THE WINDOW 1 Open VB 7 pm
6 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am/ Juliet Breakfast 9 am
7 Wednesday Activities
12
13 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am
14 Wednesday Activities
15 Parents Night Out, 5:30 pm/ Open VB 7 pm
18 Choir-At Last 19 Noel, 6 pm
20 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am/ Juliet Breakfast 9 am
21 Wednesday Activities
22 Open VB 7 pm 23
27 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am
28 No Activities
4
World Crafts/ 5 Children’s Program 6 pm
11 Bridge Bread/ World Crafts/ Songs of the Season 6 pm
25 Sunday School 26 Office Closed & 10:55 am service-Merry Christmas!
8 Open VB 7 pm
2
3 Robbins/Bryant Class Party 5 pm
9 Youth Christmas 10 Ruth Class to Party 6-9 pm Sally Horstmann’s Home, 11 am 16
29 Open VB 7 pm 30
17 Christmas Basket Distribution 24 Christmas Eve Service 6 pm
31
METRICS THAT MATTER Volume 67, Issue 12 December 2016 www.winbap.org Check out our Facebook page and download the Winstanley app for more information on services, events, and opportunities to serve. Sunday Schedule 8:15 & 10:55 am Worship 9:30 Sunday School 6:00 pm Evening Worship Wednesday Activities 5:00 pm Dinner 6-6:30 pm Children’s Choir 6-7 pm Prayer meeting Mission Friends Youth Worship Handbells 6:30-7:15 pm RA’s/GA’s 7-8 pm Chancel Choir 8:30 pm Open Basketball
Christmas Baskets
It’s time for Christmas Basket collections. For December bring canned tuna and corn muffin mix. You can bring canned vegetables and fruit anytime. Check expiration dates! Money donations are also ongoing. Basket distribution is Dec. 17.
Ten years ago I did not know what people meant when they used the word metrics. Now I do and am finding it a very useful term. Metrics are those positive measures by which we determine what is happening. For instance, beauty and good taste are the metrics by which we measure a cake. Sales and positive public opinion are two metrics by which we measure retail success. So, what are the metrics by which we judge churches? The old metrics were simple and alliterative—baptisms, budgets, and buildings. Are you baptizing people? Is your budget growing? Are you building new buildings? We have to have buildings and budgets and we always rejoice over baptisms, but I suspect there are new metrics in the life of the twenty-first century church. One I want to mention is prayer. In a public sense it finds expression in Wednesday night prayer meeting. The formula is simple. We read Scripture together. We share conversation about where God has been at work. We sing. We pray for each other and for a whole host of other people and concerns. I share a devotion-
al thought. We pray some more. Attendance during my tenure has been up and down. Currently it is up, sometimes approaching and exceeding thirty. (Some weeks there are more in prayer meeting than in Sunday night worship.) But there is often an energy in prayer meeting that rises from our recognizing and talking about God’s involvement in our lives. The Spirit meets us! The metric for prayer meeting used to be thirty. Now it’s forty, and that’s not just a number. I am convinced that when growing numbers of people make a commitment to spend time together, before God, devoted to praying, God seriously regards that effort. Something happens, and, I believe something is happening on Wednesday nights—something you don’t want to miss. And not just because it has something to do with an important metric of the modern church. But because prayer meeting is at the heart of what we are about. Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Steve
NEW IN THE MEDIA CENTER
There are many new books, something for everyone! “For Cardinal Fans Only” by Rich Wolfe “Because of Bethlehem” by Max Lucado “Visual Reference Guide of all Religions” by Philip Wilkinson “I Am a Church Member” by Thom Rainer “Not in the Heart” by Chris Fabry “Fatherless” by James Dobson “Pearl in the Sand” by Afshar
Advent Schedule December December December December December
4, 6 pm 11, 6 pm 18, 6 pm 24, 6 pm 25
Children’s Program, “The Light Before Christmas” “A Musician’s Christmas: Songs of the Season” Chancel Choir presents, “At Last Noel” Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 9:30 am Sunday School, 10:55 am service, no 8:15 am or pm service
Postmaster: Return Service Requested Permit No. 50 US Postage Paid O’Fallon, IL Non-Profit
I have heard something about church mice. But until this month, I had never seen any. It happened on a Saturday morning when the youth were about to head out to complete a little service project. I pulled the church van out of the garage and parked near the front doors of our building. Right as I stepped out of the vehicle, my wife Alison yelled, “Watch out!” I looked down and saw a mouse scamper behind the nearest tire. Apparently, I almost stepped on him. I’m glad he didn’t bite my ankle or run up my leg. Somehow, the little fella must have hitched a ride with me from the shed all the way across the parking lot. Alison suggested I check the inside of the van to make sure there weren’t any more of the critters waiting for us to board. I did. All clear. We all shared a great laugh that morning over the mouse incident, but this was only the beginning of the fun moments the youth would experience while serving others. One thing I’m observing is that our students can find enjoyment in a variety of situations and circumstances. This is true during times of fellowship on Wednesday evenings as well as with service opportunities, such as working at the local food pantry. I’ve watched our students experience the joy of community in very ordinary situations. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that recreation must be something separate and distinct from other activities, but our youth prove otherwise. I am thankful and excited for what is happening in our student ministry. For the past couple weeks, we have experienced a high level of attendance in youth Sunday school. I’ve also witnessed a greater level of commitment with some of our students in their attendance and willingness to be involved in the ministry of the church. Please pray that these trends continue, and that our youth continue to grow into a strong community of believers.
Youth Event
The Deacon's Wives are sponsoring another Parents Night Out. So if you have some Christmas shopping to do or just want a few ours to yourself, please sign your kids up for Thursday evening, December 15.
Parents Night Out Thursday, December 15 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Newborns to age 12 Light snacks will be served
December 9 from 6-9 pm at Winstanley This is an ugly Christmas sweater party! So dig in your closet and find that ugly sweater to wear!
Fielding Poe
The church voted to replace similar operations manual language adopted in the May business meeting with the following:
You may not be aware of or notice their work. For sure, however, you would notice if they did not do it. A huge vote of thanks and round of applause to the church properties committee, chaired by Mel Gunter. Other members are Paul Flahan, Tom Golden, Jim Newton, Larry Pirtle, Art Reames and Keith Stumpf. A second vote of thanks and round of applause to the church landscaping committee, headed by Pat Stumpf.
“The professional staff of Winstanley Baptist Church and visiting officiants shall utilize the facilities of the Winstanley Baptist Church for weddings, ceremonies, or receptions exclusively for a male (man), and a female(woman), as defined by gender (sex) at the time of birth.” The church further voted to put a plan in place to raise $60,000 to pay off the secondary building debt incurred last year. At the current rate of giving, and with the $40,183.54 we are holding to cover any monthly under-giving, we will pay off the main debt by September. This additional push is intended to make Winstanley debt-free by Anniversary Sunday, 2017. The church voted to purchase a welcome center at a cost of $2,185, putting dry stack stone on the wall behind the center at an additional cost of $3,135. To date the foyer update account stands at $3,020.
8:15 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18
Bob Thompson Elaine Gantner Jerri Robbins/Linda Rogers
10:55 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25
Louise Stegman J. Riggan, L. Haverman Rick & Evan Shepard D. Stegman/C. Mitchell
Reservations Required Sign-up sheet in the preschool foyer
BUDGET SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER & WEEKLY STATISTICS Report for October Budget Checkbook Bal. 9/30/16
$ 78,469.93
Gross Budget Receipts
$ 39,421.94
Less Total Budget Expenditures
$ 34,691.00
Budget Checkbook Bal. 10/31/16
$ 83,200.87
NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 20 BUSINESS MEETING
GREETER SCHEDULE
Sunday School Worship Budget Off.
10/30 155
11/6 152
11/13 161
11/20 166
11/27 156
143
153
167
164
180
$7,750.41
$10,040.70
$6,896.50 $5,994.58 $5,713.13
SECURITY TEAMS December 4
December 11
December 18
December 25
Rick Haverman Randy Saunders David Showmaker Dennis Reinard
Jim Newton Jim Robbins Dave Stidham Chris Hoots
David Showmaker Mel Gunter
Dave Rochleau Scott Struense Bob McClure Harrison Gordon
Norway has been a Christian nation for 1,000 years but spiritual life has withered in recent decades. Over 5 million people live in Norway, but few are connected to any church. Church buildings often stand empty. Only 2% of Norwegians regularly attend services-- one of the lowest attendance figures in Europe. Norway is a very wealthy country. The people are very comfortable and do not see a need for God. The Norwegians are a private people, reserved and self-sufficient. They don't need anyone. Reaching the people of Norway requires patience. Zach and Jennifer Dove are church planters committed to stay and develop relationships one person at a time. They spend time in coffee shops and sports clubs. Zach and Jennifer Dove encourage existing believers and others who live without hope. The Doves deepen relationships and bridge conversations toward gospel truths in Sanderfjord, Norway. 1. Pray for the new church plant in Sandefjord, as believers reach out to the community and draw seekers into something fresh. 2. Pray for the house church in nearby Tonsberg as believers there boldly share their faith and for a multiplying movement to take hold. 3. Pray for an awakening and revival among existing believers that they would see fruit through sharing their faith and seeing people follow Jesus.
OUR LOTTIE MOON GOAL: $8,000
I have heard something about church mice. But until this month, I had never seen any. It happened on a Saturday morning when the youth were about to head out to complete a little service project. I pulled the church van out of the garage and parked near the front doors of our building. Right as I stepped out of the vehicle, my wife Alison yelled, “Watch out!” I looked down and saw a mouse scamper behind the nearest tire. Apparently, I almost stepped on him. I’m glad he didn’t bite my ankle or run up my leg. Somehow, the little fella must have hitched a ride with me from the shed all the way across the parking lot. Alison suggested I check the inside of the van to make sure there weren’t any more of the critters waiting for us to board. I did. All clear. We all shared a great laugh that morning over the mouse incident, but this was only the beginning of the fun moments the youth would experience while serving others. One thing I’m observing is that our students can find enjoyment in a variety of situations and circumstances. This is true during times of fellowship on Wednesday evenings as well as with service opportunities, such as working at the local food pantry. I’ve watched our students experience the joy of community in very ordinary situations. Sometimes we may be tempted to think that recreation must be something separate and distinct from other activities, but our youth prove otherwise. I am thankful and excited for what is happening in our student ministry. For the past couple weeks, we have experienced a high level of attendance in youth Sunday school. I’ve also witnessed a greater level of commitment with some of our students in their attendance and willingness to be involved in the ministry of the church. Please pray that these trends continue, and that our youth continue to grow into a strong community of believers.
Youth Event
The Deacon's Wives are sponsoring another Parents Night Out. So if you have some Christmas shopping to do or just want a few ours to yourself, please sign your kids up for Thursday evening, December 15.
Parents Night Out Thursday, December 15 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Newborns to age 12 Light snacks will be served
December 9 from 6-9 pm at Winstanley This is an ugly Christmas sweater party! So dig in your closet and find that ugly sweater to wear!
Fielding Poe
The church voted to replace similar operations manual language adopted in the May business meeting with the following:
You may not be aware of or notice their work. For sure, however, you would notice if they did not do it. A huge vote of thanks and round of applause to the church properties committee, chaired by Mel Gunter. Other members are Paul Flahan, Tom Golden, Jim Newton, Larry Pirtle, Art Reames and Keith Stumpf. A second vote of thanks and round of applause to the church landscaping committee, headed by Pat Stumpf.
“The professional staff of Winstanley Baptist Church and visiting officiants shall utilize the facilities of the Winstanley Baptist Church for weddings, ceremonies, or receptions exclusively for a male (man), and a female(woman), as defined by gender (sex) at the time of birth.” The church further voted to put a plan in place to raise $60,000 to pay off the secondary building debt incurred last year. At the current rate of giving, and with the $40,183.54 we are holding to cover any monthly under-giving, we will pay off the main debt by September. This additional push is intended to make Winstanley debt-free by Anniversary Sunday, 2017. The church voted to purchase a welcome center at a cost of $2,185, putting dry stack stone on the wall behind the center at an additional cost of $3,135. To date the foyer update account stands at $3,020.
8:15 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18
Bob Thompson Elaine Gantner Jerri Robbins/Linda Rogers
10:55 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25
Louise Stegman J. Riggan, L. Haverman Rick & Evan Shepard D. Stegman/C. Mitchell
Reservations Required Sign-up sheet in the preschool foyer
BUDGET SUMMARY FOR OCTOBER & WEEKLY STATISTICS Report for October Budget Checkbook Bal. 9/30/16
$ 78,469.93
Gross Budget Receipts
$ 39,421.94
Less Total Budget Expenditures
$ 34,691.00
Budget Checkbook Bal. 10/31/16
$ 83,200.87
NOTES FROM NOVEMBER 20 BUSINESS MEETING
GREETER SCHEDULE
Sunday School Worship Budget Off.
10/30 155
11/6 152
11/13 161
11/20 166
11/27 156
143
153
167
164
180
$7,750.41
$10,040.70
$6,896.50 $5,994.58 $5,713.13
SECURITY TEAMS December 4
December 11
December 18
December 25
Rick Haverman Randy Saunders David Showmaker Dennis Reinard
Jim Newton Jim Robbins Dave Stidham Chris Hoots
David Showmaker Mel Gunter
Dave Rochleau Scott Struense Bob McClure Harrison Gordon
Norway has been a Christian nation for 1,000 years but spiritual life has withered in recent decades. Over 5 million people live in Norway, but few are connected to any church. Church buildings often stand empty. Only 2% of Norwegians regularly attend services-- one of the lowest attendance figures in Europe. Norway is a very wealthy country. The people are very comfortable and do not see a need for God. The Norwegians are a private people, reserved and self-sufficient. They don't need anyone. Reaching the people of Norway requires patience. Zach and Jennifer Dove are church planters committed to stay and develop relationships one person at a time. They spend time in coffee shops and sports clubs. Zach and Jennifer Dove encourage existing believers and others who live without hope. The Doves deepen relationships and bridge conversations toward gospel truths in Sanderfjord, Norway. 1. Pray for the new church plant in Sandefjord, as believers reach out to the community and draw seekers into something fresh. 2. Pray for the house church in nearby Tonsberg as believers there boldly share their faith and for a multiplying movement to take hold. 3. Pray for an awakening and revival among existing believers that they would see fruit through sharing their faith and seeing people follow Jesus.
OUR LOTTIE MOON GOAL: $8,000
THE WINDOW 1 Open VB 7 pm
6 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am/ Juliet Breakfast 9 am
7 Wednesday Activities
12
13 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am
14 Wednesday Activities
15 Parents Night Out, 5:30 pm/ Open VB 7 pm
18 Choir-At Last 19 Noel, 6 pm
20 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am/ Juliet Breakfast 9 am
21 Wednesday Activities
22 Open VB 7 pm 23
27 Romeo’s Breakfast 8 am
28 No Activities
4
World Crafts/ 5 Children’s Program 6 pm
11 Bridge Bread/ World Crafts/ Songs of the Season 6 pm
25 Sunday School 26 Office Closed & 10:55 am service-Merry Christmas!
8 Open VB 7 pm
2
3 Robbins/Bryant Class Party 5 pm
9 Youth Christmas 10 Ruth Class to Party 6-9 pm Sally Horstmann’s Home, 11 am 16
29 Open VB 7 pm 30
17 Christmas Basket Distribution 24 Christmas Eve Service 6 pm
31
METRICS THAT MATTER Volume 67, Issue 12 December 2016 www.winbap.org Check out our Facebook page and download the Winstanley app for more information on services, events, and opportunities to serve. Sunday Schedule 8:15 & 10:55 am Worship 9:30 Sunday School 6:00 pm Evening Worship Wednesday Activities 5:00 pm Dinner 6-6:30 pm Children’s Choir 6-7 pm Prayer meeting Mission Friends Youth Worship Handbells 6:30-7:15 pm RA’s/GA’s 7-8 pm Chancel Choir 8:30 pm Open Basketball
Christmas Baskets
It’s time for Christmas Basket collections. For December bring canned tuna and corn muffin mix. You can bring canned vegetables and fruit anytime. Check expiration dates! Money donations are also ongoing. Basket distribution is Dec. 17.
Ten years ago I did not know what people meant when they used the word metrics. Now I do and am finding it a very useful term. Metrics are those positive measures by which we determine what is happening. For instance, beauty and good taste are the metrics by which we measure a cake. Sales and positive public opinion are two metrics by which we measure retail success. So, what are the metrics by which we judge churches? The old metrics were simple and alliterative—baptisms, budgets, and buildings. Are you baptizing people? Is your budget growing? Are you building new buildings? We have to have buildings and budgets and we always rejoice over baptisms, but I suspect there are new metrics in the life of the twenty-first century church. One I want to mention is prayer. In a public sense it finds expression in Wednesday night prayer meeting. The formula is simple. We read Scripture together. We share conversation about where God has been at work. We sing. We pray for each other and for a whole host of other people and concerns. I share a devotion-
al thought. We pray some more. Attendance during my tenure has been up and down. Currently it is up, sometimes approaching and exceeding thirty. (Some weeks there are more in prayer meeting than in Sunday night worship.) But there is often an energy in prayer meeting that rises from our recognizing and talking about God’s involvement in our lives. The Spirit meets us! The metric for prayer meeting used to be thirty. Now it’s forty, and that’s not just a number. I am convinced that when growing numbers of people make a commitment to spend time together, before God, devoted to praying, God seriously regards that effort. Something happens, and, I believe something is happening on Wednesday nights—something you don’t want to miss. And not just because it has something to do with an important metric of the modern church. But because prayer meeting is at the heart of what we are about. Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Steve
NEW IN THE MEDIA CENTER
There are many new books, something for everyone! “For Cardinal Fans Only” by Rich Wolfe “Because of Bethlehem” by Max Lucado “Visual Reference Guide of all Religions” by Philip Wilkinson “I Am a Church Member” by Thom Rainer “Not in the Heart” by Chris Fabry “Fatherless” by James Dobson “Pearl in the Sand” by Afshar
Advent Schedule December December December December December
4, 6 pm 11, 6 pm 18, 6 pm 24, 6 pm 25
Children’s Program, “The Light Before Christmas” “A Musician’s Christmas: Songs of the Season” Chancel Choir presents, “At Last Noel” Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 9:30 am Sunday School, 10:55 am service, no 8:15 am or pm service
Postmaster: Return Service Requested Permit No. 50 US Postage Paid O’Fallon, IL Non-Profit