What’s going on at
A note from
The Pastor
A
s Tami and I get ready to celebrate our 17th Christmas with you, we are so thankful for God allowing us to be a part of such a great church that is making a huge difference right here in Denton and around the world. Thank you for your continued love and support of us and our family. I want you to know we love you dearly and are so thankful God has made Denton and First Denton our home! December is full of opportunities for everyone to be involved in ministry at First Denton. We kickoff the month with my favorite event, Elves Shelves. This year we will provide toys for over 1,900 children right here in our neighborhood. December 6-7 are the distribution dates. Let us know if you can volunteer a couple of hours one or both of those days. Christmas Celebration comes next on December 8-9. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends who don’t normally attend church to come. They will enjoy the program and most importantly they will hear the gospel message in a clear and compelling fashion. Tickets are free, but are required for each performance. Our annual Christmas Eve services will be at 4pm and 6pm. The 4 pm service will be geared toward children, but all ages are welcome at either service. This is another great opportunity to invite friends or family members to come and hear about the real meaning of Christmas. Tami and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with you this year. Merry Christmas!
First Denton Holiday Schedule December 22 and 29 • No Life Groups • Two worship services at 9:30 and 11 am. December 25 and January 1 • No Wednesday night activities December 24-27 and January 1 • The church will be closed. • Two Christmas Eve services at 4 and 6 pm.
Pastor’s Prayer Team Men, join Dr. Jeff as he prays for the direction God has for this church. God is continually blessing First Denton and as we are looking forward to a new building, we need His guidance. We meet every Tuesday at 6:30 am in Dr. Jeff’s office.
First Look is for those who have recently joined First Denton and for those considering becoming members. The next “First Look” is Sunday, February 5 at 6 pm in S-111. Dinner will be served and our pastor will give you a “First Look” at First Denton. You will be given the opportunity to join if you so desire. For more information or to RSVP, contact Deb Kingrey at 940.382.2577, x150 or debk@firstdenton.org.
Staff
Anniversaries
Nora Beggs.............................................November 5, 2005 Recreation Ministry Assistant
Stay Connected: FirstDenton.org/connect Social
In His Love, Jeff
Mobile
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FirstDenton.org
What’s going on at
First Denton FAQ’s About Year End Giving! • If I make a contribution in early January 2014, can I claim it on my 2013 taxes? > No, charitable contributions must be claimed in the year in which they are delivered. • If I mail my contribution in December 2013 and it doesn’t reach the church office until January 2014, for which year should I claim it? > On your 2013 tax return. A check that is mailed to a charity is deductible in the year the check is mailed, and postmarked, even if it is received in the next year.
Ps ms 23
beginning November 10 November 10 “Let God Be Your Owner” November 17 “Let God be all you need” November 24 “Let God Be Your Leader”
December 1 “Let God Be Your Protector” December 8 “Let God Be Your Provider” December 15 “Let God Be Your Contentment”
Dr. Jeff’s first published book is now available! In “Last Words,” Jeff takes a pastor’s look at the seven things scripture records that Jesus said from the cross. Each of seven sayings speaks to us and gives us the message Jesus wanted us to hear. This book is all about Jesus’ love for you and his sacrificial death on the cross. You can pick up your copy in the church office or order online at FirstDenton.org/lastwords.
• Can I deduct the value of volunteer work I did for the church? > No, the value of personal services is never deductible as a charitable contribution. • Can I deduct the amount of the spring retreat as a charitable contribution? > No, assuming you received benefits worth the cost of the retreat. • Is there a limit to the amount of contributions I can deduct on my taxes? > Yes, a contribution deduction ordinarily cannot exceed 50 percent of the donor’s adjusted gross income. Donors who exceed these limits may be able to “carry over” their excess contributions and deduct it in future years. • Can I deduct contributions made to the church benevolence fund? > If the purpose is an approved project or program of the church, you can deduct the contribution. Our benevolence fund is certainly an approved project. Please feel free to contact me with further questions. As always, we deeply appreciate the generosity of our donors and feel extremely blessed to be in solid financial condition. Dr. Jim Markle, jimm@firstdenton.org, 940.382.2577, x121 Christmas Poinsettias It’s that time of year again to order your Christmas poinsettias to decorate the worship center. Each plant purchased will benefit HOPE, Inc. and the work they do assisting homeless families achieve self-sufficiency in Denton County. You may dedicate poinsettias in honor or in memory of a loved one and it will be listed in the bulletin on Sunday, December 22. Please contact Deb Kingrey at 940.382.2577, x150 or debk@firstdenton.org to order your Christmas poinsettias and list your dedication. Cost: $15
BEACON
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Adult Ministries Adult 55+ Ministry 39ers Friday, December 13, our 39ers will enjoy the annual visit of the Young at Heart Band. They will play toe tapping music and certainly, tunes familiar to us. 2014 New England Heritage Tour We have our brochures for the New England Heritage Tour in the container by our Adult 55+ bulletin board. We will worship on Sunday, October 5, 2014 in the first Southern Baptist Church in the northeast. We will visit the North Congregational Church where George Washington worshiped and Daniel Webster held membership. We will enjoy visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum. Wednesday, October 8, 2014, we will stop at the North Bridge and see the Minute Man Statue. Opportunities to Serve Please check our November paper, Just A Drop From Cliff, to see the many opportunities of service at First Denton. Just know, we have only scratched the surface of the volunteer ministries of First Denton. The recent study made it evident that we realize our lives are to serve our great and wonderful God.
Camp Copass. This is a beautiful hotel overlooking Lake Lewisville right here in Denton, TX. The cost is $50 for 4 to a room, $60 for 3 to a room, $70 for 2 to a room and $110 for 1 to a room. Register at FirstDenton.org/womensretreat or contact Mary Dean at deanclan8@hotmail.com. There are only a few rooms left.
Men’s Ministry Band of Brothers – Connecting men to God, His Word and other men for the purpose of winning, growing and training God’s man in Christ. They all meet at the church in South Hall. Band of Brothers 3 meets on Monday nights, at 7 pm in the Conference Room. Band of Brothers 1 meets each Wednesday night at 7 pm. Band of Brothers 3 is invited to attend on Wednesday night on weeks they do not meet. Come and join a group.
Generational Ministries Preschool Ministry
Game Day Game Day in December will be on the 31st from 1-4 pm in the Tomkins Fellowship Hall. Bring a snack to share.
Women’s Ministry Lunch Bunch Invite your friends for a salad and potato bar lunch in First Denton’s Fellowship Hall on December 10 from 11:30 am - 1 pm. We will have a sweet time of girlfriend fellowship and Christmas celebration with our Bethlem at home program. Lunch is $5 by reservation at FirstDenton.org/lunchbunch by December 3. Childcare is available by reservations through Jerry Ann Ryan at 940.382.2577, x164 by December 3. Spring Bible Study Join us the week of January 12 as we start our spring study with Beth Moore and a new journal style format of studying His word. We will explore the power and positives of secrets. Find out what happens when we let God teach us “wisdom in the secret heart” (Ps. 51:6 ESV) Classes available on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Books can be purchased at the start of each class for $10. Spring Retreat January 31-February 1 Are you ready to get away to refresh and refuel? Make plans to join us as we getaway to the Tally Retreat Center Hotel located at Page 4
Parents Night Out - Mark your calendar for December 13 from 6-10pm for our special holiday Drop & Shop night. Your child will enjoy activities like shopping for parent gifts, refreshments, crafts and participate in a nativity scene. Registration deadline is Sunday, December 8, so sign up today at FirstDenton.org/pno. FirstDenton.org
Generational Ministries Preschool Ministry (Cont.) Birthday Party for Jesus Birthday Party for Jesus will be Sunday, December 15 at 5-7 pm in the CLC. Pizza will be available for $1 per person (pay at the door). Activities will include a birthday party, bounce house and family photos. Register at FirstDenton.org/birthday. Preschool Living Nativity Join us for this sweet demonstration of the true meaning of Christmas. Preschool Nativity schedule in the front foyer: December 1.......4A and 4B December 8.......Kindergarten B December 15.....Kindergarten A and C
Kids Ministry Kids LIFE Groups - Join us on Sunday, December 1, 8, and 15, as we celebrate and walk through the story of Jesus’ birth. Please make every effort to be here on Sunday, December 15 to receive a special Christmas surprise from your LIFE Group. Please note that on December 22 and 29, Kids LIFE Groups will not meet. Please enjoy worshiping with your family in Big Church. Kids LIFE Groups will resume on Sunday, January 5 to kick off the New Year.
Preteen Extreme Weekend: S. W. A. T. Who’s Invited? - A lock-in event for Preteens (3rd, 4th, 5th grades). When & Where? - Drop-off is at First Denton Fellowship Hall at 10:30pm on Friday, February 28. We will shuttle over to Strikz Entertainment at 8789 Lebanon Rd. in Frisco, by midnight. We will shuttle back to First Denton on Saturday, March 1 by 6:40am. Pickup will follow until 7 am in the Fellowship Hall. What to bring? - All preteens will need to bring their Bibles, a sleeping bag and a pillow (for those kids who wish to take a nap during the event). What to expect? - We will have two large group sessions, four small group breakouts, food and plenty of fun, fun, fun! During our sessions, expect to be challenged as we discover what the Bible teaches about seeking God’s wisdom and truth. Come be equipped for His service, because the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. Cost & Deadlines? - $55 per preteen covers (1) Unlimited attractions: bowling/laser tag (2) Mostly unlimited games (3) 2 slices of pizza & drink (4) T-shirt. Register at FirstDenton.org/swat or bring check in a Kids Ministry event registration envelope (2nd Floor communication rack), to the Kids Ministry Office by Sunday, February 16 to reserve spot.
Student Ministry 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Wanting to challenge others in a game of Basketball? Then the 3-on-3 basketball tournament is for you. This is taking place on January 3, from 1-4 pm in the CLC. Come ready to play and cheer on your favorite teams.
Elevate Kids Worship Thank you for bringing all of those toys for Elves Shelves! Please bring your friends and join us each Sunday in December. We will enjoy a special Christmas presentation on December 15, as we celebrate the New Born King. Please note that on December 22 and 29, Elevate will not meet. Please enjoy worshiping with your family in Big Church. Elevate will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2014. BEACON
DNOW Did you hear that DNOW is just around the corner? It’s official, DNOW will be the weekend of January 17-19. The cost will be $50. More information about the theme and locations will be coming soon. Begin to pray and ask The Lord what friend needs to be at this event. Page 5
Mission News 2014 Mission Trips • Chicago, June 28-July 3, $600 Team of 25 adults and youth, Youth camp for inner-city kids • Denver, August 9-16, $550 Team of 20 adults and families Helping a new church-plant with service projects
Additional Ministries Shopping Days will be: • Friday, December 6 9-1 pm & 4-7 pm • Saturday, December 7 9-12 pm If you can help in any way. Contact Phyllis Pittman - 940.391.1691 or cookeymom@aol.com
• Haiti, July 25-31, $950 Team of 25 adults and youth over age 16, A construction project • Huntsville, March 27-30, $100 For first-time mission trip participants! Projects at the state penitentiary hospitality house • Jamaica, Team 1: July 12-19; Team 2: July 19-26, $900 2 teams of 25 adults and youth Home building, revivals, camps, VBS, and other projects • Kenya, June 11-23, $3200 Team of 15 adults and youth (under 16 years must have a parent on the trip) Hut-to-hut evangelism, children’s ministry and other outreach events • McAllen, July 8-10, $300 Team of 20 people, Family Mission Trip Various service projects in partnership with Bucker International • Panama City Beach, March 7-14, $350, Trip is Full Free van rides and pancake breakfast for Spring Breakers
Coats for Christ is a ministry of First Denton that helps collect coats to donate to the Salvation Army. The coats you donate are used to help keep the homeless of Denton warm. Right now you have the opportunity to show Christ to someone by bringing coats or sweats to the “Coats for Christ” drop box in the main foyer or to the church office.
WOM
• Toronto, June 26-July 2, $800 Team of 15 adults and youth Partnering with a new church plant during Canada Day festivites
WOM, Women On Misssions Lottie Moon Who in the world was Lottie? Come and find out when the Women on Mission meet on December 10 at 10 am in Room S-109. You will also learn more about International Missions, along with finding out about Lottie. There will be a covered dish luncheon following the meeting. Come and fellowship with us.
Find complete Mission Trip details at FirstDenton.org/mission-trips.
Contact Rynell Novak at 940.368.6672 for more information.
• South Asia, TBA, $1950 Various projects and trainings
First Refuge has a new website! Check out
FirstRefugeMinistries.org.
Health Professional Volunteers We are still in need of health professional volunteers at the First Refuge clinic. If you or someone you know is interested in helping, contact Jodi Massey at 940.484.4384 or jodim@firstdenton.org. Food Pantry Sunday is December 8. We are requesting Mac and Cheese. Contact Doug Giles at dougg@firstdenton.org or 940.484.4384 for any mission related information. Page 6
Special Needs Ministry Our December GPS worship service is Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Our special guest will be the Denton Bell Band who will be ringing in the Christmas season in grand fashion. You don’t want to miss this event!
God’s GPS Perfect Souls
This ministry is aimed at the developmentally disabled, their families, and their caregivers. first denton’s special needs ministry Join us for an action packed worship service; everyone gets a musical instrument, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Everyone is welcome, so grab a friend and come kick off the Christmas Season! FirstDenton.org
Additional Ministries Recreation Wild Game Dinner Start saving your wild game and bring it already cooked to share with others at our Wild Game Dinner on Saturday, February 22 at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall. We want you to invite any hunters and fisherman along with their sons/daughters and come and enjoy a fun night of fellowship, fun games, and eating. Wild game can include, but is not limited to, (fish, deer, elk, dove, quail, boar, squirrel, duck, turkey, etc). We want you to invite all of your friends and family that are hunters or fisherman and are unchurched or not in a relationship with Christ.
Music & Worship Ministry
For boys and girls in grades K – 6th. It is not too late to sign-up. Come by the CLC to register your child. Games begin on Saturday, January 18. Looking for a place of ministry that fits your God given shape and gifts? Upward Basketball is looking for volunteer referees and half-time devotional givers. Upward Basketball is a great ministry for those in our church and in our community. Please consider being a part of this sports ministry. If interested in serving, contact Haley Estes at upward@firstdenton.org or call 940.382.2577, x172.
Family Ministry Blessings Tree Blessings Tree is for our church members who need assistance with providing gifts for their children this Christmas. If you are a member of our church and would like the assistance of Blessings Tree, go to FirstDenton.org/blessingstree and fill out the request form. All forms will be kept confidential.
Family Fun Night: Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt On Saturday, December 14, we will meet at the CLC at 6 pm for a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt. Families will compete against each other as they go throughout the town taking pictures of various Christmas light decorations. Different decorations are worth different points. The family with the most points at the end of the night is the winner. Please bring your own camera and transportation. BEACON
Christmas Celebration 2013 Christmas Celebration 2013 is almost here! December 8 and 9 at 7pm. Tickets are free and available at the Main Office and the Music Office. Seating is guaranteed with a ticket until 15 minutes prior to start of program. Then those without tickets will be admitted until sanctuary is full. Doors open at 6 pm. Canned goods will be accepted for First Refuge Ministries and an offering will also be taken for this ministry. Worship Team Concert Our First Denton Worship Team will be part of the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival December 6 from 5:30-5:50 pm. They will be performing at the Bayless-Selby House Museum at 317 W. Mulberry Street in Denton and will share the love of Christ with our community. Kids Choir They will sing at both Sunday morning services December 8. They will also be singing at a local nursing home on December 15. The Kids Choir will then resume practice on Sunday, January 19. Celebration Choir The Celebration Choir will resume choir practice on Wednesday, January 15 at 6 pm. It will be a great time to join the choir and sing praises to our Lord. Page 7
FIRST BAPTIST BEACON (USPS571400) is published monthly by First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone Street, Denton, Texas 76201-2799. Periodical Postage Paid at Denton,Texas.
Postmaster: Please send requests for change of address to First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone St, Denton, TX 76201-2799.
Births Carl and Renee Deaton, on the birth of their grandson, Albrecht Whitman Stone
Christian Sympathy
This Month’s Giving
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS SHARED WITH:
Worship Attendance Average............................1619 LIFE Group Average Attendance October 2013 Adult .................................................................290 Adults 55+ .........................................................228 Single Adults.......................................................39 College .............................................................146 Youth ................................................................167 Kids..................................................................123 Preschool .........................................................139 Other ..................................................................43 TOTAL (Average) ............................................1176
Mary Bowles, on the death of her brother, Mark Bowles Roger and Stacie Segars, on the death of his father, James Segars
Library Hours Sunday Monday Wednesday
9:15 am-12:30 pm 8:30 am-3:30 pm 8:30 am-2:30 pm 6 pm-8 pm
Contact Diana Ray at 940.382.2577, x109 or library@firstdenton.org for additional times. Free books will be offered the first Wednesday night of each month in the Fellowship Hall during the evening meal.
Family of Mary Rowan Randy and Becky Buck, on the death of his mother, Eloise Buck Family of Melba Whitaker Jeff and Wallene Thomas, on the death of her father, Wallace Grantland John and Paula House, on the death of his brother, Bill House Ken and Kathy Stockdale, on the death of his mother, Ruby Roberts
Budget & Designated Funds* Annual Budget......................................$3,675,000 Budget Received This Month....................236,999 Budget Needed, YTD..............................3,250,962 Budget Received, YTD............................3,431,288 Over/Under Budget....................................180,326 Building Fund, Total....................................747,740 TOTAL World Missions, YTD.....................17,084 World Missions Goal.................................225,000 Homebound Report: October Visits: 87 • Cards/calls: 63 Magazines: 37 • CD’s/DVD’s: 4 • Favors: 19
Phyllis Bell, on the death of her aunt, Bobbie Smith
First Denton Denton, TX • 940.382.2577 • FirstDenton.org
Sunday Schedule
Sherry Taylor, on the death of her infant greatnephew Family of Herman Newsom
Wednesday Menu 12/4
Hamburgers, Fries
There will be no other Wednesday meals in December.
8:15 am..........................Adults 55+ LIFE Groups 9:30 am.......................LIFE Groups and Worship 11:00 am.....................LIFE Groups and Worship
Staff Dr. Jeff Williams, Senior Pastor......................150 Jeff Dooley, Senior Associate Pastor .............111 Keith McGee, Minister of Music/Worship........141 Jim Markle, Minister of Business Admin.........121 Brad Cockrell, Associate Pastor.....................171 Cliff Feeler, Minister to Adults 55+..................155 Chris Barfield, Minister to Kids ......................131 Shirley Jones, Min. of Preschool Education...161 Mark Caswell, Minister to Students ...............191 Austin Wadlow,University Minister..................181 Todd Spurgin, Facilities Manager...................127 Lisa Lee, Senior Accountant...........................120 Brad Hill, Communications Director................112 Doug Giles, Missions Minister ...... 940.484.4384 Maegan Woodard, CDC Director ...................167
Following Christ: How to Become a Christian We joyfully share this information with you in anticipation of meeting you personally. Whether you are new to the community or have been here awhile, we have a place for you. But even more importantly, God has a place for you and wants to change your life! If you want to accept Christ as your Savior and have certainty of eternal life, then pray this prayer from your heart: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.” After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer’s baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church and attending the Bible study class the church has just for you. You’ll find others who will love and support you.