Connections-December-2016

DECEMBER 2016 | www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.3286

first baptist church greensboro

p.4-5

Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

A D V E N T

2016 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light‌ -Isaiah 9:2a

www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

December 2016 3 Window Gazing – The View from Here –Commitment Season

4 - 5 Connect with Worship January Connections Deadline: December 15 Email news to gloria@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Rosemary Kellam, Production Editor Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225 Gloria Koster, Managing Editor/Designer Administrative Assistant: Learning gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor: Adult Learning steves@fbcgso.org / x233 Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229 Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director ginny@fbcgso.org / x240 Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor: Students and Family Life / stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 Jessica Hartman, Pastoral Administrator jessica@fbcgso.org / x231 Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant: Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245 Christina McCord, Minister to Children and Families christina@fbcgso.org / x241 Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x226 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Larry Putnam, Financial Assistant larry@fbcgso.org / x222 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor pastor@fbcgso.org / x231 Courtney Stamey, Pastoral Resident courtney@fbcgso.org / x223 Tommy Starnes, Recreation Director tstarnes@triad.rr.com / x251 John Thornton, Pastoral Resident john@fbcgso.org / x236 Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238

2 | Connections

–Advent Schedule –NC A & T University Choir Concert –Handel’s Messiah –Advent Devotional Guide –Poinsettia Memorials & Honorariums –Christmas Caroling & Campfire Fellowship –Christmas Eve Worship

6 Connect with Missions

–A Note from Kim Priddy –Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed –Greensboro Urban Ministry Honor Cards –Christmas Eve Offering –CBF Global Missions Offering for December

7 Connect with Adult Sunday School Ministry –The Happy Hearts Class

Connect with Adults

–New Library Books –December 5 PrimeTime Program

8 Connect with Children

–What’s Happening this Advent –New Library Books –Weekday School News –FBC Weekday School Soup Lunch

9 Connect with Business

–FBC 2017 Budget –November Church Conference Summary –December Community Lunch | Church Conference –October 2016 Financial Results –Giving at FBC Greensboro

10 Connect with One Another

–Birthdays | Bereaved –November Community Lunch | Church Conference –Keep Us Updated

11 December Calendar

–Upward Games Begin Januay 7 – We Need Volunteers

12 Connect with Youth & College

–Youth Christmas Party & Progressive Dinner –College Birthdays

Cover Art: “Advent Candles” was illustrated by FBC staff member Gloria Koster. Her inspiration came from Philippians 2:15 which says that followers of Jesus Christ should shine like lights in the world (ESV).

Office Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Weekends and Holidays: If you have an emergency pastoral care need when the church offices are closed, please leave a message at 338-2438 and someone will return your call.

Window Gazing – The View from Here By Alan Sherouse

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t my previous church, Metro Baptist in New York, we didn’t hold Christmas Eve services. Shocking, I know, but it was not so strange in a city where many people left for the holidays. That first Christmas Eve of 2009, I told Jenny we had to find a service. My criteria were simple: “I need to sing Silent Night, light a candle, and lift it in the air with other people of faith.”

After a search and a mad dash downtown, we slipped into the back of a church. We were late, but we found a seat and held our tiny recycled candles with their coiled black wicks and wax drippings left over from the previous years service. We lit it from our neighbor’s flame and lifted it high, in the company of all those around us believing once again, “Christ the Savior is born.”

“I hope you enjoyed the service,” the pastor said as we left. I could honestly say, “It was just what we needed.”

Because Christmas is not only about light. It’s about light in the darkness. The light means so much to us because we know so well what the darkness is like.

To look around, you’d think the season was exclusively about light. Light shines in our homes, our shops, and our neighborhoods. Everything is laced with light.

The story of God coming to earth, however, begins dark as the night. There is a plenty of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Shepherds are frightened. Young parentsto-be are on the run. The baby finally makes his arrival in a ramshackle stable on the edge of a Podunk town.

As he grows, the darkness – the danger – moves in on him. He collects followers and enemies alike, until the threat of his message finally costs him his life.

But through the darkness, the danger, and even in death, the gospel of John tells us the light is not overcome.

We need that light in our lives. We are people who, as the prophet Isaiah describes, have “dwelled in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2). Our world is much like the

one to which Jesus arrived. Shepherds still wander and hope to see something against the night sky. Travelers search their entire lives for a Nativity. Young parents are uncertain and afraid. And fear moves in on all of us from time to time. We wait for the light.

That’s why before we arrive to the “Silent Night” and “heavenly peace” of Christmas, we take our time waiting in the season of Advent. This Advent we have many opportunities as a church to consider the hope, joy, peace, and love for which we long, and if we don’t take our time, we might be satisfied with quick fixes and easy answers. Instead of hope, we might be satisfied with optimism. Peace might be replaced with tranquility and order. Instead of love we might settle for basic affection. And instead of all-encompassing joy, we might rush to easy happiness.

But those who wait can see the light so clearly because they’ve taken their time in the darkness.

Because Christmas is not really about light. According to the gospel of John, it’s about something much more profound. Christmas is about light in the darkness. This is light that shines not in spite of the darkness, but right in the middle of it. The word became flesh. God is right in the middle of humankind.

This year we will once again gather and hold our tiny candles. We’ll wait for a tiny light. A glimmer in the shadows of a barn. We’ll see it strengthen, finding that it might even rekindle us. And soon it might even be flickering about us, the glimmer giving way to glory.

And we will know once more, this light in the darkness is just what we needed.

Commitment Season

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ovember was Commitment Season at First Baptist, as we all considered our commitments of time, talent and resources to the ministry of our church in the year ahead.

Thanks to ALL who have completed Commitment Cards, which will help us to plan our ministries in the coming year. If you have not yet completed your Commitment Card, please find one on informational tables at the church, or complete the online Commitment Card available at: www.fbcgso.org/commitment-season December 2016 | 3

Connect with Worship

Advent 2016 NOVEMBER 27 | ADVENT I

DECEMBER 11 | ADVENT III

Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 3:1-12

Isaiah 35:1-10, Matthew 11:2-11

Love

Peace

Youth Sunday at Advent

The Lord’s Supper Global Missions Offering Cindy Ruble, CBF Global Missionary, will share her faith story. The young adult group will light the Advent wreath. The Sanctuary Choir will lead worship. Sanctuary adornments: Blue paraments and banners.

DECEMBER 4 | ADVENT II

Hope

Afternoon caroling to the Homebound followed by Campfire fellowship | 3 pm

Wednesday Spontaneous Nativity December 14 | 6:30 pm

Isaiah 2:1-5, Matthew 24:36-44

Children’s Sunday at Advent Avery White, Backpack Beginnings, will share her faith story. The Holmes family will light the Advent wreath. The Young Musicians Choir and the Adult Handbell Choir will lead worship. Sanctuary adornments: Window candles and Moravian Star.

Evening Concert by the NC A&T University Choir | 4 pm

Joshua Childs, Upward Basketball, will share his faith story. The Taylor family will light the Advent wreath. The Youth Choir and the Youth Handbell Choir will lead worship.

Sanctuary adornments: Chrismon Tree.

DECEMBER 18 | ADVENT IV

Joy

Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25

G. F. Handel’s Messiah performed by the Sanctuary Choir Happy Hearts will light the Advent wreath.

Sanctuary adornments: Greenery.

Advent Song 2016

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ocal hymn writing duo Sally Ann Morris and Mary Louise Bringle have written a new setting of Isaiah 9:2-7 which will be our advent song for 2016.

We’ll sing it together each Sunday as we light the Advent candle.

Sally Ann Morris & Mary Louise Bringle, © 2009 GIA Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted under OnceLicense.net A-707453.

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Connect with Worship

Poinsettia Memorials & Honorariums Taking orders through December 16

T North Carolina A & T University Choir in Concert

Sunday, December 4 4 pm | Sanctuary

his year poinsettias will be placed in the sanctuary for Christmas Eve, December 24, and remain through the worship service on Christmas Morning. Poinsettias may be picked up after the service on Sunday, December 25.

Each poinsettia is $13 (multiples can be ordered); make your check payable to First Baptist Church and note “poinsettia” on the memo line.

All orders must be turned into the Music Office by Friday, December 16. For order forms or questions contact Jane Anne Hayber in the Music Office: janeanne@fbcgso.org or 274-3286 x239.

Christmas Caroling and Campfire Fellowship

Sunday, December 11 Caroling 3-5 pm | Bonfire 5-6:30 pm

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Handel’s Sunday, December 18

10:30 am | Sanctuary Presented by the Sanctuary Choir

oy to the world, the Lord is come! Come and share Christmas joy with our homebound members through beloved songs of the season on Sunday afternoon, December 11. We have a number of church members that reside in private homes, retirement communities, and nursing facilities that are unable to make it to church on a regular basis. Come join as we go to them to brighten up their holiday season with some Christmas carols. Carolers will gather at 3 pm in the Atrium to depart in groups to visit the homebound.

Afterwards, we’ll continue the celebration by returning to the church for a campfire with snacks and hot chocolate! For more information about caroling, contact John Thornton - john@fbcgso.org | x236 or Steve Pressley - stevep@fbcgso.org | x232.

Christmas Eve Worship of Carols, Candlelight & Communion Saturday, December 24 | 5 pm

2016 Advent Devotional Guide Daily devotions for the Advent season November 27 thru Christmas Day

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e hope you have picked up your Advent Devotional guide and will join us as we read and reflect on the same daily devotions during the Season of Advent. Booklets are available in the main office. It is our hope that this devotional guide will bring the meaning of the Advent season to your home.

We will also provide these devotions through daily posts on the FBC blog: www.fbcgso.wordpress.com and click “Follow.”

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oin us for our annual Christmas Eve worship.

This service is a wonderful night of worship and homecoming for our church community, friends, and family on the eve of our Savior’s birth. There will be a special offering during the service supporting our ministry partner BackPack Beginnings.

We welcome families with children and have special activity packets available to keep them engaged during Worship if needed. Optional childcare will be provided for children 3 and under.

December 2016 | 5

Connect with Missions

A Note of Thanks from Rev. Kim Priddy…

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hree years have gone by extremely quickly, but the impression for ministry done, out of God’s love that you all have shown me, will forever be imprinted on my heart. The position of minister to missions and community outreach had not been outlined by anyone before me, and you trusted me and worked along side of me to discern how First Baptist Church is called to serve our community and world. I learned and witnessed so much from you all, thank you. I can’t leave without saying that the FBC staff is amazing and I will miss working alongside each of them. In the weeks and months ahead, it is my hope and prayer that you will be keenly aware of the missions opportunities; the garden still needs harvesting, volunteers are needed for the family and women’s winter emergency shelter, and ringers needed to help with the Red Kettles at Friendly Center.

I know that you will continue to serve and serve well.

Your prayers for me and my family in the transition ahead would be greatly appreciated. May God continue to guide and spark passionate faith and service in you all, and may you be forever transformed by the WONDER of our God. Peace and blessings, Kim

Salvation Army Bell Ringers are Needed!

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t is that time of year! The Red Kettles are out and the bells are ringing. This is our third year serving as Red Kettle Ringers at the Friendly Shopping Center.

This is a great way to serve with family and friends. The money collected in the red kettles goes to support the ministry of the Salvation Army. In the past we have partnered with the Salvation Army by volunteering at the Hickory Trails location and providing donations towards their new facility. We are grateful and blessed by their ministry to the young people and their families in our community. Our dates for ringing are Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 at the entrance of Belk facing Friendly Avenue. Sign-up online: www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0a45aaad238-redkettle – Contact Gayle Wiley for more information: gayle@richardlwiley.com | 852-2768.

Give Greensboro Urban Ministry Honor Cards for Christmas

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our minimum donation of $5 per card allows you to show your support for the community while acknowledging others during the holidays. Cards are available for purchase in the church office. Make checks payable to: Greensboro Urban Ministry. Contact: Rosemary Kellam - rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225.

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Christmas Eve Offering:

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ast year’s Christmas Eve offering went to ministry partners, Peacehaven Farms and The Mustard Seed. This year our offering will support the ministry of Backpack Beginnings whose hope is to deliver child-centric services to feed, comfort and clothe children in need. They serve over 6,000 children annually, and their vision is a community of healthy and well-nurtured children. This ministry was started and runs under the leadership of our very own Parker White. To learn more, go to: www.backpackbeginnings.org

CBF Global Missions Offering for December:

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n the November issue of Connections we heard from Cindy Ruble and Martha Robinson-Spangler about the impact of our global missions giving.

Our special offering for December is CBF Offering for Global Missions.

This offering is the primary source of support ensuring the longterm presence of field personnel around the world — funding salaries, benefits, housing costs, and children’s educational needs.

The offering engages churches and individuals in faith and action through giving, Bible study, prayer, mission projects, and celebration.

The theme for this year’s offering is “Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ”, focusing on one of the commitments of CBF Global Missions. We bear witness to the Gospel through words that invite faith and actions that embody the way of Jesus.

We are invited to join along with the ministries of transformation.

Please note that 100 percent of gifts to the Offering for Global Missions go directly to CBF Global Missions to ensure the long-term presence of field personnel around the world.

Connect with Adult Sunday School Ministry

The Happy Hearts Class: “Happy are the Pure in Heart” by Steve Sumerel

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Born over 50 years ago, the Happy Hearts class has t is easy to get the wrong impression of the deep not strayed from it first and primary call to open God’s meaning behind the name of the class, “Happy word to adults with special needs. The completion of Hearts.” You get an appreciation of this when you hear the concerns expressed in their prayer time. This is this mission does not fit into a weekly forty-five minute format. The word of God must live and breathe; it a class that knows more than their fair share of people must have hands and hearts. Happy Hearts leaders who are sick and dying, many traverse a landscape know that they must translate the of uncertain housing and living love spoken of in the Bible into a conditions, many know the sting of One cannot come away touch and a voice in response to poverty, and are often battered from such a fellowship a real need in real time. Thus, the by stressful family dynamics. Their and think about purity of dedicated saints who minister to the happiness is not born of blissful unawareness; far from it. In Greek it heart the same way again . Happy Hearts are far more than a dedicated group of Sunday School is called, “makarios.” It is the word teachers. Operating more like a ministry team, they translated “happy,” or “blessed” in the Beatitudes. provide pastoral care, prayer, and much logistical “Happy are the pure of heart;” there lies the foundation from which their name is derived, and from support throughout the week. there, also, springs the joy one feels upon entering their fellowship.

When you sit in the Happy Hearts class, even a casual observer comes away with certain impressions.

Perhaps the most clearly identifiable characteristic of the class is its unencumbered faithfulness. Clearly felt, honestly communicated, and unfiltered soul originated words and actions set the tone for the class. One cannot come away from such a fellowship and think about purity of heart the same way again. Likewise, you encounter authentic meekness, mercy, and a hunger for the presence of God that is absolutely contagious. In short, as you immerse yourself into the Happy Heart ethos, hugging and high Above: The Happy Hearts team includes fiving your way into the bonds of their fellowship, you Courtney Stamey, Martha Hicks, Gloria Koster, come to experience in a most personal way, a view of Joye Brannon, Ken Brannon, Clyde Rudd, Meg Rudd, the Kingdom of God that Christ was painting through Sally Skidmore, Anne Wilson, and Marie Sumerel. the wisdom of the beatitudes.

Connect with Adults Check-Out these New Books in the FBC Main Library:

PrimeTime December 5:

• Alexander Hamilton

by Ron Chernow • The Boston Girl

by Anita Diamant • The Good Fight

by Stephen Ambrose • A Great Reckoning

by Louise Penny • The Little Paris Bookshop

by Nina George • Redemption Road

by John Hart • The Boy’s Lunch

by Robbie Trent

Ran is a talented musician who will share beautiful music with us as we head into the holiday season.

Piano Concert by Ran Sun (Recent UNC-Greensboro Masters Graduate)

PrimeTime Bible Study will feature “What Jesus Said about Who He Is” taught by Steve Pressley.

PrimeTime at FBC includes:

9 am: Ceramics, Gym 9:30 am: Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A 11 am: Bible Study, 101 12 noon: Lunch, 108 - $6/person Sign up for lunch online: www.fbcgso.org/seniors or contact Marty Kellam: marty@fbcgso.org | x245 Reservation deadline: Thursday, December 1 December 2016 | 7

Connect with Children

What’s Happening this Advent…

Children are invited to join us this Advent as we await the birth of Jesus Christ!

Caroling and Bonfire | December 11 (Su) | 3-5 pm Let’s spread holiday cheer as we carol to our homebound members. We will meet in the Atrium by 3 pm.

After caroling, we will gather for some warmth around a bonfire and treats!

“Breakfast for Dinner” & Spontaneous Nativity | December 14 (W)

Pastor Alan and Christina will decorate your waffles with whipped cream and yummy toppings! Following dinner at 6 pm, parents will take their children upstairs to pick out a costume (angel, animal, shepherd, or wiseman) and head to the Sanctuary. The “Spontaneous Nativity” will begin at 6:30 pm and will be accompanied by beautiful music and scripture readings by children. Don’t forget your cameras! Fore more information: Christina McCord - christina@fbcgso.org | x241.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | December 24 (Sa) | 5 pm We hope

Check-Out these New Books in the Children’s Library: • Barnyard Dance

by Sandra Boynton • Click, Clack, Boo!

by Doreen Cronin • Click, Clack, Surprise

by Doreen Cronin • Dooby Dooby Moo

by Doreen Cronin • Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crocket Johnson • He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

by Kadir Nelson • I Love You, Alfie Cub

by Angela McAllister • Let’s Go, Hugo!

by Angela Dominguez

you will join us for our special Christmas Eve Service. The children are welcome in the service and an activity packet will be provided for each child to keep them engaged during worship. Optional childcare will be provided for children 3 & under.

Christmas Day Worship Service | December 25 (Su) | 10:30 am After the

excitement of Christmas morning in your homes, join us for worship. Come as you are and children are welcome to come in their PJs!

Weekday School News

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by Ginny Carpenter

he holidays are such a special time in our classes! We spend time at Thanksgiving being thankful for all of God’s blessings, and one way that we show our thankfulness is by decorating boxes that we fill with goodies and give to our maintenance staff. It is such a small way to show our thanks for all that they do to keep us safe and clean. Our 4s always celebrate with their Thanksgiving feast. This year, a delicious lunch was catered for us and parents of our 4s were invited to attend.

Christmas means that we turn our excitement into anticipation of the coming of Christ. We build gingerbread houses, decorate our halls and classes, and celebrate as the 4s and 5s present their version of the Christmas Story for their parents and the FBC staff. This event always brings the true meaning of Christmas into our hearts!

The week of December 5, the Weekday School will host a Scholastic Book Fair to provide early reading materials for our families and to raise money for our scholarship fund. The Book Fair will be open to the church on Wednesday, December 7. More information will come soon.

Sunday, December 11 is our annual Via Soup Lunch. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund, and we could use your help. This year, we are going to try something different in an effort to raise more funds. You are invited to “match” our proceeds up to the dollar of your choosing.

We already have a family who has pledged to match up to $500! Our monthly scholarship needs are over $2,700 per month, and we struggle, every year, to have enough funds to help all of our families who ask for help. Please attend our lunch and help us in any way possible while you enjoy a delicious lunch.

8 | Connections

FBC Weekday School Soup Lunch Sunday, December 11 12 noon | Fellowship Hall Benefits the Via Scholarship Fund

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elicious homemade soups, cornbread, cookies, and brownies will be available after worship for a donation.

Instead of going out to eat after church, come share a meal with us at our Soup Lunch. Your donations will help us meet the obligations that we have taken on – in faith – to support our families.

Connect with Business

FBC 2017 Budget

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he proposed budget for 2017 has been approved by the Finance Committee and the deacons. A summary of the proposed budget is included for review in this newsletter. The congregation will be asked to approve the proposed at the church conference on Sunday, December 11. Details have been made available at the November church conference, and are available anytime in the church office.

Questions can be directed to Finance Committee chair, Shannon Childs, any finance committee member or deacon, or Church Administrator, Scott North.

Giving at First Baptist Church Greensboro You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

(2 Corinthians 9.7-8)

Why We Give Giving financially is a chance for us to honor God with the resources and provisions that He has provided for us. When we practice generous giving, we strengthen our relationship with Christ. As we learn to grow in our trust and faith in Christ, it is important to trust in His provision. As people of faith, we give faithfully and generously out of grateful hearts, because He has given to us faithfully and generously.

Opportunities to Give Online!

Mobile Giving | Get the

November Church Conference Summary The monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday, November 13, 2016 in the Fellowship Hall. The church voted to receive six new members.

Community Lunch followed by Church Conference Sunday, December 11 after Worship

Cost is $6/person and $20/family maximum. NO reservation is needed. A brief church conference will follow lunch to allow the membership to hear about the latest from our Deacons and committees bringing motions forward.

October 2016 Financial Results Year-to-Date Budget Receipts/Distributions Receipts Disbursements Differential

Actual $1,360,382 $1,432,766 $ (72,384)

Budget $1,362,880 $1,472,553 $ (109,673)

Last Year $1,301,214 $1,442,587 $ (141,373)

free Tithe.ly app from the Apple or Google store create your account, add your debit/credit card and Give!

Online Giving | The church

website (www.fbcgso.org) offers a safe, convenient way for you to schedule a recurring or one-time gift from your checking account or your debit/credit card.

Automatic Bank Pay | Use your

bank’s online billpay system. Follow the bank’s instructions to set up FBC as a new payee. Most banks do not charge a fee for this service.

Their system will send a check from your account to FBC according to your instructions.

To learn more information about giving at FBC Greensboro: www.fbcgso.org/give December 2016 | 9

Connect with One Another

Responding to the Invitation

Elizabeth Johnson

(November 20) By Statement

December Birthdays (No FBC birthdays December 5, 17, 27)

1. Lucy King, Millie Power, Ethan Schneider, Vivian Schneider, Cynthia Stone 2. Beth Absher, Robyn Cothran, Gloria Koster, Ann Leonard, Mary Rakestraw, Ann Vaden 3. Holden Biffle, Jerri Edwards, Scott Lyle, Christina McCord 4. Todd Garcia 6. Blanche Hodge, Kathy Simmons 7. Nancy Gee 8. Autumn Rainey, Ann Teague, Anthony Webb, Gayle Wiley 9. Sandra Canipe, Don Cunningham, Andrew Donovan, Jeff Duckworth, Jim Fogleman, Steven Key, Shaun Martin 10. Timothy Newman 11. Marietta Mobley 12. Ray Anderson, Andrea Harrell, Ginny Young 13. Morgan Hall 14. Sue Bias, Betsy McLean, Holly Messick, Coolidge Porterfield, McKenna Stutts, Ruth Ward, Don White 15. Tobie Pierce, Joshua Sumner 16. Raleigh Cothran, Margaret Wilson 18. Shirley Headspeth, Lois Hutchison 19. Emerson Culbreth 10 | Connections

Robert D. Martin

(November 20) By Letter

20. Patrice Justafort, Dianne Nickles, Hannah Porter 21. Clyde Collins 22. Reid Hix 23. Marlena Johnson, Agnes Moore, Ann Powell, Elias Rainey 24. Catherine Pressley 25. Ed Parkerson, Jeff Smith 26. Phillip Barbee, Jamie Powell, Melissa Sample, Janelle Snider 28. Gladys Boroughs 29. Pamela Baggett, Griffin Curtis, Luke Lynch, Rick Schneider, Warner Sherouse 30. Brennan Bode, Sylvia Ledford, Polly Norris, KatyBeth Schmid 31. Steve Cothran, Ezra Holmes, Larry Pegram, Rachel Shackelford

Bereaved

Keep Us Updated!

If you’ve had any changes to your contact information (phone, email, and address) let us know. If your children move, get married, go to college or graduate — we need to know that too! Send all updates and changes to Rosemary Kellam: rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225. You can also update your member information via the private FBC Member website – click the “Sign In” button at the top of the website. All FBC members can create a login/ password and have online access to your giving summary, church calendar, online registrations, search information, etc. Go to www.fbcgso.org to get started!

• Kathy McDaniel in the loss of her aunt, FBC member Martha Talley, on October 23 • Sylvia Ledford in the loss of her father, Arnold Monteith, on October 23 • Kelly Cornett in the loss of her grandfather, Walter Blythe, on October 26 • Libby Shull in the loss of her father, Harold Shull, on October 26 • Loved ones of former member Marvin Bass, on October 28 • Millie Power and Helen Stinson in the loss of their sister, Lillie Nance, on November 2 • Loved ones of J. C. Newsome (former member) • Joye Brannon in the loss of her cousin, Betty Jean Hudson • Deanna Pegram and family in the loss of their cousin, Carson Lindsey • Tommy Starnes in the loss of his mother, Kathryn Starnes, and his uncle, Jerry Cooper, on November 10 • Ruth Primm in the loss of her sister, Patsy Burris, on November 14 • Elizabeth Eagle in the loss of her father, Robert Eagle, on November 16

December @

FBC

Join us for warm fellowship all month long…

Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday AM @FBC Bible Study - 9:15 am Worship - 10:30 am Guest Reception - 11:45 am, 209

• • • • • • • •

Sunday PM @FBC

Youth Bells - 4 pm, 319-D/Sanctuary Youth Choir - 5 pm, 311 Adult Bells - 6 pm Youth Discipleship - 6:20 pm, 301 Sanctuary Choir - 7 pm, 311

Wednesdays@FBC Fellowship Meal Reservations

•Reservations due Mon. 12 noon

Cancellations due Tues. 12 noon.

Meal reservation? Online at www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents OR Marty Kellam – x245 or marty@fbcgso.org

•Kids’ Programming - 6 pm • Youth Forum - 6:15 pm • Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm, 311 Fellowship Meals

•1 (Th): Christmas Serendipity Banquet. 108, 6 pm Wednesday: 5:30-6:15 pm •Adults •4 (Su): Youth Parent Council Meeting. 216, 8:15 am All Ages (Serving begins at 5 pm) • Children •4 (Su): 2 Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am • 7: Theo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Seniors •4 (Su): Youth Choir/Youth Bells Lunch. 108, 11:45 am • Pintos Beans, Collard Greens Missions •4 (Su): NC A & T Choir Concert. Sanctuary, 4 pm • Cornbread | Kids: Chicken Leg •4 (Su): Finance Committee. 108-C, 4:30 pm •Weekday 14: Breakfast for Dinner: Cheese School •5 (M): PrimeTime. 9 am - Lunch Grits, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage/ •5 (M): Deacon’s Meeting. 102, 7 pm •Worship Bacon, Mini Belgian Waffles •Youth •6 (Tu): Grace Meal Prep. Kitchen, 5 pm Kids: Mini Waffle with toppings bar •6 (Tu): WMU Group 2. 102, 7 pm 21 & 28: No Fellowship Meals •7 (W): Grace Meal Pick-Up. Kitchen, 5 pm •7, 14 (W): Fellowship Meal/Free for College. 108, 5:30 pm (serving begins at 5 pm) •11 (Su): StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium, 9 am Upward games begin •11 (Su): 3 Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •11 (Su): Weekday School Soup Lunch followed by Church Conference. Saturday, January 7 108, 11:45 am Volunteers are 11 (Su): Caroling to the Homebound followed by Bonfi re.

Starts at 3 pm needed to be • 13 (Tu): WMU Group 3.

102, 9:30 am greeters, serve • 13 (Tu): WMU Group 4.

204, 10:30 am in the Café, • 11 (Su): Worship/Advent II. Sanctuary, 10:30 am help keep the • Gym/Café tidy 14 (W): Breakfast for Dinner & Spontaneous Nativity.

108-C, 5 pm • during games •14 (W): Missions Committee. 108-C, 5:30 pm and to sit in the •14 (W): Spontaneous Nativity. Sanctuary, 6:30 pm stands and talk •18 (Su): 4 Sunday of Advent/Handel’s Messiah. Sanctuary, 10:30 am with visitors. Join •18 (Su): Youth Christmas Party & Progressive Dinner. 4:30 pm us Saturdays from 8:45 am - 2 pm •21 (W): Building & Grounds Committee. 216, 5:30 pm in the Gym/Café. For more info: •24 (Sa): Christmas Eve Worship. Sanctuary, 5 pm Tommy Starnes, Upward Director •25 (Su): Christmas Day Worship. Sanctuary, 10:30 am tstarnes@triad.rr.com | x251.

•26-27 (M-Tu): FBC church offices closed for Christmas holiday. nd

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December 2016 | 11

First Baptist Church Greensboro

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC

www.fbcgso.org

NO. 179

Connect with Youth & College

College Birthdays

YOUTH

Lucy King | December 1

630 Cotanche Street, Apt. 221, Greenville, NC 27858 JulieKing201@gmail.com | lee.king@afterdisaster.com

Robyn Cothran | December 2

15 Hope Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 RCothran725@flagler.edu

Andrew Marsh | December 5

& Progressive Dinner

Sunday, December 18 Time: 4:30 pm Where: TBA Want to participate in our White Elephant gift exchange?

Please bring a gift from home for less than $5. For more information, contact Steve Cothran stevec@fbcgso.org | x235.

2010 Tennyson Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 lisaandjimmymarsh@yahoo.com

Autumn Rainey | NC State | December 8 2209 Lannigan Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406 elias12@hotmail.com

Joshua Sumner | December 15

1917 Efland Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 raptor4878@yahoo.com

Elias Rainey | NC State | December 23

2209 Lannigan Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406 elias12@hotmail.com

Brennan Bode | December 30

3715 Parkwood Drive, Greensboro, NC 27403 brbode97@gmail.com