Acts of Faith
DEC 2020
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.
As we move through this season with more uncertainties than ever before, we can lean into this phrase so commonly uttered by the angels and know that we do not have to live in fear, but are created to live in love.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
CHRISTMAS PARADE
These books are a collection of daily devotions written by our own members to help us prepare for the birth of our savior. A digital version is available on our website. Please contact the church office if you would like a hard copy. We are also posting a video of every day’s devotion on Facebook.
Sunday, December 13, at 2 p.m. Remember car parades? Those things that were super popular early on during the pandemic? Well, we're bringing it back! Meet in the church parking lot for a Christmas parade to share joy with some of our less mobile members. Decorate your car and/or yourself, turn up the Christmas music, and let's spread some holiday cheer!
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP During worship, we will continue our tradition of lighting a candle on the Advent wreath. You are encouraged to light a candle at home along with us. We will also have several special activities and contributions during worship, and we are excited to see the creative ways they are presented this year. December 6—Hymn Sing December 13—Children’s Program December 20—Special Music Sunday
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRAYER TIME Wednesdays, December 2,9,16,and 23 We say it every year. Christmas is about Jesus, yet we get distracted with all the other stuff the season brings. Join us for a time of centering prayer via Facebook every Wednesday. This will be a few minutes to pause, stop whatever we are doing, and just sit with the presence of God. This guided time is meant to be a moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic world.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Thursday, December 24, at 6 p.m. Join us for a virtual Christmas Eve service on Facebook at 6 p.m. It is truly sad that we will not be able to hold a “normal'“ Christmas Eve service this year. However, we hope to have an opportunity to gather as a community that night at the Carol Sing.
CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SING Thursday, December 24, at 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, gather in the church parking lot and backyard to sing Christmas carols. We will sing requested songs for about 20 minutes and end with “Silent Night.” Candles will be provided or you can bring your own. So bring some hot chocolate and a warm coat as we sing in the birth of Jesus. *Everyone must wear a mask and maintain physical distance.*
www.familyoffaith.net/advent
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CHILDREN’S CORNER Every children’s family received Advent kits at the end of November. The kits included materials to help the children and their families get ready for the mystery of Christmas. The kits included an Advent Calendar, a bread recipe, The Holy Family from Gody Play, among many other items. My hope is that families can explore and complete the activities as it fits into their daily schedules. The three items we will use during our Godly Play circles during Advent are: The Holy Family, the Advent Wreath, and the Frankincense and Myrrh. GODLY PLAY We will gather for Godly Play on Sundays, December 6 and 20. We will take a break for a couple weeks and then come back together on January 10. The Zoom link goes out each Saturday for our Sunday circle. Please let me know if you are not receiving the link and would like to! THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCAVENGER HUNT This socially distanced and safe event will take place on Saturday, December 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. You can sign your family up at the link on our church website. If you have questions, please feel free to email or text me! I hope you will make plans to join us as I know this will be a fun, family Christmas event that will bring laughter and joy to the season. :) CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM The children’s Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 13, during the 11 a.m. worship service. All children who are interested are invited to join in our very own telling of the Christmas story! Let me know ASAP if your child would like a part and has not yet received one. There is room for everyone! :) We will be part of the worship service that morning and I know it will be a beautiful and meaningful service as always.
YOUTH NEWS We had a great time playing virtual Breakout Games last month! The high schoolers broke out with 11 minutes to go and the middle schoolers literally broke out at the buzzer! It was fun to work and laugh together to solve all the puzzles and hidden clues.
Breakout Games
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCAVENGER HUNT Sign up now for The Great Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt! The deadline is December 1. Grab your family and race to various houses around town for some socially distanced fun! Clues will be sent on Saturday, December 5, starting at 6 p.m. Prizes await those who make it to the end of this Christmas movie marathon! SECRET SANTA We can’t gather for our annual progressive dinner and white elephant gift exchange so we’ll add a 2020 twist and have two weeks of Secret Santa fun. Sign up by texting Sharon by December 5. We’ll have
two weeks of surprises with secret porch drops, mail, deliveries, etc. Each gift must be under $20 and you must commit to delivering two gifts during the two weeks. Notes and handmade gifts are super creative extras that are always welcome. We’ll reveal our Secret Santas on Sunday evening, December 20, at a Zoom Christmas party. Sign up with Sharon ASAP! ADVENT BIBLE STUDY Throughout December, youth will meet on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. for Bible study through Zoom. We will focus on Advent around the world and how we can participate from Georgetown, Kentucky, even in a pandemic.
We needed 36 Thanksgiving boxes for Southern Elem. and Scott County Middle. You brought 60! Thank you!
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THE GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE SCAVENGER HUNT You are invited to a night of family fun! Clues will lead you to the houses of church members whose front yards have been transformed into Christmas movie scenes. There, you’ll have to complete a challenge to get your next clue. Sign up by December 1 to reserve your spot and get more information! Masks and physical distancing are required at this event.
REFLECTIONS FROM DALE
for Hispanic children, making their lives better.
The JOY of brightening other's lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing other's loads, and filling empty hearts becomes, for us, the magic of Christmas, as well as precisely describing our JOY group. I have had the JOY of watching our JOY group lift each other up throughout the year. As a boy growing up, JOY stood for Jesus First - Others Second - Yourself Last. Faith is blessed with so many people living out God's goodness in this way.
One of my role models is Fred Meek. For over forty years I've watched Fred caring for others. Any time Fred is asked to help, he's right there, easing other's loads. Fred cares because Jesus cares for him.
It was with sadness we said goodbye to Dorothy Butler last month. We watched her beautiful memorial service that honored her, but it was how she lived her life that made a difference in so many lives. I watched her embrace families who needed encouragement and support. I saw her reach out to young people who felt hopeless until Dorothy got involved. She made a difference because, in her heart, Jesus was Lord. Winnie Bratcher brightens other's lives. Her quiet encouragement and love for the Lord shines in so many ways! I've watched her faithful involvement with Reading Camp and her personal love and care
Over the years I have become a big fan of Molly Sigmon's artistic talents. She is a gifted artist, but she also illustrates her love for the Lord in the way she loves and cares for others. The greatest JOY for me this Christmas season is to come visit and see your smiling faces. —Dale “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
The family of Dorothy Butler thanks the Family of Faith for embracing her with love for nearly a half century. We are grateful for the memorial service leadership provided by William, support offered by Dale, day-of coordination by Cecelia, music by Nina Belle, Joe, and Brian, plus tech professionalism led by Jeff. Meals were superior and Pat was the organizing force. Faith members have been generous and we thank God for your prayers, friendship and nourishment. Blessings to all, Lynne Butler and Tom Butler, Dorothy's children
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Words from William
According to Cecelia, the other day she heard me sulk down the hallway, close the bedroom door, and exasperatedly yell “I hate COVID!” Maybe you’ve had one of these moments too. As we enter a new period of heightened COVID restriction, I’m sure you are feeling the frustration of a life with boundaries no one wants. As our pandemic stretches on, this frustration has caused some to begin delegitimizing others that follow the rules. They offer accusations of unfaithfulness and a life controlled by fear. Some have turned mask-wearing and physical distancing into a litmus test for true or false Christianity. As a mask-wearing, not-gathering-in-one-room-for-worship Christian, I would like to provide some thoughts on that. It is true that fear is keeping us inside right now. However, allowing fear to affect our behavior is nothing new. Fear helps keep us alive every day. When I worked for the USDA, my fear of snakes led me to wear snake guards. My fear of heights should have made me practice proper ladder safety. My fear of pain keeps me from touching a hot burner. Our fears are a natural, God-created, bodily response to potential harm that cause us to respond appropriately to reality. While some preach against this fear. I will not, just as I will not preach against seat belts. However, fear is not always a good thing. As our Advent theme reminds us, the Bible tells us over 100 times to not be afraid. It reminds us that we are not created with a spirit of fear. The fear that I believe we are warned against is the fear that denies reality instead of respecting it. The problem arises when our fear prevents us from necessary actions, an irrational fear that turns us into stone. This fear causes us to give up, to cower in the boat and accept the fate of the storm. In that story on the lake, Jesus counters that fear not by denying the storm’s existence, but by providing hope. It takes a lot of hope to accept reality and respond accordingly. I’ve had to rely on that hope during these eight months that we haven’t met in the sanctuary. Hope that God doesn’t need a church building to encounter God’s people. Hope that there will be a congregation left to gather again whenever it is safe. This hope has required the courage to trust in God. Hope that even without our indoor, in-person evangelism efforts the gospel will survive this pandemic just as it has every other period of crisis it has faced. I believe that God is bigger than this pandemic. We do not need to risk life and communal safety for the sake of God. God has, is, and will be with us no matter if we can gather physically or not. I am not afraid of accepting this reality because I know that even in a pandemic our loving and sustaining God is still at work. It is so hard to not gather with you right now. My heart aches every week that I preach to an empty sanctuary. However, because of my faith I can confidently proclaim: be not afraid, stay home, and wear your mask. We will get through this and be together physically once again.
CARE BEAR VOLUNTEER AWARD Most bears are hibernating right now, but how could Bearnabus sleep when he has such a great opportunity. Our furry forest friend is roaring with excitement to spend the month with Brian McFarland, this month's Volunteer of the Month of the Year. Brian is being recognized for sharing his skills with music and trustees. With all his trumpet, singing, and wiring talent, Bearnabus has nicknamed Brian “salmon” because he's such a catch! We are so thankful for you, Brian, and hope you enjoy your time with Bearnabus.
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INDOOR, IN-PERSON WORSHIP UPDATE After reviewing the results and comments from a survey about indoor, in-person worship, our deacons and staff came up with a plan that was accepted at our November business meeting. However, the week after, the governor issued new recommendations for churches to cancel all in-person activities through Sunday, December 13. We will abide by this request and implement our plan starting Sunday, December 20. This plan will allow a limited number of people to sit at tables in the FLC during Sunday worship to watch the service together. Registration is required. Look for more details in the Faith File and bulletin. You can read the full plan for indoor worship on our website at www.familyoffaith.net/covid-19-response.
PASTOR AMANDA’S BOOK CLUB This is for all those adults who love to read a good book and talk about it. The theme at Faith for the coming year is “Stories.” On the first of each month, Pastor Amanda will go live on Facebook and introduce two fiction books that have a related theme. You as a participant will vote on the one you would like to read and we’ll read the one with the most votes. Throughout the month you can follow @faithbaptistbookclub on Instagram for discussion, and then the last Thursday night of the month we will meet virtually for a wrap-up discussion! You are welcome to come and go as it fits your schedule. We hope you will be a part of this fun adventure of exploring beautiful stories together!
@faithbaptistbookclub
We ordained Janet Fox as a deacon on Sunday, November 22. We are grateful for Janet’s willingness to serve in this way. You are encouraged to send notes of affirmation and blessings to Janet as she begins her ministry in place of the traditional laying on of hands. We had great fun at the Advent Wreath Workshop! Sharon explained the history of Advent wreaths, Amanda taught us the meaning of the elements, and Angela led us in making a wreath so we can light candles each week at home!
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December December December Sun 6 11 AM—Virtual Worship Service (Hymn Sing) 12 PM—Godly Play 7 PM—Youth
Tues 1
2
Deadline to sign up for The Great Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt
6 PM—Advent Prayer Time
Thurs 3
8
9
Fri 4
Sat 5 6-8 PM—The Great Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt
Carrie Rashleigh
Mon 7
Wed
Brian McFarland
10
11
12
6 PM—Advent Prayer Time
Thomas Bryant
Anna Pryor Baird Fred Meek Melissa Ward Sue Wilson
13
14
Janet Fox
15
11 AM—Virtual Worship Service (Children’s Program) 2 PM—Christmas Parade 7 PM—Youth
16
17
18
19
Ross
Matt Makaveli
6 PM—Advent Prayer Time
Bryan Langlands
June Williams
20
21
11 AM—Virtual Worship Service (Music Sunday) 12 PM—Godly Play 1 PM—Business Meeting TBD—Youth Christmas Party
27
28
11 AM—Virtual Worship Service
Church Office closed
Roxana Blevins
McConnaughhay Mike Niedwick
22
23
24
25
6 PM—Advent Prayer Time
6 PM— Christmas Eve Service 7:30 PM— Christmas Eve Carol Sing
Church Office closed
Mary Elizabeth Hamm
Shelby Napier Debbie Tudor
29
30
Chris Cutter
Alyssa Taylor
Christmas 26
Merry Christmas
Connie Hastings Chuck Bugg 31 New Year’s Eve
Juanita McKenzie
With COVID guidance changing regularly, our plans also change. The best way to get the most current information is by joining our email list.
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ADMIN COMMITTEE REPORT The month of December proved to be a very busy time for the Admin Committee. The committee heard several reports from committee chairs conducting the business of the church. The number one priority of the Admin Committee this month is to prepare for a Special Called Business Meeting of the church on Sunday, December 20, at 1 p.m. via Zoom. Moderator Flash Williams has set the agenda with these three items for consideration.
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF
1. Consideration and approval of the 2021 Budget for the church. This budget was presented as a first reading in November and will be voted on for the upcoming year. Anyone who did not receive a copy of the budget may call the church office to receive a copy.
Associate Pastor of Students Sharon Felton sharon@familyoffaith.net
2. In July the church appointed a new committee to study the creation and adoption of a new church logo. Chaired by Carrie Abner, this committee engaged a branding company to work with them for several months in the development of ideas, models, and prototypes. There were several questions and some healthy discussion regarding the final version. The church voted to table this question until the December business meeting and a vote is planned at that time. Call the church office to get a copy of the new logo presentation if you missed it. 3. A new item has surfaced in regards to having the right technology in place in the sanctuary to properly conduct our Sunday morning church service. Currently the virtual worship service is a combination of live and recorded portions that are meshed together so we can easily see all aspects of the service at home. However, anyone present in the sanctuary is not able to see the recorded portions of the service because proper technology is not available. Hopefully we will be able to return to live worship in late December or early January and it will be necessary to provide an option to correct this problem. The church will hear a proposal and recommendation to correct this problem at the December business meeting.
Senior Pastor William Reilly william@familyoffaith.net
Associate Pastor of Children & Education Amanda Langlands amanda@familyoffaith.net Minister to Seniors Dale Stowe dale@familyoffaith.net Choir Director Natalie Tilford-Kopp natalie@familyoffaith.net Office Manager Angela Earwood angela@familyoffaith.net Custodian Linda Johnston Organist Charlotte McFarland Nursery Workers Suada Derakovic Melisa Custard Church Office M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (502) 863-1537 *The church building is currently closed. Staff can be reached by phone or email throughout the week.
Faith Baptist Church 116 Pocahontas Trail Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.1537 familyoffaith@familyoffaith.net www.familyoffaith.net
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