Dear 2007,
I have been waiting for you for such a long time. There is so much I want to say, but I don’t really know where to start. I can remember going through this same routine with your sister 2006, but we didn’t hit it off so well. For that reason I must admit that I am a little timid in finally meeting you, even though I have been waiting like a school boy anxious for his first kiss. I have been praying that with you I will be able to make the changes in my life that I desperately want to make, but haven’t been able to carry out in the past. I really don’t think it is all my fault though, I mean, I looked to 2006 to help me. Was that false hope! In the beginning she had me so excited, I knew the feelings I was having had to be real. There was fireworks, confetti, and smiles breaking out like the chicken pox. I guess she gave all she could those first few days because after a few weeks there was no one there to cheer me on—I felt so alone. Oh, 2007, I know things are going to be better with you. It’s not only me that’s counting on you, all of my friends are as well.
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Archive for December, 2006
A New Beginning
2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Sunday, December 31st, 2006
Thanks BCC!
Thursday, December 28th, 2006This morning we celebrated Delmar Garrett’s “homegoing” and it was a celebration to remember. God used Delmar to touch the lives of many people, both in Britton Christian Church, and all across our community. As we celebrated Delmar’s life with tears streaming down our faces I was reminded of the difference Jesus makes in life, and also in death. We grieve, but not as the world grieves! We believe that Delmar has already heard those words that all of us long to hear–”Well done My good and faithful servant! Now enter into your rest.”
I want to thank all of you who helped in any way with Delmar’s service today. I received so many compliments about our church and the wonderful folks who helped to prepare and serve the meal to more than 100 of Delmar’s family members. You are such a wonderful group of people and I praise God for each of you.
All I Want For Christmas Is…
Sunday, December 24th, 2006 Christmas has come around once again. The trees are ornately adorned with tinsel and lights. The packages are neatly arranged under the tree to give the perfect aesthetic allure. Children are eagerly awaiting the moment when mom and dad give the signal to dig-in so that paper will fly, smiles will burst forth from every corner on every face in the room, and adrenaline will rise like the August heat. Christmas is a time of festivity, family, and unbridled fun…or is it?
Testimony of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:1-11
Sunday, December 24th, 2006
Sunday’s Schedule
Friday, December 22nd, 2006Hi Everyone,
I’m so excited about worship this Sunday! I’ve heard some questions about if we will have our “normal” schedule this Sunday? The answer is “Yes” and “No.” How about that! Here is the schedule for Sunday:
8:30 am Morning Worship
9:45 am Sunday morning Bible Study
10:40 Morning Worship
7:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
I hope you will be able to join us this Sunday as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! I also hope you will invite your friends to join us for both Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Have a Merry Christmas
An Opportunity To Pray
Thursday, December 21st, 2006As Christmas quickly approaches many are thinking about Santa’s arrival, family gatherings, food, and football. I am so grateful that even though we can enjoy all of these activities that surround Christmas, you and I know that there is sooo much more to Christmas than these periphery activities. In just a few days we will mark the day of our Savior’s arrival. In a world where billions of gifts will be exchanged you and I know that the greatest gift ever given was the one given by God so long ago as His Son came on Christmas morn. I pray that you and I will experience hearts overflowing with gratitude for The Gift of Christmas, Jesus our Savior.
I also am praying that we will remember in prayer those whose Christmas plans are being altered by heartache and trials. We received news yesterday that our dear brother, Delmar Garrett, went home to be with the Lord. Delmar has battled cancer like a soldier, clinging to his faith in the Lord, and fighting with all of his might. Now his battle is over and his rest has come. From talking to the family it looks like we are planning his funeral for next Thursday or Friday. I will let you know when the final decision is made. In the mean time please keep the Garrett family in your prayers.
Also pray for the Hodges family as Sherri remains in Mercy Hospital awaiting news of when her surgery to remove a brain tumor will take place. I was so blessed on Tuesday night to see so many of Sherri’s family and friends gathered in the waiting room supporting her family. What a blessing!
Last of all, pray for Marcia Mitchell and Kyle Clopton who’ve had surgery this week and are recuperating at home.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @ 7 pm
Monday, December 18th, 2006Christmas is soon approaching. Next Sunday night at 7 pm we will have our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Britton Christian Church. This is always one of our most popular services during the year as we get together to celebrate Jesus’ birth. I hope you will invite your friends to join us on Sunday, December 25th at 7 pm.
Start The New Year Off Right–Get Into God’s Word
Monday, December 18th, 2006I’m so excited about our new Bible studies starting in January. Here is a list of the classes and when they will be held. All Bible studies will begin on Wednesday, January 10, at 6 pm. The Sunday Bible studies will begin the following Sunday.
Wednesday Classes
Women’s Bible Study Teacher: Deana Basey
This is one of the most popular Bible studies at BCC. The women of BCC, and many from outside of our church, have found a home on Wednesday nights at BCC. Join us for Bible study, great food, and wonderful fellowship.
Building A Community In Christ Teacher Herman Stevenson
Do you want to learn about building community and experiencing the joys of being part of the Body of Christ? Any class that Pastor Herman teaches promises to be a wonderful class. Join Pastor Herman on Wednesday nights beginning in January.
Bible Study Methods Teacher Mike Hays
So many people lack the basic skills to know how to study the Bible. In this class we will learn how to do a “chapter outline” Bible study by studying the book of Philippians. We will also learn how to do a “thematic study’ of your choice. Join Mike Hays on Wednesday nights at 6 pm for this class.
Sunday Morning Class
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: Teacher: Kim Smiley
Kim Smiley will lead this wonderful class that will help you discover the gifts that God has given you to use to glorify His Name and bless the lives of those around you. We will use Max Lucado’s book, “Cure For The Common Life: Finding Your Sweet Spot” as our guide. Classes will begin on Sunday, January 14 at 9:45 am.
Sunday Night Classes
Cathy Jo Wicks Bible Study
Cathy Jo has been teaching the Bible at BCC for many years now and she is such a wonderful student of God’s Word. Cathy Jo has a unique ability to dig deep into God’s Word and teach practical lessons for everyone.
Journey Into Powerful Prayer Teacher Mike Brown
This is one of the “Journey” Bible Study series, one of the most popular series that we’ve ever done at BCC. The study of God’s Word and prayer are foundation stones at BCC and Mike Brown will lead you in understanding and developing a stronger prayer life.
Searching The Sermons Teacher Mike Hays
The Searching The Sermons study is a more in-depth look at the Scripture covered on Sunday mornings. Class notes are handed out each Sunday and a great time of study and fellowship take place.
Monday Class
Precepts Bible Study: Ephesians Teacher Karen Watson
Karen has been involved in Precepts for many years and she is an outstanding teacher. The class will cover Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus. Join Karen on Monday afternoons at 1:00 pm for a study of this powerful little letter to the Church.
Lighthouse Choir Christmas CD Available Sunday, December 24
Sunday, December 17th, 2006The BCC Lighthouse Christmas Concert was recorded in our sanctuary on Sunday, December 10 during morning worship and has been mastered and copied so that we can make it available to you this coming Sunday, December 24. There will be no charge for the CD, but we do request that you make a donation, if possible, to help cover the production costs. The concert was the best ever and you might want to pick up a few copies to give to your friends as a Christmas present.
Christmas Secrets
Matthew 1:1-16
Sunday, December 17th, 2006
The Christmas season is upon us. Christmas is an interesting time of the year here in the United States. Mention the word, “Christmas” and automatically it stirs images of nativity scenes, beautifully decorated homes with lights and tinsel, and Santa with precious little children on his lap reciting their “wish lists” for Christmas morning. Christmas, on the surface, is a sanitized, serene, and sweet celebration. We tell the story on Christmas Eve with candles lit. We hold our little ones and sing “Away In A Manger” with a lump in our throats. We wrap our presents in the most beautiful paper that we will see all year. We yearn to be with our family and enjoy the fellowship of those we love. Christmas, in the minds of many, is a Norman Rockwell canvas colored with sentimental strokes of satisfaction and security.
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A Very Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 13th, 2006Last night our Middle School youth were so blessed to stop by and visit some pillars of BCC. The kids took cookies and prayed with the ladies. It was a blessing to be able to see the joy in our friends faces as they opened the door and saw the kids standing there saying “Merry Christmas”. The ladies were Jerry Cheney, Ruth Ross, and Margret Liles. They are amazing women who have spent many years at BCC, serving along side their husbands who have since gone home to be with the Lord. They are truely a blessing to our church and it was an honor to serve them.
Ski Trip Workday
Wednesday, December 13th, 2006Attention all 2007 Ski Trip folks,
We are having a fundraiser workday scheduled for this coming Saturday. We will be meeting at the church at 8:00am and working till 5:00pm. If you are planning on attending the ski trip with us, this is a must attend workday. You will need to wear work cloths and bring a little money. We can stop by a store in route to job sights and buy snacks to hold you over. Look foward to seeing you on Saturday.
Ray
Sign-Up For New Bible Studies
Tuesday, December 12th, 2006This coming Sunday morning we will begin signing-up for the new Winter Bible Studies at Britton Christian Church. I hope you will take the time to look at all of the classes we will be offering beginning on January 10. If you have never been a part of a small group Bible study then I want to really encourage you to give it a try. You will be so blessed by regularly getting together with 8-10 other people to read and study God’s Word. I know that for many of us our lack of Bible knowledge prevents us from going ahead and getting involved. Please, please don’t let what you don’t know stop you from beginning to study God’s Word. What we don’t know is precisely the reason why we have Bible studies. We will have our Winter sign-up for the next three weeks so take time to get your name on one of the lists.
BCC Youth Work Day
Sunday, December 10th, 2006On Saturday, December 16, from 8-5 pm our youth will sponsor a “Work Day” to raise money for their Spring Ski Trip. If you have any work that needs to be done around your house then please call Ray Archiga (848-2046) at the church office and he will get you on our schedule. We will send crews to each home to work for two hours before they go on to their next job. There is no charge for the work, but we do ask that you make a contribution to go towards the kid’s ski trip.
Lighthouse Choir Christmas CD Coming Soon!
Sunday, December 10th, 2006This morning The Lighthouse Choir presented their annual Christmas concert. I hope you were able to be present for the concert as it was so awesome. If you happened to miss the concert don’t worry because it was recorded. The concert is being mastered to make available for everyone in just a couple of weeks. We will let you know when the CD becomes available.
New Bible Study To Begin Sunday Morning at 9:45 am
Friday, December 8th, 2006Hi Everyone,
Lighthouse Christmas Choir Concert Sunday @ 10:30 am
Thursday, December 7th, 2006Hi Everyone,
Our choir has been rehearsing for several weeks now preparing for Sunday’s concert. I wanted to write and let you know that we will only have one worship service on Sunday, December 10 and it will be at 10:30 am. You will want to arrive early to get a seat as the choir’s concert is always a big hit with everyone. I also want to encourage you to invite your friends to come and hear the most diverse Christmas program they will ever hear. If you are able we would ask that you park in the north parking lot to make room for our visitors. Have a super week.
Children’s Ministry Volunteers Needed
Monday, December 4th, 2006Tis the season! We are in need of teachers and helpers for the children! If you have a desire to help, please look below for opportunities to serve the KIDZ of BCC! We would love to have you join the team!
Crosstrainers– (Wednesday Evenings from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
1st/2nd Grade Teacher Needed
3rd /4th/5th Grade Teacher Needed
Children’s Church Rotation - (Sundays during 2nd Service from 11:25am – 12:15)
3rd/4th Grade Teachers needed (for 2 out of 8 week Rotation)
Kindergarten Teacher needed (for 2 out of 8 week Rotation)
If you are interested in volunteering in any of these areas, please contact Kristin Von Feldt at 848-2046 or at BCCKIDZ@aol.com.
Here Comes The Judge!
Revelation 14:13-20
Sunday, December 3rd, 2006
I had an interesting conversation this week with a friend of mine. I went to a meeting to talk about something altogether different than the topic I was presented with when I arrived at the meeting. My friend told me how beautiful the teachings of Jesus are and how much they loved His teachings, but that Jesus was altogether different than the God of the Old Testament. I asked, “How?” My friend then proceeded to tell me about the wrath and judgment of the God of the Old Testament and how it just didn’t square with the love and mercy of Jesus. Have you ever heard that argument before? Of course you have and I have as well.
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Children and Youth Christmas Program Rescheduled
Friday, December 1st, 2006We wanted to let you know that the Children and Youth Christmas Program scheduled for Sunday, December 3 has been rescheduled until Sunday, December 10. We hope you will make plans to be with us on Sunday, December 10 as we have an opportunity to share with the Lighthouse Choir’s Christmas Program on Sunday morning at 10:30 am. We will only have one service on Sunday, December 10. Then we will come back in the evening for the Children and Youth Program.