Up Front - CBC€¦ · 2012 Holiday Issue Our Mission We exist as a church to love God, love people, and serve the world. We love God by placing a priority on public wor-ship and

Issue 11

2012 Holiday Issue

Our Mission We exist as a church to

love God, love people,

and serve the world.

We love God by placing

a priority on public wor-

ship and spending inten-

tional time with God on a

daily basis.

We love people by

building redemptive rela-

tionships in group Bible

study and with our

neighbors.

We serve the world in

Christ's name by meet-

ing the needs of people

in our church, neighbor-

hood, and world.

Worship

501 S 4th St - Springfield

8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

600 W Birch - New Berlin

10:30 a.m.

Pastors Mary Ellen Sharp Josh Sabo

Office Hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m.—5 p.m.

Phone 217-523-3639

Email [email protected]

Website www.cbcchurchfamily.org

Children’s House Phone 217-523-0122

Email [email protected]

Website www.cbcchildrenshouse.org

time to share what we appreciate and what we find uncomfortable. Ultimately we hope to come to a deeper understanding of each other and the reasons behind the differences in the way we wor-ship. We anticipate our first com-bined service will be in February and look forward to sharing in

conversation with you about it.

Are you looking for a special gift for a special couple in your life this year? As a couple, are you looking for a gift to give each other that can make your relation-ship even better? We have a great suggestion for you. In 2013 we are offering a Prepare-Enrich group for couples interested in strengthening their relationship with each other. It is for married couples, engaged couples or couples exploring a deeper com-mitment to each other. It will be held on the 1st Friday night of each month February through November. The first hour, a trained facilitator will provide teaching on an aspect of relating to each other as well as time for an exercise to complete together. The second 2 hours are for a date night to practice what was

learned. The church is providing 3 hours of childcare each month, a portion of the expense for facili-tator time and a workbook. But the couple will also need to invest financially in it as well. The cost per couple is expected to be $100 for the entire 10 month course. What a great gift this could be to your spouse or to a special couple in your life this Christmas. You can give that gift directly through the connected pairs website: w w w . c o n n e c t e d p a i r s . c o m /Ann iversaryBi r thdayJustBe-

cause.en.html

Josh and I hope your Christmas season is filled with many mean-ingful moments and opportunities

to bless others.

Together in Christ,

Up Front

Central Baptist News

As we prepare for the Christmas season, our celebrations usually center around at least these 2 things: gathering together with friends and family and the giving and receiving of gifts. I want to share about a couple of items re-

lated to both of these things.

One of the questions we are asked more often than others centers on our gathering together for worship, especially related to combining our Sunday morning services in the Springfield location. In a desire to continue that conversation, the Pastoral Staff and the Leadership Coordination Team is recommend-ing that we schedule combined services on a quarterly basis during 2013. This will allow us to come together and experience what it means to worship together with a blending of music and worship styles. This is a complex issue and there are different views on the topic of combined worship ser-vices. We want to take some time to share, with grace, what it means to be one church and appreciate our different styles of worship. By experiencing it 4 times over the course of a year, we will have ade-quate time to plan the services and

CBC In Brief

Page 2 Centra l Bapt ist News 2012 Hol iday Issue

This is the Holiday Issue of the CBN with content for December and January. The February 2013 issue

will be distributed the end of January.

Your support of our efforts to be better stewards of all our resources (paper, ink, postage) is much ap-

preciated. As part of tour efforts, the CBN will be sent by email attachment to as many of you as possi-

ble. Those without email will receive the CBN via first class mail.

CBN issues from March 2011 forward are available on the church website under the What’s Happing

label.

Please call the office or use the Communication Card to notify the office of changes in your contact

information.

CBN Announcement!

Feast of Plenty Report We are so grateful for the ways that God used this year's Feast of Plenty to bless those that enjoyed a meal and those that volunteered. In the neighborhood of 1,300 meals were served and many lives were touched with this gift flow-ing from the love of God! Hats, gloves, socks, and scarves were available to for those who would be blessed by an extra layer of clothing as

winter weather approaches.

A huge thanks goes out to all those that gave of their time, finances, desserts, and energy to

support and participate in the Feast of Plenty. A special thanks goes out to: Emily Aldag, Phil Palsen, and Emily Sabo for coordinating the event, the Blair family for mapping over 650 meal deliveries, Lana Benedict for preparing the feast, to Robert Reynolds for lining up musical entertainment, and Larry Aldag, Rita and John Black for the many hours they put in! Also, thanks to our wonderful church office staff and our volunteer reception-

ists for your contributions!

Annual Business Mtg

January 16

6:30 pm

Springfield Sanctuary

In Christian Love and Sympathy

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever

lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26 (NIV)

Please remember these brothers and sisters in Christ:

Family and friends of Donna Schofield upon her death.

Family and friends of Helen Allen upon her death.

Family and friends of Norman Reynolds (former Joy class member) upon his death

Family and friends of Don Farrow upon his death.

Family and friends of Hannah and Olivia Schwarberg upon their deaths.

The December Mystery Member

was Sharon Farrow. The lucky

winner is Judith Anderson!

Sharon was born in Parsons, Kan-

sas. She received her degree as

a registered nurse from Barnes

Hospital in St. Louis. Sharon

earned her masters at the U of I

and is a certified Nurse Practitio-

ner.

Sharon and Don are members of

the Zimmerman Class.

Sharon’s favorite scripture is

Philippians 4:11, “I am not saying

this because I am in need for I

have learned to be content what-

ever the circumstance”.


Conspiracy 2013 will provide the

roof for 2 town homes being con-

structed by Habitat for Humanity.

The homes are not far from Cen-

tral. What better way to reach

into our community to make a

difference.

He came, not as a flash of light or

as an unapproachable conqueror,

but as one whose first cries were

The church office has received

phone calls and a card thanking

you for their Wonderful! Thanks-

giving meal. Requests for trans-

portation to worship have also

been received.

There is an opportunity to give a

gift that will be treasured and

never forgotten. A roof! Advent

heard by a peasant girl and a

sleepy carpenter. God tapped

humanity on its collective shoul-

der, "Pardon me," he said, and

eternity interrupted time, divinity

interrupted carnality, and heaven

interrupted the earth in the form of

a baby. Christianity was born in

one big heavenly interruption.

—Max Lucado

News from the Pews

December Mystery Member

Sharon was baptized in 1962 at a

Christian Church in St. Louis.

Sharon is married to Don, who

she met on a blind date. They

have three children and six grand-

children ranging in age from 7 to

24 years.

Sharon’s hobbies are bridge and

more recently, water color. She

and Don also enjoy traveling.

Watch for more Mystery Members next year!

To EVERYONE! (including those from the

Springfield community) that provided financial

gifts, planned, ordered, purchased, delivered,

publicized, prepared, set-up, cooked, sliced,

dipped, set, served, swept, poured, carried,

played, sang, welcomed, coordinated, smiled,

assisted, boxed, navigated, drove, delivered,

secured, washed, dried and put away dishes,

encouraged others, and prayed over the Feast of

Plenty.

Tip of the Halo

Thank You! We would like to express our gratitude to our church family during our mother's final journey to our Heavenly Father. Mary Ellen, thank you so much for leav-ing your family and coming to the hospi-tal to be with and pray with Mother and all of us as our mother went from fight-ing for life to graciously greeting death. Thank you for the beautiful sermon. Josh, thank you for your prayers and your listening ear.To all of our brothers and sisters in Christ, thank you for the many months you have shown your care and concern for our family. You have shared memories with us of many happy times and have kept in touch with Mom through telephone calls and cards

letting her know she was important to you. Finally, thank you for the delicious bereavement lunch which you served after her burial. The outpouring of love by this committee filled us all with grati-tude to be a part of such a community

of Christ. Again, thank you.

The Lorraine Lewis Family

For the gift of your friendship, support & care I am truly grateful. Thanks for being the hands & feet of Christ here in Springfield as well as the world. It was

great seeing you all again.

Mylinda Baits


D

E

C

E

M

B

E

R

Friday, December 7

6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Merriam Hall

Children’s House

Christmas Program

December 12

6:15 pm

(following Wednesday Night Dinner)

December 24

7:30 PM

Handel's "Messiah" is a monumental

eighteenth century work written in three

weeks. It is an oratorio based on scrip-

ture regarding Jesus, the Christ.

The 80-member Springfield Choral

Society and it soloists plus a 20-member

orchestra will present this work under

the direction of Marion von der Loo at

7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at the Cathe-

dral of the Immaculate Conception, 815

S. Sixth St. Tickets are $15 and are

available by calling 787-4868 or at the

door.

Christmas Gift Bags

Bags will be packed Wednesday evening

December 5

Delivery is scheduled for Saturday,

Dec 8.

For additional information contact:

Jennifer Logan

What: Christmas/Hymn Sing-Along

Where: Il Presbyterian Home

2005 W Lawrence Ave

When: Saturday, Dec 8th

Time: 5:45 pm (Sing from 6 to 7)

This invitation is for anyone who can or can't sing to join the children at the Il. Presbyterian Home for a sing-along. Those who choose not to sing are encouraged to just chat with the folks

and enjoy their company.


J

A

N

U

A

R

Y

Millikin Concert

Sunday, Jan 6

3 PM

LOVE offering will be taken.

Central Baptist Church in Springfield

is opening its doors to the commu-

nity as a host site for the 26th cele-

bration of the New Year’s Eve fes-

tivities sponsored by First Night

Springfield and the Springfield Arts

Council. As a host site, we are invit-

ing guests to our building to enjoy

performances that will take place in

the Sanctuary and in Merriam Hall

throughout the evening. This will

bring many guests to our church

building. Additionally the American

Baptist Women will be offering con-

cessions during the evening at the

kitchen end of Merriam Hall.

Wednesday Night Dinner

Regular schedule resumes January 9

First-time visitors are our guests!

Cost: $5/Adults; $1.50/Children

We have the opportunity to be a wel-

coming presence during the night.

These are the kinds of opportunities

available:

• Greeter / Host – be available at

entry locations of the church to help

direct guests to restrooms, the Sanc-

tuary, elevator or Merriam Hall.

• Concessions Help – Help the ABW

with concessions in Merriam Hall

kitchen. We will be offering bever-

ages and snack items. Proceeds will

be used to pay the cost of shipping

roller bandages and other items to

various mission fields.

• Clean-up help – at 11 pm help

put things back in order.

• Sidewalk clearing – In the

event of ice or snow be available

to keep our sidewalks and out-

side entrances clear and safe.

If you would like to offer your

time as a gift for any of these

opportunities for a portion or all

of the evening, please contact

Mary Ellen Sharp

([email protected] or

523-3639 ext 16)

First Night

Our youth are going skiing! The region's annual SKWIM event will be January 18 through January 21 in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Please keep our group in your prayers during this weekend as we ski, swim, experience God in a unique way through worship and teaching, and grow closer to one another

through the activities and group time together.

If you know of any middle school through college students who

would like to attend, please contact Josh for more information.

January 18—21


From Our ConnectEDPAIRS Counselor!

Merry Christmas!

As we enter into the busy holiday

season, let us not forget to take

time to enjoy it, and each other.

Here are a few of the danger

signs of too much stress and

conflict in your marriage during

the holidays:

Retreating from one another,

irritability, increased arguments,

defensiveness, tiredness, not

eating well, not sleeping well,

headaches, and sadness.

To cope with marital holiday

stress:

Discuss your expectations for the

holidays, discuss your gift budget

and stick to it, take some time

together as a couple, know your

limits, eat healthy meals, drink

plenty of water, exercise, and

realize the holidays will not be

perfect.

To read the full article, “Holiday 101 for Couples—Winter Holiday Help for Couples: Navigate Through the Holidays Free of Stress,” follow this link: http://marriage.about.com/od/christmas/qt/holidayhelp.htm

For handouts on breathing and

progressive muscle relaxation

exercises to ease your stress,

please visit the counseling office

on CBC’s lower level, call, or

email me.

Happy New Year!

When you are making your New Year’s resolutions, be sure to make one together that will bene-fit your relationship. If your resolu-tion is to strengthen your relation-

ship, have more date nights, or both, then ConnectEdPAIRS and CBC will help you keep that reso-lution. We are offering a PRE-PARE-ENRICH couples group on the first Friday of every month beginning in February 2013. The group will meet for one hour, then couples will have two hours to go on a date while child care is pro-vided free of charge. The cost of the program and more details will be coming soon. You can learn more about the PREPARE-ENRICH program at www.prepare-enrich.com, or by contacting me, Mary Ellen, or Josh – we are all certified PREPARE-ENRICH facilitators.

We are excited to be able to offer

this couples group!

Best,

~Stephani

Stephani Cave, LCPC

Phone:

217-523-3639 X 19 or

217-972-4851

Email:

[email protected]

The Archive Team would like to thank Bill

VanDusen for donating two large archival

blueprint boxes for storing the Springfield and

New Berlin church building blueprints.

Take some time to look at the bulletin board

on the lower level by the Archive Room (#19).

Choir and choir groups are featured beginning

with 1941.

The Archive Team continues to meet once or

twice a month to sort, organize and file docu-

From the Archives ments from 1830—2012. If you have any

pictures or files that you think would be of

interest for the archives, please put them in

the archive mailbox in the business office.

Thank you!

Virginia Spratt, Marilyn Winn and Joleen

Welch

Off The Shelf

cial presentation of the Nativity Story just for pre-

school children.

On December 12 all of the Children’s House families are invited to join the Central folks for the Wednesday night dinner as the first part of a wonderful evening. The highlight of the evening will be the Christmas program put on by our Sunshine, Chickadee, Shooting Star, and Rain-bow rooms at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please join us for the Christmas program! You won’t be

disappointed.

The Children’s House Christmas parties will be

December 21 at 3:00 p.m. There is also a rumor that Santa will be stopping to visit

with the children.

As the new year begins, the CH staff will be working in earnest on our national ac-

creditation project.

December is always such a special month at Children’s House. The children learn about the true meaning of Christmas as well as learning about traditional Christmas celebra-

tions from around the world.

They will make ornaments, decorate the Children’s House tree, and make gifts

for their family.

The Rainbows will go to “Journey to Bethlehem” on December 11. This is a spe-


past, his world is again turned upside down. Finally, Joseph must confront his own difficult past in order to make his dreams for the fu-

ture come true.

A Winter Dream is a modern retelling of the Old Testament story of Joseph and the coat

of many colors.

This book may be found on the new book rack in the library. You may also pick up a FREE copy of Richard Paul Evan’s first book – The Christmas Box – at the Librarian’s

Desk.

Two New Christmas Movies on DVD The Heart of Christmas. Based on a true story of hope and compassion. Austin and Julie Locke of Washington, Illinois are devastated when they learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. But with

courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax a one last Christmas, even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a

miraculous outpouring of caring and support.

Christmas With a Capital C. Christmas will never be Christmas again if Lawyer Mitch Bright has his way. For the mayor, Dan Reed , and the townsfolk of Trapper Falls; they face their tough-est challenge in a legal battle with one of their former na-tive sons as they struggle to keep fifty years of tradition and the spiritual fabric of this joy-ous season alive. In the heat of this legal battle the town discovers the secret behind Mitch's return, Dan's wife Kristen and their daughter Makayla show the true meaning of Christmas by launching an inspired "Christmas with a Capitol C" campaign to keep the town together and remind them all that "with the arrival of God's Son, peace on earth and good will was given to all. Even to

those whose heart seemed closed to Him."

These DVD’s may be found on the video rack

behind the librarian’s desk in the library.

Jim Filler

On behalf of the Library Team

A Winter Dream: A New Novel

From Richard Paul Evans

The author of the bestselling phenomenon The Christmas Box presents a new holi-day novel about fam-ily, fate and forgive-ness. Joseph Jacob-son is the twelfth of thirteen siblings, all of whom are employed by their father’s suc-cessful Colorado advertising company. But underneath the success runs a poisonous undercurrent of jealousy; Joseph is his father’s favorite and the focus of his brothers’ envy and hatred. When the father seems ready to anoint Jo-seph as his heir, the brothers make their move, forcing Joseph from the company and his Denver home, severing his ties to his parents and ending his relationship with his soon-to-be fiancée. Alone and lonely, Jo-seph must start a new life. Joseph joins a Chicago advertising agency where his crea-tivity helps him advance high up in the com-pany. He also finds hope for a lasting love with April, a kind woman with a secret. How-ever, all secrets hold consequences, and when Joseph learns the truth about April’s

Children’s House

Rita McCarthy Children’s House Director

01/03 Brett & Pat Miles

12/03 Phil & Debbie Maxwell 12/12 Bob & Joy Jones 12/22 Herman & Evelyn Nagel 01/01 Dave & Carol Matheson

December / January Birthdays

December/January Anniversaries


01/01 Roy Beal Esther Crotchett Carolyn Ferrel 01/02 Kathy Cooke 01/03 Paul Hunt 01/06 Ethan Alt 01/07 Carol Matheson Dick Schofield 01/17 Dan Brogdon Sue Filler Josh Sabo 01/18 Sarah Ashebir Sophia Ashebir 01/18 Tony Crain Craig Martin 01/19 Don Anderson Mary Alice Barnes 01/21 Pam Corey Mary Law Dave Matheson Doug Meyer Judy Thompson 01/24 Laxmi Dhakal Don Spratt 01/30 Willow Smith 01/31 Barbara Rollet

Coming in February….

02/01 Elaina Davis 02/02 Dave Law 02/04 Adeline Wells 02/06 Susan Cressy

12/05 Colin Blair 12/06 Sadie Shontz 12/08 Tricia Allen 12/09 Anne Tankersley 12/11 Bob Becker 12/12 Rachel Crain 12/14 David Dalbey 12/15 Lyla Crane 12/16 Barbara Burris Jennifer Hanson Helen Richardson 12/17 Ralph Billings 12/18 Jim Lear 12/20 Colleen Pinto 12/22 Charlie Lee 12/23 Jim Nelson 12/24 Jerry Phillips Virginia Spratt 12/25 Lydia Bretz 12/26 Jerry Fite 12/27 Heather Southwell 12/28 Autumn (Cook) DeVos 12/28 Roy Miller 12/29 Stephanie Beal Gregg Harwood Bob Taylor Paul Thompson 12/30 Selden Bernauer 12/31 McKenna Severns


Mary Ellen Sharp, Pastor

Josh Sabo, Pastor

Children’s House

Phone: 217-523-0122

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cbcchildrenshouse.org

DecemberDecember

Key Dates & Information

Friday, Dec 7

6:30 pm

Around the Table Carol Sing

Merriam Hall

Saturday, Dec 8

5:45 pm

Children & Adult Sing-Along

Il. Presbyterian Home

Monday, Dec 10

5:30 pm

Finance Area Mtg

Weber Lounge

6:00 pm Girl Scouts

New Berlin

6:30 pm LCT

Merriam Hall

Wednesday, Dec 12

6:15 pm

Children’s House Christmas Program


Monday, Dec 24

7:30 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service


Monday, Dec 31

First Night

CBC Host Site

Mark Your Calendars!

Weekly At A Glance

SUNDAY

8:30a Classic Worship

9:20a Adult Sunday School (New Berlin)

9:45a Sunday School all ages

10:30a Worship Service (New Berlin)

11:00a Contemporary Worship

Children's’ Church

4:00p Face2Face (Merriam Hall)

TUESDAY

Noon Women’s Lunch Study Group, Mary

Sharp’s office

WEDNESDAY

4:45p Wednesday Night Dinner

6:00p Program Hour

6:45p Choir Practice

THURSDAY

6:30p Worship Band Practice

All events at Springfield location unless

otherwise noted.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.— 5 p.m.

Phone: 217-523-3639


Church office & Children’s House Closed

Monday, December 24

Tuesday, December 25

Monthly At A Glance

AB Men’s Breakfast

1st & 3rd Saturday; 8 am; Merriam Hall

Susan Hegarty Circle

2nd Monday; 9:30 am; Weber Lounge

Beth Long Circle (New Berlin)

3rd Thursday evening; various locations

Newsletter

Articles Due the 15th each month

Mailed last Thursday of each month

Holiday ClosuresHoliday Closures

Wednesday Night Dinner will be on

break after December 12 and will

resume on January 9 at 4:45 pm

See you then!


Mary Ellen Sharp, Pastor

Josh Sabo, Pastor

Children’s House

Phone: 217-523-0122


Website: www.cbcchildrenshouse.org

JanuaryJanuary

Key Dates & Information

Tuesday, Jan 1 Church Office & Day Care Closed

Sunday, Jan 6

3 pm

Millikin Choir Concert


Wednesday, Jan 9

4:45 pm Wednesday Night Dinners Resume

Monday, Jan 14

5:30 pm

Finance Area Mtg

Weber Lounge

6:30 pm LCT

Merriam Hall

Wednesday, Jan 16

6:30 pm

Quarterly Business Meeting


Friday, Jan 18 -

Sunday, Jan 21

SKWIM

Greenlake, WI

Monday, Jan 21

6:00 pm

Girl Scouts

New Berlin

Mark Your Calendars!

Weekly At A Glance

SUNDAY

8:30a Classic Worship

9:20a Adult Sunday School (New Berlin)

9:45a Sunday School all ages

10:30a Worship Service (New Berlin)

11:00a Contemporary Worship

Children's’ Church

4:00p Face2Face (Merriam Hall)

TUESDAY

Noon Women’s Lunch Study Group, Mary

Sharp’s office

WEDNESDAY

4:45p Wednesday Night Dinner

6:00p Program Hour

6:45p Choir Practice

THURSDAY

6:30p Worship Band Practice

All events at Springfield location unless

otherwise noted.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.— 5 p.m.

Phone: 217-523-3639


Church office & Children’s House Closed

Tuesday, January 1

Monthly At A Glance

AB Men’s Breakfast

1st & 3rd Saturday; 8 am; Merriam Hall

Susan Hegarty Circle

2nd Monday; 9:30 am; Weber Lounge

Beth Long Circle (New Berlin)

3rd Thursday evening; various locations

Newsletter

Articles Due the 15th each month

Mailed last Thursday of each month

Holiday ClosuresHoliday Closures

Kids Corner


Non Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Springfield, IL

Permit # 611

Regular Sunday Worship Opportunities

Springfield

Corner of 4th and Jackson

8:30 a.m. Worship (traditional format)

9:45 a.m. Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Worship (contemporary format)

New Berlin

600 W. Birch

9:20 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship

www.facebook.com/cbcchurchfamily

twitter.com/CBCchurchfamily cbcchurchfamily.org

501 South 4th Street

Springfield, Il 62701

Return Service Requested

Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

Monday, December 24 7:30 PM

Celebrate with us!

Documents

Up Front - CBC€¦ · 2012 Holiday Issue Our Mission We exist as a church to love God, love people, and serve the world. We love God by placing a priority on public wor-ship and