There's a Chill in the Air

Hello and good Sunday evening to each of you. I hope you had a wonderful day. I trust that you all are staying warm and cozy. It has certainly been a windy day. I wanted to take a few minutes to remind you of some activities taking place in and around our church this week.

If you are participating in the "Know Fear" study, don't forget about the make-up session tomorrow night. The class is being held in the fellowship hall and will begin at 7pm for those who aren't able to make it on Sunday evenings. The topic for this week is death. Never an easy subject to discuss, but one that bears some attention. In other words, we must be prepared for that day.........the day we will leave this earth and stand in front of our creator. We will be held accountable for those things we did here on earth. The opportunities we had to witness to others and be an example of Christ's love for us. We are only on this earth for a time and if you are a believer in Christ, you will spend eternity with Him in paradise. It is an important decision..........the most important one you will make in your whole life. If you haven't or someone who know hasn't accepted Jesus Christ..............allow the Holy Spirit to guide you into accepting Him as Lord and Savior of your life. The benefits certainly outweigh the reasons not to accept Him.

Attention WMU members: All ladies are invited to attend the next WMU meeting Wed., Feb. 21 at 7pm in the choir room (located in the fellowship hall). Along with the regular items on the agenda, you will be given an opportunity to participate in the Valentine Swap. It has been asked that you bring an item from home instead of going out to buy something. Please make sure the item is in good condition. Come and join in the fun and fellowship.

Craft Night: originally it was stated in the bulletin that craft night would be held every Tuesday. That has been changed. Ladies are invited to participate in craft night on the first and third Tues. of each month. The first Tues. will be a night to work on crafts for the Christmas bazaar. The third Tues. will be a "do your own thing" kind of night. If you enjoy scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting, etc......then you are invited to join in the fun. Even if you aren't sure if you would be able to make something, folks are available the first Tues. of the month to assist you in getting started on your crafts for the bazaar. So remember that you will meet this Tues. evening, Feb. 20th at 6:30pm. Come and bring a friend!

The youth will be venturing out this Friday evening (Feb. 23rd). The van will leave the church at 5pm. The concert will begin at 7pm at the Colonial Center in Columbia. The cost for tickets is $10.00 at the door and money is needed for food. This event is being hosted by New Song, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson and Sanctus Real. If you would be willing to chaperone, please contact our Minister of Students. I can remember being in the youth group and going on outings such as this..........it is certainly worth the trip and the time! An experience you won't forget!!

Next Sunday, Feb. 25th, there will be a brief meeting after the morning service with our Pastor, Music Minister and sound techs. If you help with the sound system, remember to be in attendance next Sunday.

The adult choir has been working on the Easter Cantata. I will say we are all in for a treat. If you wish to join the choir, now's the time. We would love to have you join us! If you are a member of the choir and haven't been in a while, then please consider coming back. You are greatly missed!

Don't forget: while the remodeling of the church offices is being done, mailboxes are located outside the old choir room in the hallway near the counting room. Remember to be in prayer that things will go smoothly with this undertaking. Your patience and understanding during this time is greatly appreciated!

I believe that covers all I have for now. I also want to say thank you to those who read this blog and for the encouragement received. It is my honor and privilege to be blessed in this capacity. I praise the Lord for granting me the ability to perform this duty. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Upcoming Activities

Hello and good Sunday afternoon to each of you! I hope you have had a wonderful day so far. Here are some activities that will be taking place around our church over the coming week.

Don't forget about the "Know Fear" session this afternoon at 5pm in the fellowship hall. Tonight's session is on "Fear of Loneliness". Being lonely does not necessarily mean being all by yourself. You can be lonely even in a group of people. Something just isn't right and you can't put your finger on it. You just don't feel whole/complete. Some folks are quite happy being alone, but that doesn't make them lonely. I was in a relationship several years ago and things just didn't work out the way I had hoped they would. The relationship came to an end and I haven't found that "right" person again. I have placed this in the Lord's hands and trust that He will supply the right individual for me. Does this mean I am lonely? No!!! I have family and friends who love me and best of all I have a Lord and Savior who loves me beyond all measure! I am quite happy in my singleness. His will is to be done in this area of my life (along with all the others).

Then the topic of tonight's sermon is "A Cure for Loneliness". If you are feeling alone, then this might be the message you need to hear. Sure, there times when we all feel a little isolated, but that doesn't mean that we feel that way all the time. God wants to cure our loneliness and give us the peace and comfort that only He can provide.

This morning was our Minister of Students first day with us. Many of you had the chance to speak to him at that time. If you haven't had the chance to meet him, please take the time to give a warm North FBC welcome. There will be a "pounding" for him this Wednesday night at supper at 6pm. Let's extend a friendly, loving hand and help him stock his pantry. We all know how difficult it is setting up housekeeping for the first time (or even in a new place)..let's make his transition a little easier by extending a Christian hand of love and fellowship!

The preschoolers will have their own Valentine's banquet tomorrow night from 6-7:30 in the fellowship hall.

The make up session of "Know Fear" will be held at 7pm in the gym Monday evening.

Men's breakfast will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18th at 8am in the fellowship hall. All men are encouraged to attend.

The youth will be heading to the Colonial Center in Columbia on Friday, Feb. 23rd. They will be joining other young people from surrounding areas at the Youth Winter Jam Tour hosted by New Song, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson and Sanctus Real. Tickets are $10.00 at the door and money is needed for food. They will leave from the church at 5pm. Concert begins at 7pm.

I believe this covers all I have for now. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Welcome..........

to our new youth and children's leader. He will be joining us for his first day tomorrow (Feb. 11th). He comes to us from Union Point, Georgia. Remember to take a moment to introduce yourself to him. Let's do all we can to make him feel welcome. I wish him all the success that God has in store for him.

In light of our new youth and children's leader....there will be a "pounding" for him this Wed., Feb. 14th. This will be a good way to help him stock his pantry. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend Wed. evening. Remember, supper starts at 6pm followed by prayer meeting.

Speaking of Valentine's Day..........don't forget to take the time to let those closest to you know how much they mean to you. Tokens of love and appreciation shouldn't be saved for only Valentine's Day though.........we should remember to tell them each and every day how much treasure them. Valentine's Day would also be a great day to tell someone else of the love that Jesus Christ has for him or her. What better way to share the joy of love than passing along an eternal gift of life in Christ?!

The preschoolers will be having their own Valentine's Day party. It will be held on Monday, Feb. 12th from 6-7:30 in the fellowship hall.

Also, if you have any jeans you would like to donate to a good cause........they are needed to help fill the clothes closet in West Virginia. All sizes are needed. Please bring them to the church as soon as possible so they can be delivered to the folks that need them.

Let's also remember the many renovations that are taking place around our church. Folks are busy trying to get our pastor and ministry assistant settled into their new offices. As we are all aware, when making renovations you are bound to run into a few snags here and there. So let's remember in prayer those who are involved with this project in the hopes that things will go as smoothly as possible and according to God's perfect will.

Ladies (and men): Don't forget about the special craft night being held once a month. Crafts are being made to sell at our Christmas bazaar this year to help purchase a new church bus. If you are unable to get out and come and join in the fun and fellowship, please contact the church office and let them know. They will get the proper folks in touch with you so that you can work on things at home to help with this project. Even if you think you aren't able to make anything, everyone is encouraged to participate and folks are available to help you through any difficulties you may have with the craft you are working on.

The adult choir has started working on the Easter cantata. It is entitled "The Seven Last Words of Christ". If you have been contemplating whether to join the choir or not, this is a good time to make the step to join. You are more than welcome to come and be a part of the fun!

I think that covers what I have for now. If I have left anything out, etc. please let me know. You can always email me at nricha4903@hotmail.com. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Facing the Giants

Good Saturday evening to each of you! I just finished watching 2 very inspirational movies. "One Night with the King" and "Facing the Giants". Both were awesome. "One Night with the King" is the story of Esther, Queen of Persia and the difference she made in being queen. "Facing the Giants" is a football story of a coach in a Christian Academy with a very bad losing streak. He overhears some men trying to get him ousted. He and his wife are having many difficulties (car trouble, household repairs that need to be made with no extra funds to get the work done, and they have been trying to have a baby for 4 years with no success.

At his lowest point, he turns everything over to God and many miracles abound as a result. You will have to watch the film to get the full impact. It lead me to write this entry tonight though. As I was watching, football is a great deal like life. If you go into the game with a losing attitude, then losing will be the end result. If you go into it with a positive attitude and do your best, the chances for winning are increased.

We all have giants to face. Whether they be dealing with a difficult job, things being tough at home, not having enough money to make ends meet, difficulties in having children...........and the list can go on and on. If we face those giants with the attitude that we are defeated before we ever get started, then we have given those giants all the power they need. The power to crush our spirit and keep us feeling less than our best.

When we choose to face those giants with the attitude of an achiever and with the faith that all things are possible for those who love the Lord..............we have a better chance of being successful. When success comes our way, we need to remember to give God the glory. It is through His grace and mercy that we are able to press on when things get too difficut. It is through His grace and mercy that we able to attain the unattainable.

Nothing that I have is not without God's loving grace. In a moment it can all be taken away. We can rest assured in one thing..................God's love for us NEVER fails. He will provide and meet our every need if only we will let Him. He wants nothing but His best for His children.

My prayer tonight is that we all will lay our giants at God's feet. Thus allowing Him to be in control of our lives. Let His will be done. If you are reading this entry and have not committed your life to Christ......now is the time. Do not delay. I pray that you will lay your burdens/giants at God's feet and allow Jesus to come into your heart.

When it seems like all is lost and you wonder why bad things keep happening...........it isn't God causing those bad things to happen. It is often a result of our bad choices. He never gives us more than we can handle. Satan runs amuck and plants little seeds that develop into giants. Giants that can keep us from doing God's work and being where God would want us to be.

So again, I encourage you......if haven't accepted Christ, please make that decision right now. Allow Jesus to come into your heart. You will have a forever friend and a constant guide. If you have accepted Christ and have strayed away from the path He would have you walking on, make the step to return to Him. He will not turn you away. We all have giants to face..............and facing them with fellow brothers & sisters-in-Christ is much better than trying to face them on your own. Aligning yourself with fellow believers is what God would want us to do. We are not to be unkind to those less fortunate than we are. We are not to be unkind to those who have hurt us. We are not to be unkind to those who don't dress like we dress, or walk or talk like we talk. Instead we are to be an example. An example of Christ's love and sacrifice.

Allow Christ to be Lord of your life. It is one gift you can give to yourself that you will never want to return. Allow Him to slay those giants and His will be done in your life.

I hope you will have a restful evening. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Hustle and Bustle

Good rainy Thursday! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry. Some areas were blessed with snow, while others got mostly rain. Regardless, it is all a part of God's glorious power and beauty. We have a lot going on in and around our church. I hope everyone will participate as the Lord would allow.

We are continuing our "Know Fear" Bible study. It has been very rewarding and I hope everyone will learn what the Lord has in mind for this study. If you weren't able to participate in this study, hopefully you will be able to do so in the future. Also, if you aren't able to make it to the Sunday night session, there is a make up session on Monday evenings in the fellowship hall at 7pm.

It is my understanding that the craft nights have been going quite well. In fact, the first night was such a success that it has now been expanded. Instead of only meeting one night per month.......it has now grown into a special craft night for making items for our church Christmas bazaar. The bazaar will be held on Dec. 8th along with soup and cornbread. Ladies and men are invited to join in the fellowship. One night has been set aside each month to work on this project. The first night (Tues., Jan 30th) was quite a success. There 20 ladies present that night. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 6th from 6:30-9pm in the youth room in the educational building. A donation of $2-3 will be taken up the first night to cover the cost of supplies. After that, a list will be given to each individual to purchase their own supplies. If you aren't able to get out at night, you can still participate by working at home. Please contact the church office for the individuals in charge of this project.

The other Tuesday nights will be a come and do your thing gathering. A time of creativity and fellowship. A good way to release some tension from a hard day at work or to simply get out of the house for a bit. The fundraiser is being done in order to raise funds to purchase a new church bus. If you have any craft suggestions, please write your ideas down and place them in the basket in the vestibule. If you decide to participate in this activity, you will be assisting in making a snowman out of landscape timbers and other small crafts. So come on out and give it a try. Even if you think you might not be able to make anything, you may be surprised at what hidden talent may be released in working for the Lord!


The children will have an outing this Sat., Feb. 3rd. Children grades 1-6 will leave the church at 1pm and will return around 6pm. Money is needed for a trip to McDonald's, bowling and shoe rental.

There will be a Deacon's Meeting this Sunday, Feb. 4th at 8am. All deacons are encouraged to be in attendance!

Our new student minister will be joining us Sunday, Feb. 11th. He comes to us from Union City, Ga and has been ministering as a part time youth leader at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Fairburn, Ga since Jan. 2005. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Ga and also a major in Biblical Studies and a minor in youth ministry. There will be a "pounding" for him Wed., Feb. 14th. Come and meet him and bring some goodies to help stock his pantry and make his transition to North FBC an easy one.

There is some construction work going on in our church office. If you have a mailbox there, they have been moved upstairs to the first room on the right. Please remember to be careful as you make your way up the steps and remember to check your mailbox periodically. Just because they have been moved, doesn't mean the mail isn't there anymore! Your assistance is appreciated!

I hope the remainder of your week goes well. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Feeling Crafty?

I know.........what in the world is Tina thinking? Well ladies, here's our opportunity to get together and have a little time away from the house and we get to spend with our sisters-in-Christ and do something we love at the same time! Tomorrow night (Jan. 23rd) is the first craft night for the ladies of the church. All ladies are invited to attend. It will be held in the fellowship hall from 6-9pm. You will be able to bring whatever crafts you are working on or even those crafts you have been meaning to start working on and could never find the time to do so. Whatever your fancy is.........whether it's scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, etc. you are welcome to attend. Even if you aren't sure what craft you might like to work on, someone there may have some ideas to help get you started.

So tell the husbands, boyfriends, etc. they are own their own from 6-9 Tuesday evening and come and spend some time with the girls!

Hello! Hope your Sunday evening is going well. We have been blessed today with a few showers of rain. We were also very blessed with the service this morning. Our guest speaker did a wonderful job. The all male choir did an excellent job! (by the way....where are all you men in the choir normally?). Would love for you to join us! The trio also did an terrific job. We have such talented individuals in our church. It's great to see the talents displayed and put to use in worshiping our Lord and Savior!

The Discipleship Training class "Know Fear" is moving along wonderfully. It really is making you think and focus on things you might have overlooked otherwise. Fear is human, but God wants us to overcome those fears so that He may be able to use us to do His work. May those who are participating in this class walk away with renewed strength! (If you are unable to attend the Sunday night session, there is a make-up class on Monday evenings at 7pm in the fellowship hall.)

The ladies of the church will be having a "Craft Night" Tuesday, Jan. 23rd from 6-9pm. Bring a friend and come join in the fun and fellowship. This activity will be held in the fellowship hall.

A couple of our church members recently took a trip. This Wednesday night during Prayer Meeting at 7pm they will share about their travels. You are in for quite a treat!

I think covers most everything for now. If I left anything out, please let me know. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Chilly Weather

Fortunately for our part of the world we have avoided some of the bad weather. It has been a very cold, dreary day outside indeed. But the cold, dreary day doesn't have to have a bearing on the warmth and kindness we can display as Christians. I hope that each of you were able to reap at least one good thing from this day. I am thankful that the weather was not any worse than it was. I pray that those without power will soon have it restored. We have been so blessed. There are those in this country who are feeling the cold today. They don't have homes to shelter them from the cold and rain. They don't have loved ones to comfort them when comfort is needed. I hope and pray that when people come in contact with each of us, we give off the warmth and love of Christ Jesus. The words "Let others see Jesus in you" need to be more than just a song. They need to come to life and be displayed for all to see. It is something that I know I need to work on and become better about doing.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in the things of the world. We have to learn not to allow the every day things get us off track of the job God has for us to do. Satan becomes very pleased when he sees one of God's children wandering aimlessly. We have to keep God where He belongs. That is in first place. If we allow God to be in control of our lives, we are better equipped to fight off Satan and his army. Satan is only as powerful as we allow him to be. Satan loves it when we allow the cold, dreariness of life to set in and keep us down-hearted. When we step into the light of Jesus, Satan's power becomes weak. Pray to always be in the light of our Lord and Savior. Keep Satan in the dark, forever at bay.

I hope that you are making plans to be a part of Baptist Men's Day this Sunday, Jan. 21st. The day will begin with Men's Breakfast at 8am. Men of all ages are invited to attend. There will be an all male choir that morning as well (practice will be immediately following men's breakfast). One of our former church members will be the guest speaker of the day. I am looking forward to hearing him speak. Invite someone to join you for this special day!

The ladies of the church will have "Craft Night" on Tues., Jan. 23rd from 6-9pm. They will meet in the fellowship hall. All ladies are invited and encouraged to attend. Invite another lady to join you for this time of fun and fellowship.

Don't forget about the 2nd meeting of "Know Fear". Last week's session went very well. I am looking forward to the next. We are doing some reading everyday in our books and it is quite thought-provoking and uplifting. These sessions are being held at 5pm in the fellowship hall during the regular discipleship training hour.

I hope that the remainder of your week goes well. Until next time, keep warm and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Kickoff

Good Sunday evening to each of you! I hope you had a blessed Sunday. We began the adult Bible study tonight entitled "Know Fear: Facing Life's Six Most Common Phobias". We all have things in our lives that make us afraid. The purpose of this study is to focus on 6 different areas that are common in everyone's personal lives. The goal is to equip us as Christians with the proper tools to help us overcome these fears.

God is aware that we have these fears. Whether it be a fear of flying or of God Himself. For me, I would have to say that God doesn't necessarily mean for us to be "afraid" of Him as we would be afraid of heights, snakes, spiders, etc. I feel the context in which the word "afraid" is used to describe God means we should respect and honor Him.

Each session is taking place over the next 6 weeks during the Discipleship Training hour at 5pm. There was a very good number attending tonight. For those that were teaching another class, there will be a 30 minute session tomorrow night in the fellowship hall beginning at 7pm.

During our quarterly church conference this morning it was announced that we have a new Youth & Children's minister coming to us in Feb. His first day will be Sunday, Feb. 11th. There will be "pounding" for him Wed., Feb. 14th. What "pounding" means is bringing canned or boxed goods to help stock his pantry, etc. It doesn't mean beating him over the head with a baseball bat. (not that anyone would............but you never know!) Just kidding. I know none of our church family would do such a thing! :-)

So bring your canned or boxed goods that Wed. evening when you come for supper and prayer meeting. As always supper begins at 6pm with prayer meeting immediately following.

As I have mentioned several times, Baptist Men's Day is next Sunday, Jan. 21st. All men are invited and encouraged to attend Men's breakfast at 8am that day. The all male choir will practice after breakfast at 9am in the choir room. There will be guest speaker during the morning worship hour. Mark the date on your calendar and invite someone to join you in this wonderful time of worship and fellowship!

Attention Ladies: Women on Mission will be meeting this Wed. night at 7pm. The meeting will be held in the choir room in the fellowship hall. All ladies are invited to attend.

Another event for ladies is "Craft Night". This will be held in the fellowship hall on Tuesday, Jan. 23rd from 6-9pm. This should be a fun time for all who attend. Why should the men always have all the fun??!! :-)

As always, remember to pray for those serving in the Armed Forces. We have several church members who are having health problems right now. As well as several folks in the community. While they may not be listed here, the Lord knows their needs. Please pray for them.

I hope your will be one of blessing and one that will allow you the opportunity to be a vessel for God's work to be done. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Activities for the week.........

Hello and good Saturday afternoon to each of you. I hope had the opportunity to get out and enjoy a little of the sunshine and warmth we have been blessed with today. Cold weather and rain is in the forecast for next week. But all is well.....our Lord is in control of it all!

Tomorrow morning's service is on "Hope: A Theology of the Resurrection". Then tomorrow night we begin the study entitled "Know Fear". It will be held during the discipleship training hour at 5pm. I am looking forward to it and hope to see you there! The evening worship services beginning tomorrow evening and ending on Sunday, Feb. 25th will supplement the DT study. And remember, you don't have to participate in the DT hour to join in the evening worship hour.

There will be a quarterly church business meeting tomorrow morning as well. All church members are encouraged to attend.

Women on Mission will meet this Wednesday evening (Jan. 17th) immediately following Wed. night supper. All ladies are invited to attend!

We are also looking forward to Baptist Men's Day on Sunday, Jan. 21st. Men's breakfast will be at 8am that day. There will be an all male choir during the morning service. A former church member will be the guest speaker that morning. Baptist Men's Day is always a special event in our church and we look forward to having you join us!

Don't forget to let the church office know of any birthdays, anniversaries, etc. you wish to have listed in the monthly newsletter. Keeping current records is very important and your assistance is appreciated. Also, if you are NOT receiving a monthly newsletter and would like to do so, please contact the church office regarding this as well. Your current address will be needed.

If you would like to change your subscription to the Baptist Courier, please make sure you contact the church office as soon as possible!

I hope everyone will have a wonderful Sat. night. Take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Showers of Blessing

Good Sunday afternoon! Hope you are enjoying this rain we have been blessed with. An excellent time to catch up on some overdue reading, making that phone call you have been meaning to make, finally taking that afternoon nap (just to name a few). The weather certainly has been odd for this time of year. I have enjoyed having the warmer days. One thing is for sure, it's one of God's many ways to remind us that He is in control! May His showers of blessing continue to rain down on us!

I wanted to remind everyone of the Christiam music group that will be joining us tonight. The name of the group is "Commandment 11". They are based in Simpsonville, SC. A love offering will be taken up tonight on their behalf. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Invite someone to join you. The service begins at 6pm.

Last chance: if you have been trying to decide on whether to participate in the upcoming Discipleship Training class "Know Fear", the deadline to sign up is here! Make sure you add your name to the list tonight. You don't want to miss out on this opportunity! The cost of the books is $5.00 per person (money can be paid next Sunday, Jan. 14th). Remember that the class begins next Sunday at 5pm in the fellowship hall. The evening worship service will supplement the DT class. You don't have to attend the class to enjoy the worship hour, but do consider joining the class in a time of study and fellowship! Hope to see you there.

Also, if you are on the Youth Committee, don't forget about the meeting this afternoon. It starts a 4pm in the Youth building.

Fish Fry: The XYZ will have a meeting this Friday, Jan. 12th at 6:30pm. Sounds like a fun time of food and fellowship!

Your help is needed in maintaining the monthly calendar of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. If you are aware of any birthdays or anniversaries of our church family that are not currently on the calendar, please let the church office know. Also, if you are not receiving a monthly newsletter and would like to do so, please contact the church office with your current address. Keeping things current helps everyone involved. It makes the process much easier when properly maintained. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

I think that covers all I have for now. Remember to pray for those serving in our military (and their families) as well as those in our community who are sick, bereaved or otherwise in need of God's loving grace. We can never know the needs of everyone, but if we join together as brothers and sisters-in-Christ and pray for those we know need His healing hand, it's a mighty way to show Christ's love through us and in us.

I hope and pray each of you reading this journal will have a safe and blessed week.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Fish Fry

The XYZ meeting next Friday, Jan. 12th is going to be Fish Fry. It will begin at 6:30pm. Sounds like a lot of fun!

Also, regarding the books for the upcoming Discipleship Training Class.........the cost is $5.00 and the money will be due the first night of class (Sun., Jan. 14th). All adults are encouraged to attend. Hope to see you there!

Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Greetings in 2007

Well, it's finally here. The year 2007. Even though I have not been on this earth but 36 years, things certainly have changed since I was a child. That's how things work though. The world keeps revolving and life must go on. With that being said, that means that as Christians we should be about the work of the Lord. Doing the things He would have us do and living the type of life that is pleasing to Him! After all, it is by His grace and the blood that was shed on Calvary that sets us free.

I have never been one to plan the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing. But I will say that there are definitely areas that need improving. We all have room for growth. And if anyone thinks they don't have room to improve, they are greatly misleading him or herself. Jesus has set a high example for us all to live up to. Even on our best days we still won't be able to reach that level. I encourage everyone (including myself) to work a little harder and try to be the person God would have us be.

We have several things happening in our church this week. First off, there will be a Deacon's Meeting Sunday morning, Jan. 7th at 8am. That afternoon there will be a Youth Committee meeting at 4pm in the youth building.

On Friday, Jan. 12th there will be an XYZ meeting. I will provide more info on this once I have it.

Women on Mission are scheduled to meet Wed., Jan. 17th immediately following the Wed. night supper. All ladies are invited to attend.

Sunday, Jan. 21st is Baptist Men's Day. All the gentlemen of the church are invited to participate. There will be an all-male choir that morning. Men, this is your time to shine! I have always enjoyed the Baptist Men's Day service. I encourage you to attend. You will certainly be blessed. Early that morning the men will meet in the fellowship hall for Men's Breakfast at 8am. Come on out and invite some other men to join you for a special day!

Backing up on the calendar...........don't forget about the special music we will have next Sunday during the evening worship hour at 6pm. Commandment 11 will be performing that evening. The group is based in Simpsonville, SC. Make plans now to be in attendance and bring someone with you!

There will be a quarterly Business meeting Sunday, Jan. 14th during the morning worship hour at 11am. All members are encouraged to attend!

Don't forget about the special series coming up on Sunday, Jan. 14th during the Discipleship Training hour at 5pm. The cost of the books is $5.00 per person and the deadline to sign-up is Sunday, Jan. 7th. The series is entitled "Know Fear". The pastor will be supplementing the class in the evening worship. You do not need to attend the class in order to enjoy the message, but we would love to have you join us!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's and I also hope it has gotten off on a great note! Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

Other Important Activities

I apologize for the oversight..........I meant to mention these items in my last post, but I forgot to do so.

Remember to mark these dates on your calendar. There will be a Deacon's Meeting Sunday, Jan. 7th at 8am. There will also be an XYZ meeting Friday, Jan. 12th (will post more about this when I have more info).

The church office will be closed both Monday & Tuesday, Jan. 1st and 2nd in observance of New Year's Day. If you need to contact the church office, you may call and leave a message or you can give them a call on Wednesday!

Women on Mission will meet Wednesday, January 17th immediately following supper at 6pm. All ladies are invited to attend!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Take care and enjoy the last few days of 2006!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

News & Highlights for January 2007

Yes, it's hard to believe that another year will soon begin. Time stands still for noone. In this new year, we have some exciting things happening in our church. Remember to make note of them so you won't miss out on anything! And as always, invite someone to join you.

First of all the sermons for Sunday morning will be as follows:

Jan. 7th: "Faith: A Theology of the Cross"

Jan. 14th: "Hope: A Theology of the Resurrection"

Jan. 28th: "A Living Stone: Part 1"

Feb. 4th: "A Living Stone: Part 2"

On Sunday evenings the series will further supplement the study for Discipleship Training entitled "Know Fear". It promises to be very worthwhile. Everyone is encouraged to participate. Invite someone you know. We all have fears. Satan plays on those fears. During this study you will learn how face life's six most common phobias. The kick-off will take place Sunday, Jan. 14th at 5pm in the fellowship hall. The cost of the books is $5.00 per person and the deadline to sign up is Sunday, Jan. 7th. A sign up sheet will be available in the vestibule.

The evening worship hour will focus on the following topics:

Jan. 14th: "The Ultimate Choice"

Jan. 21st: "The Future Fear"

Jan. 28th: "The Fear of Commitment"

Feb. 4th: "The Failure Factor"

Feb. 11th: "A Cure for Loneliness"

Feb. 18th: "The Fear of Death"

Feb. 25th: "Fear God?"

As you can see, this will be an exciting study and worship time. Satan will do all he can to play on these fears and break us down with the hope of having us follow him. He will stop at no cost to anyone. It is up to us as Christians to be equipped with the right tools to ward off Satan and his army. When we are able to properly use those tools, Satan's power will be minimized. As our pastor states in January's newsletter, Jesus has given us the command. This command is found in the Great Commission. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to go and teach. When we are properly equipped, the fear that we dealt with before no longer has the hold on us it once did. Are we willing to make that step?

Other exciting news is there will be a contemporary Christian music ministry team appearing Sunday, Jan. 7th. The name of the group is Commandment 11. The group is based in Simpsonville, SC. Mark the date on your calendar and invite someone to join you!

There will be a quarterly business meeting Sunday, Jan. 14th. Everyone is encouraged to attend. It is important that we attend these meetings so that everyone knows what is taking place in our church!

Baptist Men's Day will be Sunday, Jan. 21st. Men's breakfast will be that morning as well as 8am. All men are invited to attend. There will also be an all male choir during the morning service. A former member of our church will be the guest speaker. Baptist Men's Day is always an exciting time for our church. We have such talented men in our church and it's wonderful to have them participate. If you know of anyone that should participate in these activities that day, please invite them to attend.

I hope the remainder of your week goes well. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

The Presents Have Been Opened....

Well, it's the day after Christmas and all the presents have been opened. Children are playing with their new treasures. Even the grown-up children are in awe over the new "toys" they have received. One thing is certain, after all the wrapping and un-wrapping is done, the garland is removed and the tree put away for another year....the promise of our Savior abounds all year long. We can now focus on a new year and the things we wish to work on during that new year. Now begins the task of making that "New Year's Resolution" list. Hopefully we will accomplish more than just the mere task of writing those things down we wish to improve on. And I am sure we all have things we need to work on.

My hope and prayer is that we allow Christ to work in and through us to become the people He would have us to be. That should be a top priority on our list. In light of the upcoming new year, our church will have a New Year's Eve service. During that time, communion will be observed. Are we really where we need to be in our walk with Christ? Are we at peace with those around us and with our Lord? These are some things we need to think about before partaking of the Lord's Supper. Making right those wrongs that may have occurred (even ones we don't think are wrong). If it is wrong in God's sight, then it is wrong.

Also during the New Year's Eve service, there will be candle-lighting. This to me symbolizes the birth of a new year. A chance for new beginnings. Invite a friend, neighbor or family member to join you for this special service. The worship hour Sunday, Dec. 31st will be at 6pm.

If you are a member of the choir, practice will be held this Sunday, Dec. 31st at 5pm. If you need to be in Discipleship Training, then you will be excused from practice.

Immediately following the evening service, there will be a time of fellowship for all. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served. Come and join in this special time with fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ.

I truly hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. May God's love and grace continue to shine down upon you and yours!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

For your viewing enjoyment...........

Here are a couple of pictures from the Children's Christmas Program and the hot chocolate/smores fellowship following the program (on Dec. 10th). Many thanks to the parents of the children in the pictures for allowing me to post these to share with everyone. And many, many thanks to the photographer! Keep up the good work! I will hopefully have the picture of the Adult Choir Cantata posted soon (pending permission from everyone).

May you have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

North First Baptist Church at Christmas

Here are just a few pictures of our sanctuary decorated for Christmas. I am working on getting permission to post a couple of pictures from some of the programs we have had recently. If I am able to gain the permission I need, I will post them here to share with everyone. In the meantime, please enjoy the ones we have available now.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

I don't know how many of you subscribe to the North Trade Journal, but there was a story on the front page that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you. If you do subscribe, then I encourage you to take the time to read the article. It always warms my heart and brings a smile to my face when I see people helping others. This particular article was in regards to the Angel Tree that was placed in the Piggly Wiggly here in North. Upon this tree, there were 24 angels placed on the tree. Each angel had the individual's size and need on them. From the Angel Tree, folks who wished to participate in this ministry, could select an angel, purchase the gift and wrap it and bring it back to Piggly Wiggly to await pick-up for delivery.

I am in agreement with the words the Store Operator had to say in the article. Some people have indeed taken the "Christ" out of Christmas..........for this, I feel for them. There is no greater gift than the love Christ has for us and please pardon me for saying this, but I don't see any of these people dying on a cross to save us from our sins. Maybe when they do that, they will be a little more entitled to their self-righteous opinions.

Anyway, back to the story at hand. The story mentioned that all 24 names had been selected and gifts were there for everyone whose name was on the tree. That absolutely makes me shout with glee! The giving spirit seems to come alive more this time of year. We need/should strive to make it this way all year long! Many thanks to those who participated in this ministry. You certainly are angels......angels of a compassionate and loving God and may you continue to receive His bountiful blessings!

In other news, there is an article on the first page of the Trade Journal in regards to the upcoming development of a new Community Center here in North. Plans are to have it facing the ball fields. This should be an exciting project for our town and hopefully one that everyone can participate in and enjoy! For more information on this project, there will be a meeting on Jan. 29th at 7pm at the North Town Hall. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Rumor has it that there will be a special guest in the Town Square this Sunday, Dec. 24th. I understand this guest will be arriving at 3pm. Everyone is invited. There will be FREE candy for the children and prizes for the adults. Adults must be 18 to register for the drawings. This event is being sponsored by North Furniture.

We will have our regular morning activities tomorrow, Dec. 24th. If you have a poinsettia in the church, you will be able to pick it/them up after the morning worship hour. There will be no evening services. Activities for Wed. night will remain the same and next Sunday, Dec. 31st during the evening worship hour, we will be observing Communion and will also have candle-lighting (a special way to celebrate the ending of a year and bringing in the new). Evening services for Dec. 31st will remain at normal times (Discipleship Training at 5pm and evening worship hour at 6pm). Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring a friend, family member or neighbor!

I truly hope that everyone who reads this website has a blessed Christmas. Encourage friends and family members to come and check out this site as well. Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)

The Promise Delivered

Good Monday evening to each of you! If you missed the cantata last night, you surely missed a blessing. It's hard for me to remain impartial, especially when I am a choir member. I have always enjoyed hearing our choir sing whether I am a member or not. Our church has been blessed with such talented people. Praise God for His blessings upon us! If you weren't able to attend, always keep in mind you can a request a copy of the tape. Copies are available of all the Sunday services (both morning and evening).

The youth will have gym time this Friday, Dec. 22nd. The date has been changed from Sat., Dec.23rd to Fri., Dec. 22nd. During this time, the parents and children (grades 1-4) are invited to attend from 6-7pm. There will be a pizza party during that hour. You will also have the opportunity to meet a prospective youth minister. So don't forget to make plans to be there if you are part of the youth group or the parent and child (grades 1-4). Gym time will be held from 6-9pm.

Children's grades 1-6 will be heading out this Thursday, Dec. 21st. They will be going to Riverbanks Zoo to see the "Lights Before Christmas". The group will be leaving the church at 6pm and will be arriving back at the church around 9:30pm. You will need money for food and $5.00 for zoo admission.

Also, don't forget about Lottie Moon Christmas offering. Our church goal is $5,600.00. The national goal is $150 million. Lottie Moon is one of the largest missions we participate in every year. So many people are reached through organizations like this. An interesting tid bit we recently learned during the morning worship hour is that it takes $40,000.00 per year to support a missionary. Allow God to lead you in how He wants you to give to this wonderful ministry.

As I have stated before, let's not forget to pray for our service men and women, our missionaries, and all of the other folks who "work behind the scenes" to do all the jobs that need to be done. Let's also remember to pray for those that are sick, bereaved or in need in whatever way they need assistance. Some won't be able to be at home this Christmas, and we must remember to be thankful for all that they do for us and our country. Pray that God will keep them safe and have them return home soon.

The poinsettias have been placed in the church (this job was done on Sat.). Everything looks so beautiful. Many thanks again to the decorating committee...and many thanks to those ladies who worked so diligently to make sure every thing was taken care of with the poinsettias.

The adult choir will not have practice next Sunday (Christmas eve). We will be practicing Sun., Dec. 31st at 5pm. If this conflicts with your Discipleship Training hour, you will be excused from practice (although I think our DT leaders will understand). :-)

I pray that everyone will have a blessed Christmas. It will be here next Monday. We will not have evening services Sun., Dec. 24th. There will be a special service Sun. night, Dec. 31st. Invite someone to join you during this special time. We will observe the Lord's supper and will have candle lighting also. The candles represent hope for the New Year. Christ has come to bring us hope and ever lasting life. Remember to share the Christmas story with someone this Christmas season. No other gift can compare to that of our Lord and Savior!

Until next time, take care and God bless!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)