)