Church News December 2017 - February 2018 | Issue No. 2
Pastor: Bill Crawford 985.447.7539 1stpresb@bellsouth.net www.fpct.net
A LIFE CHANGING DECISION Rather, you should look to Christ. Spend time seeking Christ. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
SERVICE TIMES Sunday Morning Worship 9:30am Sunday School 11am Family Night Sunday’s at 5:00pm Adult Bible Study Sunday’s at 5:00pm Women’s Bible Study Tuesday’s at 9:30am
Confirmation................ 1 Prayer............................. 2 Notes from Session....... 3 Missions Update........... 3 Upcoming Events......... 4 Community Events...... 4 Birthdays........................ 5 Anniversaries................ 5
The youth completed their confirmation on Thursday, December 7, 2017 with Pastor Bill Crawford. [Photo Credit: Christy Lundy]
By: Christy Lundy Elder
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n a few days our youth will be completing their confirmation class in the Presbyterian faith. Our youth will be making a decision as to whether they will confirm their faith in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior or if they will choose to take a step back and explore a different path at this time. To parents and the church, Let us not forget the vow we made to these youth upon their baptism. As parents, God has given us the primary responsibility of spiritually nurturing, giving instruction, and training our children. In return, parents, we are also responsible to the church for the faithful discharge of our obligations. As
a church, we took a vow to encourage, provide instruction, and teach the Bible and the Catechisms of our faith to each family. After each youth has confirmed his or her faith in Jesus, they will move into being members of our church, still needing that encouragement and instruction. If we have youth that have decided to take a step back, we should continue to cherish them and to make every means available to reclaim them. To our youth, The decision you have before you is not one that should be taken lightly. Counting the cost of following Christ deserves much consideration, thought, and prayer. You should not look to your friends, other youth, the world, or even to your parents wants or desires.
My prayer is that you will choose to follow Christ. The road will be tough at times, remember, the Holy Spirit is always with you, that the Lord offers rest to the weary, He offers you hope and peace in dark hours. He has given you a holy family that will keep encouraging you, keep praying for you, keep loving you, and will keep sharping the knowledge of the Word in your heart. You in return will be expected to be a light shining bright for Christ, to evangelize, to pray for the lost, and to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
[Photo Credit: Submitted]
First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 1
PRAYER IS OUR COMMUNICATION WITH THE FATHER By: Brandon Queen, Elder
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remember at the last Presbytery meeting the we attended in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, I heard the story of a few ladies meeting once a week and praying for the life and growth of the church. The story went on and the ladies pray fervently and they did not cease praying. The praying went on for a few prayer meetings to over two decades of praying for their congregation. Most of you have known me since age five and some have known me from age fifteen. You have seen me grow and achieve goals and you have seen me fail at a few. Let me ask you a few questions. How many of you prayed for me and the course of my life? How many of you prayed for your own life? Brothers and sisters, I beseech you to pray fervently for our congregation and its future. I am a big advocate for prayer, only because I have seen God move through prayer far too often. I know sometimes I often feel that God does not answer my prayers in a timely manner or sometimes not at all. I
have come to realize that one, God is faithful and just and he provides what we need when we need it and two, His time is always the right time even if the outcome does not play in our favor. Through the years, I have become stronger in my personal prayer life and have seen the mighty hand of God. Prayer is our direct communication with God. Through prayer in worship, our goal should involve getting closer with God and wanting to live as He wants us to live. Acts 2:42 showcase one of the earliest accounts of the church’s worship following Pentecost. I strongly urge our congregation to commit to a deep season of prayer for the future of our church. We need prayer warriors praying for us on a weekly basis. Our pastor will need prayer as he enters into a new role. Our community needs prayer constantly and the people that protect our community. Our church needs prayer for a season of healthy growth and prosperity in delivering the gospel to a broken world. Prayer is key, prayer should be a daily part of our lives, prayer is communicating
[Photo Credit: Brandon Queen]
“Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is us.” -- R. C. Sproul
with the father, prayer is simply good for the soul. As I urge everyone of us to move into a season of constant and fervent prayer, remember our congregation, those who are suffering, Pastor Andrew in Turkey, Pastor Bill, Law Enforcement, Fire and EMS and our students/youth that are in school. I would love to see a weekly prayer group meeting come together to
pray on these few issues. Remember Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Let us all come together as one congregation and pray! Prayer is not just exclusive for our congregation, but ever person on earth. (See pg 5.)
First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 2
MISSIONS: for the kingdom • For Operation Christmas Child, our church packed 114 boxes and as a community at large and being a drop off center, we shipped out 500 boxes total.
SESSION KEY NOTES:
• Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 immediately after worship. Please stay. • Gulf South Presbytery Meeting will be held on January 26th - 27th, 2018 in Monroe • The session voted on new service times of 9:45am Sunday School and 11:00am Worship time. • Keep and eye out for the freshly painted windows and signs at the church.
• During Thibodauxville, we were successful in raising $1,000 including a donation from Thibodaux Family Church.
[Photo Credit: Christy Lundy]
It is that time of year for Poinsettias! Purchase yours [Photo Credit: Brandon Queen] when you see this paper in the bulletin.
As part of a great church body, please remember to keep Ms. Elizabeth in your prayers as she does God’s will on missions! She will need our support through prayer to keep her safe and her health is at 100%. TIM BADEAUX Elder When you see Tim, please thank him for his devotion and time on session. He will now enter a season of rest.
First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 3
HIGH SCHOOL TEENS!
»» Confirmation Class Last class date is December 7, 2017 6:30 - 7:30pm »» Confirmation Celebration Dates To Be Announced. »» Youth Lock-In On December 15, 2017 at 6:30pm, til 7:00am our youth will be hosting a fun filled Lock-In. Guest Speaker: Paige and Elder Peanut »» Youth Bond Fire - To Be Announced »» Sunday at PJ’s Coffee - Hosted once per month.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Keep your ear open to help update and maintain our building and grounds. More details will follow
Thibodaux Regional Hospital Family Fun Day - Friday, December 5, 2017 at 5:30 - 8:30pm at the hospital. Central Lafourche High School / Mr. Scrooge’s Christmas Play - on Friday December 8, 2017 at 7pm or Saturday December 9, 2017 at 2pm or 7pm at CLHS and $3.00 for students and $5.00 for adults. Ross Mullooy 5k Run - Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11am in Houma, LA (See Mrs. Christy for details) Max Cajun Christmas Festival - Saturday, December 9, 2017 located at the Chackbay Fair grounds at 10am 2pm and admission is free. Gladys & Wonderland - January 19th, 20th, 26th & 27th at 7:30pm (1930hrs) or January 28th at 2:30pm (1430hrs) all located at Thibodaux Playhouse.
CHURCH PRAYER GROUP
»» More information to come - See Julia Crawford for details. »» Christmas at the Manse - Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 5:30pm (1730hrs). Come out and have some fun. Christmas Eve Service - Sunday, December 24, 2017 at 5:00pm (1700hrs). Invite friends and family and let’s pack this join. (Communion will be served by intinction.) First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux New worship times will be as followed 11am for Worship and 9:45 for Sunday School starting January 7, 2018.
WE WELCOME OUR NEWEST FAMILY MEMBER
First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 4
OTHER WAYS TO HELP BY PRAYER DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Keith Lagarde - 7 Julie Jannise - 8 Brady Robinson - 12 Betsy Magee - 21
Marcia Gaubert - 6 Gary Bridier - 8 Grace Landry - 9 Dale Hurst - 10 Aline Barr - 25 Dean Robinson - 27 Allen Frost - 27 Michael Milstead - 30 Alice Blanchard - 31
Wesley Magee - 5 Mitch Miller - 8 Maygan Milstead - 10 Nicholas Algu - 20 Madalyn Milstead - 21 Giselle Robinson - 28
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Charlie & Monica - 28 Dale & Judi - 11
Bruce & Juanita - 15 Chad & Kaisa - 18
Michael & Margaret - 9 Paul & Kelly - 28
1. MEXICO EARTHQUAKES 2. HURRICANE MARIA RELIEF 3. HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF 4. HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF 5. SYRIAN REFUGEE RELIEF 6. IRAQI CHRISTIAN RELIEF 7. OUR NATION 8. FIRE, EMS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT 9. PASTORS AROUND THE COUNTRY 10. THE HOMELESS
This newsletter is printed once every three months. If you would like to submit articles/topics, photos or suggestions, please email Christy Lundy at calandjl_01@hotmail.com or Brandon Queen at brandon@brandonqueenphotography.com First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 5
First Presbyterian Church of Thibodaux Newsletter | Dec 2017 - Feb 2018 | Page 6