Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Central Baptistchurch
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH DECEMBER / JANUARY 2015
Up FrontChurch Events
• Dec 6th - NB Youth Dessert Theater
• Dec 11th - Christmas In 3D
• Dec 12th - Graham Christmas Gift Mart
• Dec 14th - LCT/Finance
• Dec 16th - Children’s House Christmas Program
• Dec 24th – Christmas Eve Service7:00 p.m., Downtown Campus
• Dec 27th - All services combined 9:30 a.m., Merriam Hall
• Dec 31st/Jan 1st - First Night Downtown
• Jan 11th - Finance/LCT
• January 15th - 18th - SKWIM
• January 20th - Quarterly Business Meeting
• January 30th - Millikin Choir
The advent season is a beautiful mix of ordinary and extraordinary.
Over the course of the next month you and I will do a lot of ordinary things, the sort of things we do every single day regardless of the season. At the same time, we will participate in some activities that are outside of the norm. We will find festive decorations virtually everywhere we go, we may drink more beverages with peppermint in them, we may spend more time in stores shopping, and we will likely spend very intentional time thinking about loved ones and how we might be able to bless them in a special way as we celebrate Christmas. Lots of extraordinary will be mixed into the normalcy of our next four weeks.
As I reflect on Jesus coming to walk with us, entering into the world through the miracle of childbirth, and experiencing life as a child, I’m struck by how extraordinary his arrival is while at the same time how ordinary it is. Sure, the Christmas story has its virgin birth, wisemen, star, and was on the radar of kings but at the heart of it was a baby. A baby who had to be nurtured by his parents, cried, and grew to run around with his brothers. The extraordinary God of all creation humbled himself and came to us to walk in our midst. The light that overcomes all darkness has moved into the neighborhood!
As we celebrate the extraordinary gift we have in Jesus, there are some out of the norm opportunities for us to join together as a church family that I would love for you to participate in:
(Continued on page 2)
Off The Shelf HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 2
Just Added: Three Christmas Books by Melody Carlson:
Christmas at Harrington’s: Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally
thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret? Christmas at Harrington's is a story of redemption and true holiday spirit..
The Gift of Christmas Present: Christine knocked on the door ready to introduce herself to her long-lost grandmother. Esther answered the knock ready to interview a housekeeper. Neither found quite what she'd expected.
The Christmas Shoppe: A small town, an eccentric newcomer, and an unusual store that is more than meets the eye. In this charming story full of sweet surprises, find out what happens when curiosity gets the best of people and they enter the Christmas Shoppe.
These book may be found on the New Book Rack in the Library. (Amazon Ratings of 4.3 to 4.5 out of 5)
Check-out one of these Christmas Movies
Annabelle’s Wish (1997)The Christmas Angel (2009)The Christmas Candle (2013)The Christmas Card (2006)Christmas Child (2010)The Christmas Hope (2009)Christmas Lodge (2011)Christmas Oranges (2012)Christmas With Capital C (2010)Angel in the Family (2006)The Heart of Christmas (2011)Midnight Clear (2007)The Nativity Story (2007)One Special Night (1999)A Song for the Season (1999)The Ultimate Gift (2006)
Jim FillerOn behalf of the Volunteer Library Team
- Sunday, December 6th - Our youth will be doing a Dessert Theater from 2 to 4 at the KC Hall in New Berlin.
- Friday, December 11th - “Christmas in 3D” will be a time of Drama, Dessert, and Discussion as your children perform a Christmas program and we enjoy dessert while engaging in discussion about worship experiences that have been meaningful to us.
- Saturday, December 12th - Graham Christmas Gift Mart will be the focus of our Advent Conspiracy sacrifices this year. We will be creating an opportunity for parents to provide gifts for their children.
- Thursday, December 24th - On Christmas Eve we will have a special worship celebration together.
- Sunday, December 27th - All three worship services will combine for a special worship service in Merriam Hall downtown at 9:30 AM where we will sit around tables together and enjoy breakfast.
I’m looking forward to celebrating this beautiful mix of the ordinary and extraordinary together with you. Praying for a Merry Christmas for you and your families in the weeks ahead and plenty of opportunities to remember and rejoice in the reality that God is with us!
Your partner in mission,
Up Front (Continued)
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 3
On behalf of the Children's House staff, we would like to
wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. We love this season and will make great memories celebrating this year. On December 16th, please
join us as we make a joyful noise during our annual
Christmas program. Our three preschool classes will leave us feeling in the Christmas spirit and rejoicing in the season. The program begins at 6:15 p.m.
Classroom Christmas parties will be held on the 18th and the staff party will be held that evening as well. Throughout the month we will be partaking in events leading up to Christmas day. Students and teachers will work together to create a festive door for their classroom. Who will be the most festive? Staff will also have an opportunity to help serve our community this month. We will be volunteering at Saint John's Children's Hospital by creating Christmas craft bags for the patients.
Children's House staff is always committed to growth and development in our career. Last month each staff member attended classes and became certified in Sudden Infant Death prevention and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention. Thank you to each staff member for their commitment to the healthy and safety for each child we care for.
In January Ms. Emily will be celebrating her one year work anniversary with us. Every day Ms. Emily can be found teaching in the preschool classroom ,the Rainbows. She is well known for her wonderful smile and kind personality. We are so blessed to have her among our staff.
Celebrating December birthdays will Ms. Alison G and Grandma Barbra. In January Ms.Tian and Ms. Rachael M. will also be celebrating their special day.
Judy VlachChildren’s House Director
Merry Christmas!
As we look forward to this special time of year, lest we get lost in the business of the season, here are some tips from SomewhatSimple for Christmas Eve and Christmas Traditions for couples. If you are looking to start a couple tradition, or add to what you are already doing, feel free to use these tips as written, or use them to jump start your creativity in designing your own Christmas traditions as a couple. Examples include purchasing ornaments to represent a memory from the year, watching a classic Christmas movie, stocking stuffers, purchasing gift cards or event tickets so Christmas will last all year long, writing a letter of favorite memories from the year, baking something together, looking at Christmas lights, and sipping cocoa together while looking at your own Christmas tree. My favorite tip incorporates celebrating the upcoming new year – make predictions of what you think will happen in the new year, such as job promotions, funny things the kids may say, silly things you might fight about, and then share your predictions next Christmas Eve to see which ones came true.
December leads us to bid farewell to UIS counseling intern Michelle Davidson as she graduates with her master of arts in Human Development Counseling. Congratulations, Michelle, on this outstanding achievement! We have enjoyed having you and after three semesters you will be missed! Michelle has done a fantastic job leading the Date Night series based on the Love and Respect Connection. Ephesians 5:33 says “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect the husband.” Come join us for Michelle’s final Date Night as we explore the Rewarded Cycle and wish her well on the next leg of her journey. For more information, check out the Love and Respect website. To strengthen your love and respect, attend our FREE date night program on Friday, December 4. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. and childcare will be provided. Please contact Stephani for more information.
Are you wondering if your relationship might need a tune up? Take the Relationship Maintenance Survey to find out. For monthly couples, individual, and family tips, please sign up for our e-newsletter. For daily relationship tips, follow us on facebook.
I have Thankfulness magnet calendars to be mindful of gratitude throughout 2016. If you would like a calendar while supplies last, please let me know. For more information about any ConnectEdPAIRS service, please visit www.connectedpairs.com, stop by, call, or email me in the counseling office. I look forward to talking with you soon.
All best,Stephani Cave, [email protected]
Birthdays And Anniversaries HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 4
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS01/01 Roy Beal01/01 Ruth Todd01/01 Esther Crotchett01/01 Carolyn Ferrel01/02 Kathy Cooke01/03 Diane Martin01/06 Ethan Alt01/07 Carol Matheson01/13 Mae Moore01/17 Sue Filler01/17 Josh Sabo01/18 Sarah Ashebir01/18 Sophia Ashebir01/18 Tony Crain01/18 Craig Martin01/19 Don Anderson01/19 Mary Alice Barnes01/21 Pam Corey01/21 Mary Law01/21 Dave Matheson01/21 Doug Meyer01/21 Judy Thompson01/24 Don Spratt01/30 Willow Smith01/31 Kay Summers-Orr01/31 Dick Oglesby
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
12/08 Tricia Allen12/09 Anne Tankersley12/12 Rachel Crain12/14 David Dalbey12/16 Barbara Burris12/16 Jennifer Hanson-Russell12/16 Helen Richardson12/17 Ralph Billings12/18 Jim Lear12/20 Colleen Pinto12/23 Jim Nelson12/24 Jerry Phillips12/24 Virginia Spratt12/25 Lydia Bretz12/26 Jerry Fite12/27 Heather Southwell12/28 Roy Miller12/29 Gregg Harwood12/29 Paul Thompson12/29 Stephanie Beal12/30 Selden Bernauer
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
01/01 Dave & Carol Matheson01/03 Brett & Pat Miles01/27 Jim & Sue Filler
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
12/03 Phil & Debbie Maxwell12/03 Dick & Judy Oglesby12/12 Bob & Joy Jones12/22 Herman & Evelyn Nagel
Graham Christmas Gift Mart
We are excited this year to be working with Graham's staff to create a new way to bless families during the Christmas season.
Instead of adopting families or providing gifts directly to them, we are hosting a store where parents can purchase vouchers. Each $5 voucher gets them a gift in each of these four categories: WANT, NEED, WEAR, READ.
Parents can select gifts for their children and also wrap them! The event will take place at Central from 10 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th.
We will definitely need volunteers to get this event off the ground. Please contact Josh or Robert for more information. Gift lists are available in the Serve The World Center.
CBC EventsHOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 5
Christmas in 3D Drama, Dessert, and Discussion - Children will be performing a special Christmas drama, we’ll be eating delicious desserts, and we’ll gather around tables to participate together in a Worship Discernment conversation! Please join us for this special holiday event in Merriam Hall, Friday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Night Dinner Special Program
Wednesday December 2 we invite you to join us for Wednesday Night Dinner and a special program following dinner as we celebrate some of our Christmas traditions. The program will start at 5:45 and take place in Merriam Hall. If you have a special Christmas item you or your family uses to celebrate the birth of Christ we invite you to bring it to either display or to share the story behind it. We will sing familiar Christmas carols and remember some of the worship traditions from the church’s past as well as those that continue to the present.
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 6Inside NewsMember Care Bags
Thank you for the many and varied donations for the Member Care Bags that are distributed by our church in December. We will be packing these bags Wednesday evening, Dec 9. If you would like to help deliver these bags please let the church office know and someone will contact you. The bags will be delivered Dec. 12.
Kumler Food Pantry
Many, many thanks for all of the cans of food donated in October and November to the Kumler food pantry. Many of us are remembering to pick up that extra can or two when we grocery shop and give that can of food to someone who is struggling. Twenty-three per cent of people in Central Illinois are food insecure.
Throughout December let us continue your giving and for this month the emphasis is on peanut butter and cereal. Please place our contributions in the Serve the World Center and remember that any non-perishable food is appreciated.
Great Rivers Region Executive Minister Appointed
The Rev. Paul Gibson, a native of North Dakota, has been named to be the next Executive Minister of the Great Rivers Region of American Baptist Churches. Rev. Gibson comes to this position from the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Bismarck, ND. Having served as pastor of churches in Arizona, Nevada and Missouri as well as North Dakota, he will assume his new position on January 1, 2016. He and his wife, Melissa, will reside in Springfield, IL.
Friday December 4, 6:30
Free program from Connected Pairs
and the bookLove And Respect.
Childcare Provided
To register, please contact: [email protected]
First Night
Central Baptist Church will serve as a host site for two acts during First Night this New Year’s Eve. Starting at 6:00 p.m., dulcimer player/folk musician Mike Anderson will be featured followed by classical pianist Peder Sill at 7:00 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters on this night. For more information, please contact the church office.
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 7
A Word Of Thanks
My time as an intern with ConnectEdPAIRS at Central Baptist Church will soon be coming to an end. My internship has been a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to using the knowledge and skills that I have gained over the past three semesters to help others. I would like to thank Stephani Cave for allowing me the opportunity to intern with ConnectEdPAIRS, for sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience and for providing guidance to me during my internship. Having the opportunity to work with a variety of individuals, couples and groups has provided valuable experience. I would also like to thank the members and staff of Central Baptist Church for their kindness and support during my internship. I also want to thank the couples who participated in the Date Night groups; I am happy to have been a part of their journeys to stronger marriages.
Michelle DavidsonConnectEdPAIRS Intern
A Ringing Christmas
A Christmas musical experience presented by Bells In Motion, Sunday December 6th at 4:00 p.m. at Elliot Avenue Baptist Church. Tickets are $10 at the door, $5 for children. For more information, go to www.bellsinmotion.org
SKWIM
Members of CBC Youth will be returning to the Green Lake Conference Center for their annual SKWIM Youth Conference. Weekend includes skiing at both Cascade and Devil’s Head as well as a day at Kalahari Indoor Water Park. Event is January 15th - 18th. For more information contact
Children's House Christmas Program
Children’s House will present their annual Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 16th at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please join them for a special evening sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Inside News
Dessert Theater: A Slice Of Life
Sunday, Dec 6 at 2:00 p.m. you are invited to attend the Dessert Theater at the KC Hall in New Berlin. Desserts provided by Baker’s Square with performances provided by the New Berlin Youth Group.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the following families who lost loved ones during the month of November. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers following this difficult time.
• The family of Linda Meyer upon the passing of her mother, Lauretta Hanson.
But we do not want you to be uninformed about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as others do who have no hope.
1st Thessalonians 4:13
Our Condolences Parking Lot Repairs
Many of you may have noticed the updated look of the Downtown Campus parking lot that happened in November. A special word of thanks goes out to Dave Law for his hard work in seeing this project through during less than ideal weather conditions for such an undertaking. Our vehicle suspension is in your debt, sir.
HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 8
A Word of Volunteer Thanks
As most of you know, every year Central Baptist Church plays host to a free community Thanksgiving meal. And every year it takes no less than an army of volunteers to get this event off the ground. From servers and cooks and drivers on the front lines to those who play a more behind the scenes role in planning, the leadership at Central would like to offer a heartfelt word of thanks to each and every one of you who give up you Thanksgiving day year after year.
Millikin Choir
The Millikin University Choir returns to the Central Baptist Church sanctuary on Saturday, January 30th at 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Please join us for en incredible evening of choral music by one of the area’s most dynamic vocal ensembles.
Inside News
Poinsettias
You have the opportunity purchase a poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one or special event. The cost is $10 per poinsettia due by December 13th. Forms will be available in both the weekly bulletins as well as the Serve The World Center. Poinsettias will be used as part of the sanctuary decorations this Christmas season.
Retired Ministers And Missionaries Offering
During the month of December, we will be collecting for the Retired Ministers And Missionaries Offering. Special envelopes will be available during this time.
What’s Happening HOLIDAY ISSUE 2015 - PAGE 9
Monthly AB Men’s Breakfast1st & 3rd Saturday; 8 am; (Merriam Hall)
Hegarty Circle2nd Monday; 9:30 am; (Weber Lounge)
Beth Long Circle (New Berlin)3rd Thursday evening; various locations
NewsletterAll submissions must be made by the 15th of every month
Girl Scouts 1st & 3rd Tuesday; 6 pm; (New Berlin)
Weekly SUNDAY 8:30a Classic Worship
9:45a Sunday School all ages
11:00a Contemporary Worship
Children’s Church
4:00p Sunday School (New Berlin)
5:00p Worship (New Berlin)
6:00p Youth (New Berlin)
Meet bi-weekly
TUESDAY
3:00p Compass
WEDNESDAY
4:45p Wednesday Night Dinner
5:00p Face2Face (Rm 309)
5:45p Wednesday Night Programming
6:45p Choir Practice
THURSDAY
7:00p Worship Team RehearsalAll events at Springfield location unless otherwise noted.
December 6thNew Berlin Youth Dessert TheatreNew Berlin KC Hall, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
December 11thChristmas In 3DMerriam Hall, 6:30 p.m.
December 12thGraham Christmas Gift MartMerriam Hall, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
December 16thChildren’s House Christmas ProgramSanctuary, 6:15 p.m.
December 24thChristmas Eve ServiceSanctuary, 7:00 p.m.
December 27thAll services combinedMerriam Hall, 9:30 p.m.
December 31stFirst NightSanctuary, 6:00 p.m.
January 15th - 18thSKWIMGreen Lake Conference Center
January 20thQuarterly Business MeetingMerriam Hall, 6:30 p.m.
January 30thMillikin ChoirSanctuary, 7:00 p.m.
