THE WINDOW 2017: THE YEAR OF “FILL THE FILL” Volume 68, Issue 1 January 2017 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
Without a doubt, God has prepared Winstanley a year of “Fill the Hill.” After a long search, Fielding Poe came to be on staff in September and we have since delighted in his presence and that of Alison and Audrey. They have added immeasurably to our life and ministry. Though the final figures are not in, of course, this year has been a strong one financially. You stepped up to the challenge we presented at the beginning of the year. In addition, we are in shouting distance of paying off our building loans and our stated goal is to be debt-free by Anniversary Sunday in September. We have an evangelism and outreach plan for the year. Given that God opens new doors and offers fresh opportunities along the way, we do not know everything. However, in January we will dedicate a new welcome center. We will unfurl banners which signal the start of our efforts. We will begin the year with a New Year’s Day worship/prayer service. On the second, third, and fourth Sundays of the year we will define “Fill the Hill,” and give you specific tasks. Sunday School will have an important role, too.
In February—as you will read elsewhere—we will do evangelism training. Special opportunities for outreach will happen in our neighborhoods and with a second annual Easter Egg Hunt in April, and those are just the beginning. Along the way you will be hearing testimonies from each other about how you came to Christ and led others to Christ. Videos, communication, and social media efforts will be a significant part of what we do. Moreover, we have another interesting and really special surprise that I will be very excited to share with you. There are places for you in all of this. “Fill the Hill” will not be everything we hope unless you are part of it. The Winstanley experience is too good not to share. Beyond and above that, however, we need to be sharing the love of the Lord and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If, at the end of 2017, we have done that faithfully, we will have “filled the Hill.” Grateful to be your pastor, Dr. Steve
WINTER BIBLE STUDY James and Mesa Wemhoener-Cuite Lilliana, Natalie, Jasmine & James 2425 Larchmont Dr. Belleville, IL 62221
This year’s Winter Bible Study will be the book of James. A very relevant book for our day, James will direct us toward these subjects—the trials of life, how we use our mouths, and wealth. All of this will be set in the context of our living lives that are obedient to Christ. The study, which will be preceded by lunch and be held in Garrison Hall, will begin on Sunday, January 8, and conclude on Sunday, February 5. Each Sunday we will cover one chapter of James. Dr. Steve will be teaching the first, second, fourth, and fifth Sundays. Fielding will teach the third.