Acts of Faith
DEC
2021
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.
Over this past year and a half it has sometimes felt as though we are walking in the dark, being inundated with the never-ending pandemic, political violence, tense race relations, illnesses, among other things. So, this Advent, we are asking: what sustains us? What has pulled us back from the edges of darkness? Where do we turn to find and to know God’s goodness and love? Because the Bible assures us that God is present In Darkness and In Light. See our Advent schedule on page 5.
At our quarterly business meeting on Sunday, November 14, we overwhelmingly voted to adopt both of the discernment Committee’s recommendations, a Statement of Welcome and a Policy for Hosting Weddings. We are deeply grateful for the thoughtful and diligent work of the Discernment Committee (Mike Collins, Greg Earwood, Jawanna Herd, Cynthia Inskochair, and Shelby Napier) that lead us to this point. The Statement of Welcome is below and the wedding policy can be found on our website under Building Use.
We believe that God, Creator of all people, placed God’s own image in each person, and that Jesus welcomes all who receive him as Lord and Savior to be disciples, and that the Holy Spirit gifts believers to serve in a myriad of ways. Therefore, compelled by the triune God’s boundless love, we joyfully welcome and affirm people of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, ability level, education level, socioeconomic status, and religious background into full membership in the life and ministry of our church. We welcome and encourage all members to participate in the lifelong blessings and ordinances of our congregation such as communion, baptism, marriage, family/child dedication, ordination, and all offices and positions of leadership. We pledge to support our staff as they carry out these ordinances and blessings. As Christians in the Baptist tradition, we commit to love each other despite our differences. No member’s full participation in our community binds anyone else’s conscience on an issue about which they may differ. We are a family of faith, sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.
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“It is Advent! We are all on our way to Bethlehem, but who will show us the way?” That is one of my favorite lines from our Godly Play Advent Stories. It always helps to remind me of the journey that we are on, preparing our hearts for the arrival of Christ. It can be so easy to become swept away with the business and activities that this season brings and not come close to the mystery of Christmas. It is my hope for each of our families that you are able to find time to pause and reflect on what this season means to you. This year the children’s Christmas program will be in conjunction with the adult choir Christmas program during worship on Sunday, December 19. The children will stay at church after worship on Sunday, December 12, for a short Kids on Mission activity and to practice for the Christmas program. All children who would like to participate are asked to bring a sack lunch and stay until 1:45 p.m.
I could not be prouder of our youth! They worked so hard and put together a wonderful worship service! I am also exceedingly grateful to a church that encourages youth to use their gifts and allows them to lead in worship! What a great community we have at Faith! If you see a teenager, give them a pat on the back and encourage them to keep using their gifts to serve!
We had a great high school retreat at the Gorge this last month! Justin Sizemore of Calvary Baptist led us in exploring the idea of calling and helped us think about the gifts and abilities God has given us. It was very appropriate as we prepared to lead in worship! We also kayaked in an old limestone mine, which was so fun!
This month we also had Georgetown College student Avery Hatfield lead on a Wednesday night. Avery did an incredible job as she told us about her journey of faith and how looking back she sees how God used even difficult times to help her grow.
Back by popular demand, it’s the second annual Wild & Crazy 12 days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt for families of youth and children! Mark your calendars for December 11 and sign up on our website at www.familyoffaith.net/scavengerhunt. To help offset the cost and reserve your spot, there will be a $10 fee per family this year. Please put a check in the offering plate, bring it to the church office, or using our online giving system. Woo hoo! Get your family ready!
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On Saturday, November 27, the JOY Group took a trip to Millersburg to see the Christmas Walk! After a delicious dinner at Trackside Restaurant in Paris, we enjoyed walking through the beauty of Christmas! The joy and holiday spirit was felt throughout this experience. Those of us who went really enjoyed our time there and would highly recommend you taking the time to experience this as well. And it was only $10! Thanks to Mariann Harlan and Bill Robinson for making this happen! Our outing for December will be to see “White Christmas” at Woodford Theater in Versailles on Thursday, December 16. We will leave from the church at 4:15 p.m. and eat dinner together before the show at 7:30. The cost is $25. Unfortunately we could only get twelve tickets so this outing is limited. Please sign up on the bulletin board and pay by Sunday, December 5.
Be sure to join us for our JOY Lunch on Monday, December 20, at 11 a.m. in the RA. We will have a carol sing-a-long and a delicious Christmas meal! Please bring a dish to share if you are able. May God richly bless you and your family during this Christmas season! —Blessings, Rick
Faith Baptist Church Goal: $4000
Thanksgiving boxes Christmas shoe boxes Reading Camp
Visit www.cbf.net/OGM for more information. Please prayerfully consider what you can give. Be sure to designate your gift for OGM on your check or online donation. You may also use the OGM envelopes in the back of the pews. We will be collecting gifts throughout the month of December.
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Words from William “Whoa! I didn’t know that was possible.” That’s the response I’ve gotten from fellow pastors as I share with them about the outcome of our discernment process. They are shocked that a Baptist church was able to have a conversation about anything at all, much less an extremely emotional and potentially volatile question, and ultimately come to a strong consensus. Since when do 97% of a group of Baptists agree on anything? As their shock subsides, they inevitably say something like, “you must have a really healthy church!” They’re right! I am genuinely so thankful that I get to be a part of this church. You’re willing to discern, discuss, question, and even not let disagreements ruin relationships. Even those of you who have expressed a viewpoint different from my own have done so in a considerate and respectful way. You are kind and loving, always seeking to do what you believe is right even when it might be uncomfortable for you. Not every pastor gets to say that. During Advent this year we are talking about how God is present with us in both darkness and in light. It stands out to me that during a conversation that so often becomes a dark time in the life of the church, I’ve been able to see God’s light shining through. For over two years I’ve been praying that God might show me, and us collectively, what God’s will for our church is. I believe I’ve seen God doing that throughout this discernment process as people report having grown in their understanding and developing a new perspective. I’ve even seen transformation among the people who didn’t change their thinking. God has been present in darkness and light! Advent is also a time of preparation to celebrate what is and what is to come. I believe this process has been a reminder that, with prayer and community, our congregation is ready to face even the most difficult challenges before us. We are a place of thoughtful reflection, respectful disagreement, and earnest seeking of God. With our love of God and love of each other, we are prepared for whatever comes next as we continue striving to be a family of faith sharing God’s love in a spirit of hope.
Instead of Sunday School on Sunday, December 26, we’re having a church family breakfast at 10 a.m.! Come enjoy time together and a delicious meal provided by our pastor and several members. Regular Sunday School classes will resume in January.
What an exciting first Sunday of Advent! The Hatch family (Derek, Sarah, Joseph, Philip, Simon, and Rebekah) joined our church AND Simon made a profession of faith and will be baptized. We are so excited about our new members and Simon's new life in Christ!
Please note that the church office will be closed on Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27.
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Wednesday, December 1, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. Come journey through a collection of photographs from church members reflecting on the inbreaking of hope, love, joy, and peace into the world. Our hope is that you leave with a spirit inspired and prepared to come close to God this Advent season. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday night, we’ll have food and activity stations in the RA and we’ll send people in small groups to make their way through the gallery. The gallery will also be open on Thursday. All ages are welcome!
Sunday, December 5, 4 p.m. Anyone who has lost a loved one during the previous year, and anyone grieving with them, is invited to this service of remembrance in the sanctuary. It will be an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and hope during what can be a difficult season.
Wednesday, December 8, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Join us for our last night of Wednesday activities in 2021! We’ll have our Family Dinner at the regular time and then around 6 p.m. we’ll travel around town spreading joy to homebound members and friends by caroling. Be sure to dress warmly!
Sunday, December 19, 11 a.m. During worship on Sunday morning, our sanctuary choir and children will present a special Christmas program with music, scripture readings, and a live nativity.
Friday, December 24, 5 p.m. We welcome Christ into the world at our annual lessons and carols service, which includes communion, the lighting of the Christ candle, and a candlelight singing of “Silent Night.” ADVENT DEVOTIONAL These books are a collection of daily devotions written by our own members to help us prepare for the birth of our savior. They are available in the foyer and online. We are also posting a video of every day’s devotion on Facebook.
POINSETTIAS If you would like to purchase a poinsettia(s) in honor or memory of someone, fill out a form and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office by Monday, December 6. Forms are available in the foyer and bulletin. Poinsettias are $7 each.
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Carrie Rashleigh
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Thomas Bryant
Anna Pryor Baird Fred Meek Melissa Ward Sue Wilson
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Janet Fox
Bryan Langlands June Williams
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Juanita McKenzie Rebecca Phipps
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Ross McConnaughhay
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Mary Hamm Roy Shimaru
Shelby Napier Debbie Tudor
Connie Hastings Chuck Bugg
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Roxana Blevins
Chris Cutter
Alyssa Taylor
Matt Makaveli Mike Niedwick
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Brian McFarland
Christmas 25 Eve
New Year’s Eve
Christmas
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A couple of our monthly activities are not happening in December, but will resume in January. Look out for the announcement of our January book at the beginning of the year! Beginning in January, we will continue our monthly meetings on the 2nd Tuesday to work on quilts for our Prayers and Squares Ministry. Everyone is welcome and no sewing/quilting experience is required.
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF PASTOR William Reilly william@familyoffaith.net ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF STUDENTS Sharon Felton sharon@familyoffaith.net ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF CHILDREN & EDUCATION Amanda Langlands amanda@familyoffaith.net MINISTER TO SENIOR ADULTS Rick Hawthorne rick@familyoffaith.net CHOIR DIRECTOR Natalie Tilford-Kopp natalie@familyoffaith.net OFFICE MANAGER Angela Earwood angela@familyoffaith.net CUSTODIAN Linda Johnston
Our tailgate at the Georgetown College football game was cold, but fun!
—Rick & Betty Covington —Dawne McConnaughhay, Connie Hastings —Clyde McConnaughhay, Mattie Katz —Maya Felton, Lucy McConnaughhay
ORGANIST Charlotte McFarland
PIANIST Judith Williams NURSERY WORKERS Suada Derakovic Melisa Custard Church Office: (502) 863-1537 M-F, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
116 Pocahontas Trail Georgetown, KY 40324 502.863.1537 www.familyoffaith.net
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