The Witness December 2019

Adult Sunday School Christmas Party

& Lottie Moon Auction Dec. 13 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall

Bring an item to auction and a covered dish.

Christmas Choir Cantata Dec. 22 at 11:00am

Community Caroling Dec. 15 at 3:00pm

Living Nativity Dec. 7 & 8 at 7:00pm

Dec. 4th come help decorate and prepare for the nativity. Rehearsal will follow the decorating.

We will also rehearse on Fri. Dec. 6 at 5:30. A light dinner will be provided.

Christmas Eve Services Dec. 24 at 7:00pm & 11:00pm

Gingerbread House Making Dec. 11 at 6:30pm

Memory Can Be a Fleeting Thing!

More frequently than ever, old pictures or notes tucked away in file folders will show up as I am looking for something else that I have “put in a place for safe-keeping.” LOL! I am reminded of things that I did, places that I visited, or words I have spoken – things that had completely slipped from my memory.

Our memories of good and bad things can get lost and/or misconstrued in the cobwebs of our brain. This fact is nothing new, for people of all generations have obviously experienced it, at least as far back as the writer of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 8 speaks of the human tendency to forget things of great consequence.

God cautions His own chosen people – Don’t Forget! Especially when life is going well, be careful!

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he

has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe

his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when

you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your

herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multi-

plied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 8:10-14 (NIV)

I had intended to read this passage in last Sunday evening’s Thanksgiving Service. But I failed to remem-ber it – no, I overlooked it – no, it slipped my mind – no, plainly, I forgot! Please remember to read this passage during this week of Thanksgiving. It will remind us of why we must always have a memory jogger. When you have eaten and are satisfied (i.e., when life is “smooth sailing”), be careful – don’t forget the One who gave you all that you have – Don’t forget God!

Look to your past and be appreciative for all things.

Look to your present and be grateful in all circumstances.

Look to your future and with a thankful heart, be filled with hope! For there is coming the day when the believer will see God and will be forever in heaven, worshipping Him for all of His goodness to us. Through His grace, He showed us His perfect love and welcomes all who will believe into the family of faith!

Especially during this season, I am forever grateful for each one of you. I am appreciative for the many who give of them-selves, their resources, their time, their energy, their skills for the sake of doing the work that God has called Mt Olivet to do! Look at the pictures below taken at our Thanksgiving Dinner to see the spirit of enthusiastic service from people of all ages -- young, sort of young, and well, “not quite as young as we used to be!” Have a wonderful season of Thanksgiving and plan to join with us on Sunday for the First Sunday of Advent.

WE DEDICATED 304 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

BOXES, 50 BLESSING BAGS FROM THE RAS

AND 50 GIFTS FOR WHEAT FROM THE YOUTH.

Madisyn Smith talking with the children

Two of our “Pilgrim Servants”

Taylor Nuckols Steve Rhyne

Adult Sunday School Christmas Party

DECEMBER 13 - 6:30pm The fellowship hall

We will again be auctioning off items to support the offering for Lottie Moon Missions.

Please bring an item to auction and a covered dish to share.

If you are not a member of a Sunday class now is the time to join in and have some fun.

Offering Envelopes for 2020 The new envelopes will be available for pickup in the Fellowship Hall the last 2 weeks of December.

Please legibly print your name on the envelope and the amount. On Sundays the tellers collect the money from the envelopes and take it to the bank.

On Monday morning, the church Adm. Asst. only has the envelope to go by to record your giving for your

end of year individual financial record. This is Why it is important that you fill it out.

OUR GOAL: $15,500.00

The Hope for Appalachia trip to Kentucky is scheduled for April 4-11, 2020. If you are interested in going on

the trip, please let Dawn Dill, Paul Harris or Wayne Nuckols know by January 15th. Parents and youth

(middle school and high school) are welcome to go! It's an amazing mission opportunity!

Youth Group News! (S.O.S. = Serving Our Savior) SOS Deadline to sign up for

Passport Summer Camp with $100 deposit is Wednesday, December 18th.

Camp dates are July 12-17, Greensboro, NC.

Children’s Ministry News

Thank you to all youth and families who donated toys and gifts for us to give to the children and teens of our WHEAT families!

Thank you for your giving hearts! - Cindy

The young adults group: The Gathering will meet Dec 1st at 4pm Dec 15th (time TBD)

contact Cindy Weston or Megan Van Riper for more information: cindy@mtolivetbaptist.org

All young adults are welcome to attend, bring a friend!

On Wed. Dec. 11 at 6:30 we will once again

make and decorate gingerbread houses.

This is always fun for the whole family! The RAs wish to thank everyone for your donations

for the BLESSING bags which will be sent to the Bahamas to aid in the relief of those affected by

Hurricane Dorian. The blessing bags will be flown down & distributed directly to those in need.

Harry Brown & Walter Smith -R. A. Leaders

Royal Ambassadors

“Ambassadors for Christ”

The Gathering

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church

Agenda for Regular Quarterly Business Meeting - November 17, 2019

Call to Order & Invocation was made at 12:32 PM by John Axselle.

Approval of Minutes as mailed through Newsletter was made by Jeannette Edwards was made without objection.

Treasurer’s Report (report submitted by John Montaigne) – The Analysis of Revenues and Expenses report was shared. To date, the church revenue is slightly behind expenses. This fall there were two large expenses (workman’s compensation and painting of the sanctuary). The balance in the checking account is currently about $16,000. John Montaigne made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion se-

conded by Neal Brigham. Motion passed.

Deacons’ Report (Neal Brigham) – no report

Trustee Confirmation – At the Congregational Meeting (Quarterly Business Meeting) of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church today the church voted to approve a resolution that confirms the appointment of William A. Puryear, Janice G. Igou, and Ronald H. Williams as duly elected Trustees of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church to serve as specified in the governing documents of the church – Constitution & Bylaws, Policies and Proce-

dures Guide. Motion for approval made by Neal Brigham. Motion seconded by Bob Sichi. Motion passed.

Administrative Committee Report (report submitted by Wick Montaigne) - Three hiring options for non-pastoral positions (information shared via email to the congregation – contact church office for the report as presented) were presented to the church based on information from the feedback session last month. Members present today voted by ballot as to which direction the church would like to head. Votes were tallied during the business meeting. The original vote came back with 10 votes for Option 1 and a tie (34 votes a piece) for Option 2 and Option 3. New votes were cast and tallied with Option 3 (38 votes) prevailing. The search committee will be made up of seven members. A mission statement and process were shared regarding the hiring of ministerial non-pastoral position guidelines (information shared via email to the congregation – contact church office for the report as presented). It was asked if the bylaws need to be changed to reflect these guidelines. Based on the wording of the bylaws this process would be followed by the committees but not require the changing of the by-laws. The purpose of the mission statement was questioned. A motion was made by Dawn Dill that the mission statement presented be more reflective of the mission statement of the church. Motion seconded by Walter Smith. The motion was rescinded by Dawn Dill. Walter Smith rescinded his seconding of the motion. A new motion was made by Dawn Dill to amend the mission statement to include that the ad-ministrative committee is looking to hire a person whose character conforms with the 1963 Baptist Faith and Message as referenced in the Church Constitution. Motion seconded by Walter Smith. Motion passed. Concerns were expressed that only three committee members cre-ate the job description. It was suggested that the church family have a called business meeting to draw up a proposed job description that would be presented to the administrative committee and search committee. Dawn Dill made a motion to call a special business meeting to determine and vote on the qualifications for the job description. Motion seconded by Brad Weston. Motion did not pass. Ronnie Williams

made a motion to approve the work done by this committee. Motion seconded by Johnny Axselle. Motion passed.

Stewardship Committee (report submitted by John Ramirez) – The church is not in debt and we have more than 3 months of cash reserves. In 2018 we did not exceed our budget, nor have we done so this year. Since 2013 the gap between our actual tithes and offerings and the budget has increased. The difference between the restricted funds (monies designated for specific projects...) and unrestricted funds (payroll, mission development...) were addressed. The 2020 Budget Proposal was presented today. The budget represents a 7.4% reduc-tion as compared to last year’s budget. A concern was expressed that the budget is over $70,000 more than the projected tithes and offer-ings and that reserve funds could quickly be depleted. Lawn care is covered by the Cemetery and Buildings & Grounds committees which is not reflected in the budget as reported by Billy Puryear. The budgeted amount doesn’t reflect the money coming out of the cemetery fund. There was a discussion regarding the percentage of undesignated offerings contributed to the Cooperative Program and the lack of a cap on giving. Janice Igou asked if we should be giving raises and bonuses each year if there is a budget shortfall. A motion was made by John

Ramirez to approve the budget. Motion seconded by Everett Williamson. Motion passed.

Sunday School (Martha Ramirez) – The Youth Sunday School director position has been filled by Lisa Smith.

Vacation Bible School (Karen Morris) – Karen Morris made a motion to have Angela Drumheller and Abby Puryear direct VBS again this

year. Motion seconded by Martha Ramirez. Motion passed.

Woman’s Missionary Union (Janice Igou) – Alma Hunt donations were last reported at $2468. Wednesday night activities are going well. All teacher and substitute positions are in place. Shoe boxes (215) were packed this past week. There are 12 members going to Charlotte, NC in December. Larry Carnes will be a guest speaker on December 8th. Motion made by Janice Igou for the Lottie Moon goal to be set at

$15,500, the same as last year. Motion seconded Johnny Axselle. Motion passed.

Discipleship Training (Carol Draper) – There was an increased request for funds for the upcoming year because of the number of events and activities supported by the committee. The committee is interested in beginning a Grief Support Group and reviving a Senior Adult min-istry. Discipleship Training also proposes to support in the 2020 budget a young adult group called “The Gathering” established in 2019 and

led by Megan & Jimmy Van Riper and Cindy Weston.

Church Council (John Axselle) – A motion made by John Axselle that the Facility Use Documents be updated to reflect the recommended changes of adding the pavilion and that members can reserve facilities with the understanding that a church function on the same date will always supersede the members reservation. Also, non-members must submit their reservation request at least 30 days in advance of the requested reservation date and it must receive approval from church council before the date can be reserved. Non-members will also have to adhere to church functions superseding the individual reservation. Motion seconded by Johnny Axselle. Motion passed. The Library will be converted to a quiet room for infants. At the next Business Meeting there will need to be a vote regarding removal of the library director

position. There will be two Christmas Eve services (7:00 PM and 11:00 PM).

Building & Property (Wayne Draper) – John Axselle took a moment to thank the committee for all of the hard work in making the sanctuary

look beautiful.

Cemetery (Billy Puryear) - No report

Children’s Ministry (Karen Morris) – No report

Flower & Decorating – The Chrismon Tree will be put up the Friday after Thanksgiving. Helpers are appreciated.

Food Service (Carol Brigham) – The Thanksgiving meal will be held on Sunday, November 24th. Congregation members are being asked to

bring a dessert.

Missions Development – (Lisa Smith) Lisa Smith and Katherine Hawks will be directing the Living Nativity again this year. There are lots of positions that still need to be filled. Wednesday, December 4th they will be decorating the Fellowship Hall and holding a rehearsal. There

will be another rehearsal on Friday, December 7th. Participants are asked to attend at least on rehearsal.

Music & Worship (Claudia Phillips) –Working on the Christmas Cantata.

Nominating Committee (Johnny Axselle) – Johnny Axselle made a motion to appoint Angela Drumheller as Sunday School Director, Cathy Williams as a Food Service Committee member, and Brenda Morrison as a member of the Decorating Committee. Motion seconded by

Laura Stanley. Motion passed.

Tellers (Heather Shelton) – The committee encourages members to use their offering envelopes and correctly label information. All dona-

tions made and not in envelopes must be individually documented by tellers each week. This is very time-consuming work.

Transportation (Harry Brown) – John Axselle made a motion to dissolve the Transportation Committee. Motion seconded by Harry Brown.

Motion passed.

Youth (report submitted by Cindy Weston & Daniel Edwards) – Youth have chosen to participate in the Passport Summer Camp (July 12-17, 2020) as their summer opportunity. The deadline to sign up for camp with $100 deposit is Wednesday, December 18th. There will be a parent meeting on November 20th at 6:30 PM in the youth room. The youth are collecting toys, hats, and gloves for the children and teens of our WHEAT families. Youth will wrap them, label them, and give them to WHEAT volunteers to distribute. The deadline to donate gifts is

December 1st.

Technology (Bob Sichi) – No report

Body & Soul (Carol Draper) – Body and Soul will have their last meeting this week and then will resume after the holidays.

New Business –

1. Names are needed regarding church members willing to be drivers for church trips. This information is needed before renting vans, ...There are only three members who have volunteered thus far. Bob Sichi volunteered to have his name added to the list.

2. Christmas caroling will take place on Sunday, December 15th at 3:00 PM. A sign-up is needed so that transportation arrangements can be made.

Motion made by Lisa McCrea to adjourn the meeting. Motion Seconded by Johnny Axselle. Motion passed.

Lois Chenault

Brandon Germon

Katherine Hawks

Ricky Huckstep

Chris Morrison

Bob Sichi

Bobby Toler

Cindy Toler

Barbara Willis

Gayle Wingfield

Prayer Concerns

In the Military

Austin Cook

Bernie Sipple

Michael Thurston

Sonny Brown

Lois Chenault

Ray Parrish

Edith Rusher

Assisted Living/Homebound

Sympathy

WMU Dec. 17

10:30am - Carrie Rose Ellen Circle Group at Martha James’ House

6:30pm - Ruth Evening Circle Christmas Party at Beverly Hockadays’ House

1. JoAnn Hockman 2. Wick Montaigne 3. Cindy Axselle Terri Flagg 4. Jason Call Nelson & Sara Eck John & Martha Ramirez 6. Debbie Rhyne 7. Fen Montaigne Charmaine West 8. Cindy Dickerson Austin Powell Velma Wingfield Andrew & Ashley Campbell 9. Barbara Campbell 11. Rena Adams, Kristy Edwards Blake Mason Jason & LuAnne Melton

December Birthdays & Anniversaries

Emily Mason - in the loss of her brother, Ray Eddleton.

Ronnie Williams - in the loss of his mother, Vera Williams.

15. Betty Downing Burnlie Montaigne 16. Brad & Cindy Weston 18. Lauren Retzloff Bill Webb 19. Adam & Courtney Davis Maliya Morrison Laura Stanley 20. Page Gravely 25. Cindy Weston 27. Wayne & Carol Draper Kathi Thomasson 28. Dina Mayo Robert & Kathy Williams 29. Linda McAlister Michael Thurston 31. Clarissa Thurston

Sunday, December 8, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Hosted by Four Mile Creek Baptist Church 2950 New Market Road, Henrico 23231

Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of fellowship as we enjoy delicious teas and treats and hear from one of our IMB missionaries

supported by the Lottie Moon Offering. There even may be an appearance by Miss Lottie Moon herself!

There is no cost for this event but pre-registration is requested by calling the Four Mile Creek church office (804) 795-2044

Lottie Moon Christmas Tea

Sponsored by the Dover WMU

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every

situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6

Non Profit Organization Postage Paid Permit No. 6 Beaverdam, VA. 23015

15583 Coatesville Road, Beaverdam, VA. 23015 Phone: 804-883-5950 Fax: 804-883-5958

www.mtolivetbaptist.org

Alice Dale

Claudia

Cindy

Merry Christmas From Your Church Staff

Karen

DECEMBER

OCC volunteers in Charlotte NC. Back on the 4th

Dale F. Ashley, Minister

Claudia M. Phillips, Music

Cindy C. Weston, Youth

Karen D. Morris, Children

Alice B. Rusher, Administrative Assistant