bastrop christian church newsletter october ~ 2015
BASTROP CHRISTIAN CHURCH
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER ~ 2015
Pastor’s Perspective As our church board is in the heart our yearly church officer nominations, budget meetings, and organizing for our ministry in 2016, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of all our volunteers that serve on the Church Board. There are responsibilities that go with being a Deacon, Elder, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and our Treasurers (Jan Brown and Lee McCulley who put in quality time to make sure our budget and finances stay in order). I won’t be bashful in saying that our church depends on spiritually mature men and women who serve on the Church Board. Without each individual, our team would be lacking and our ministry in need. This is not to minimize the volunteer efforts from those who are not on the Board, only to point out that our Board members are integral to the ministry of our church. For the sake of educating those who may not know what the basic requirements are for someone to serve on the Church Board, let me take a moment to lay it out. First and foremost, a Board member is someone who has placed membership in our local church. How does someone become a member of our church? Membership happens either by way of baptism, or a transfer of membership from another church. If you haven’t seen us welcome new members on a Sunday morning, it is a simple but a very important moment for the new members to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ and their intentions to serve the ministry of this church with their time, treasure and talents. Becoming a member of Bastrop Christian Church isn’t just about what people can do for the church, but includes what the church can do for them, which is why we have the congregation pledge their support and encouragement for the new members in the same fashion. Once a person is a member of the church, when it comes time to nominate new people as Deacons or Elders, we have a committee that takes time to pray and discuss potential candidates that have shown a measure of spiritual maturity in line with guidelines found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (among others). It is our prayer that each person that is nominated for leadership on the Church Board would take time to pray and seek the Lord’s direction. There is no shame in declining the nomination if one feels that the timing is not right (which can be for a multitude of reasons). For those who accept the nomination, they will go before a congregational vote at the end of the year and then be ordained (appointed, spiritually set-apart) at the beginning of the year at which point their service on the church board begins. So to recap, the Board is integral to the life and ministry of the church; and church membership is the vehicle through which we construct the Board. I want to give an invitation to anyone who would say, “This is my church home”, to take things one step further and become a member of our congregation. There will be no twisting of arms or guilt trips. If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit at your heart to take this step, if you have questions or concerns – call me. I would love to sit down with you to talk about the next step in church membership. My cell number is 512-988-7117. Or you can email me at [email protected]. It is a pleasure to serve along side each of you in the cause of Christ in our community. Grace & Peace, Ben >
Events (cont.)
CHILI NIGHT AND VARIETY SHOW November 8th, a Sunday evening, at 5:30, has been set aside for this annual Fellowship meal. It’s always a winner! All chili entries are judged and prizes are given out for Hottest, Best All Around, and Most Unusual. Last year’s winner was Brett Mills, so he’s the man to beat this year! This year we are doing a “Hee Haw” theme! Based on the popular TV show, complete with Minnie Pearl her self in attendance! Any and all things “country” or downright “hillbilly” will be shared by willing participants! Some corny jokes I’m sure will have us slapping our knees and laughing till our sides hurt. If you want to enter your chili or the show, church office.
or both, please email your entry to the
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Summary of September Board Meeting
Ministry Report—Ben gave a report of all the visitations he’d made recently. Also, mentioned an online class on Bible courses he may be teaching soon. Said would not conflict with his current duties . Reported we need new volunteers to help with filling the baptistery prior to baptisms. Outreach—Vicki read several Thank You cards from recipients of Martha Ministry food, and a really sweet one from a Dance Class youth who stated this class was the “highlight of her Summer”! Old Business—The new “Committee Structure” was approved and will be put in place in 2016. Doug reported the the Nominations Committee will bring forward their nominations of officers for next term in the October meeting.
New Business—Julie Mills proposed that on November 1st, in honor of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a special DVD from the Voice of the Martyr’s be shown during the adult Sunday School class. Motion passed. LuRae Dipp requested use of Ed Bldg for Cub Scout twice a year dinner. These would be of a Potluck nature and the group would re-set tables for Sunday use. Motion passed. The new Budget Committee was appointed, which will consist of Paul Pape, LaWanda Simon, Leslie Scheiffer, Jan Brown and Lee McCulley. Motion passed.
Events
FALL WORK DAY—OCTOBER 24th This is a bi-annual event at B CC and a great w ay to get to know each other by w o r king side by side to tidy up and repair areas of our church buildings and gardens. It will begin at 9 a.m. and run till lunch time, which will be a hearty meal for all the workers, and then continue for those who can stay a bit longer to finish the jobs. So, if you can only give an hour or two or have to leave after lunch, it’s okay, don’t let it keep you from rubbing elbows with your fellow congregants for even a little while. It truly is a great way to fellowship while “getting a few things done” at same time. Here are a few items we plan to tackle: Gardens Re-locate some of our rose bushes to two other areas Prune dead branches from Crepe Myrtle trees on Farm St end, as well as any other shrubs where needed Rake away old leaves/debris from underneath shrubs Sanctuary Clean out the two rooms on either side of choir area from any unnecessary items that are currently taking up space. Replace “tired” chairs from Ed Bldg with chairs in choir loft that are covered with brown cover Education Building Clean off debris from roof gutters Fix a leak in Children’s Church area Hang a new “Information Center” Board in entry way Replace ceiling tiles in nursery
If you know of anything else, please send an email to church office so we can add to our growing list.
Ministries Choir/Music
B.L.A.S.T.
VBS Scripture Reading
Sunday School
Youth Bible Studies
Nursing Homes
Gardens
Martha Ministry
In Home Communion
Celebrate Recovery
Sound System
Signing to Song
Nursing Home Ministry— This year, our church family will again provide Christmas gifts for residents of the Bastrop nursing homes and assisted living facility. Last year, we delivered approximately 2,500 small gift items to over 300 residents of these facilities. To help pay for these gifts, a love offering will be collected on October 4th and October 11th. Please make sure to note that your donation is for the “Nursing Home Ministry.”
LET’S MAKE SURE THAT NO SENIOR IS FORGOTTEN THIS CHRISTMAS!
In Home Communion, alw ay s brings jo y to th e giver as w ell as th e receiver by th o se who serve in this ministry! But this past Sunday the younger Sunday School Classes got such a treat when they visited Bill and June Powell ! Next visit is October 25th!
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER ~ 2015
Pastor’s Perspective As our church board is in the heart our yearly church officer nominations, budget meetings, and organizing for our ministry in 2016, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of all our volunteers that serve on the Church Board. There are responsibilities that go with being a Deacon, Elder, Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and our Treasurers (Jan Brown and Lee McCulley who put in quality time to make sure our budget and finances stay in order). I won’t be bashful in saying that our church depends on spiritually mature men and women who serve on the Church Board. Without each individual, our team would be lacking and our ministry in need. This is not to minimize the volunteer efforts from those who are not on the Board, only to point out that our Board members are integral to the ministry of our church. For the sake of educating those who may not know what the basic requirements are for someone to serve on the Church Board, let me take a moment to lay it out. First and foremost, a Board member is someone who has placed membership in our local church. How does someone become a member of our church? Membership happens either by way of baptism, or a transfer of membership from another church. If you haven’t seen us welcome new members on a Sunday morning, it is a simple but a very important moment for the new members to affirm their faith in Jesus Christ and their intentions to serve the ministry of this church with their time, treasure and talents. Becoming a member of Bastrop Christian Church isn’t just about what people can do for the church, but includes what the church can do for them, which is why we have the congregation pledge their support and encouragement for the new members in the same fashion. Once a person is a member of the church, when it comes time to nominate new people as Deacons or Elders, we have a committee that takes time to pray and discuss potential candidates that have shown a measure of spiritual maturity in line with guidelines found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 (among others). It is our prayer that each person that is nominated for leadership on the Church Board would take time to pray and seek the Lord’s direction. There is no shame in declining the nomination if one feels that the timing is not right (which can be for a multitude of reasons). For those who accept the nomination, they will go before a congregational vote at the end of the year and then be ordained (appointed, spiritually set-apart) at the beginning of the year at which point their service on the church board begins. So to recap, the Board is integral to the life and ministry of the church; and church membership is the vehicle through which we construct the Board. I want to give an invitation to anyone who would say, “This is my church home”, to take things one step further and become a member of our congregation. There will be no twisting of arms or guilt trips. If you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit at your heart to take this step, if you have questions or concerns – call me. I would love to sit down with you to talk about the next step in church membership. My cell number is 512-988-7117. Or you can email me at [email protected]. It is a pleasure to serve along side each of you in the cause of Christ in our community. Grace & Peace, Ben >
Events (cont.)
CHILI NIGHT AND VARIETY SHOW November 8th, a Sunday evening, at 5:30, has been set aside for this annual Fellowship meal. It’s always a winner! All chili entries are judged and prizes are given out for Hottest, Best All Around, and Most Unusual. Last year’s winner was Brett Mills, so he’s the man to beat this year! This year we are doing a “Hee Haw” theme! Based on the popular TV show, complete with Minnie Pearl her self in attendance! Any and all things “country” or downright “hillbilly” will be shared by willing participants! Some corny jokes I’m sure will have us slapping our knees and laughing till our sides hurt. If you want to enter your chili or the show, church office.
or both, please email your entry to the
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Summary of September Board Meeting
Ministry Report—Ben gave a report of all the visitations he’d made recently. Also, mentioned an online class on Bible courses he may be teaching soon. Said would not conflict with his current duties . Reported we need new volunteers to help with filling the baptistery prior to baptisms. Outreach—Vicki read several Thank You cards from recipients of Martha Ministry food, and a really sweet one from a Dance Class youth who stated this class was the “highlight of her Summer”! Old Business—The new “Committee Structure” was approved and will be put in place in 2016. Doug reported the the Nominations Committee will bring forward their nominations of officers for next term in the October meeting.
New Business—Julie Mills proposed that on November 1st, in honor of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a special DVD from the Voice of the Martyr’s be shown during the adult Sunday School class. Motion passed. LuRae Dipp requested use of Ed Bldg for Cub Scout twice a year dinner. These would be of a Potluck nature and the group would re-set tables for Sunday use. Motion passed. The new Budget Committee was appointed, which will consist of Paul Pape, LaWanda Simon, Leslie Scheiffer, Jan Brown and Lee McCulley. Motion passed.
Events
FALL WORK DAY—OCTOBER 24th This is a bi-annual event at B CC and a great w ay to get to know each other by w o r king side by side to tidy up and repair areas of our church buildings and gardens. It will begin at 9 a.m. and run till lunch time, which will be a hearty meal for all the workers, and then continue for those who can stay a bit longer to finish the jobs. So, if you can only give an hour or two or have to leave after lunch, it’s okay, don’t let it keep you from rubbing elbows with your fellow congregants for even a little while. It truly is a great way to fellowship while “getting a few things done” at same time. Here are a few items we plan to tackle: Gardens Re-locate some of our rose bushes to two other areas Prune dead branches from Crepe Myrtle trees on Farm St end, as well as any other shrubs where needed Rake away old leaves/debris from underneath shrubs Sanctuary Clean out the two rooms on either side of choir area from any unnecessary items that are currently taking up space. Replace “tired” chairs from Ed Bldg with chairs in choir loft that are covered with brown cover Education Building Clean off debris from roof gutters Fix a leak in Children’s Church area Hang a new “Information Center” Board in entry way Replace ceiling tiles in nursery
If you know of anything else, please send an email to church office so we can add to our growing list.
Ministries Choir/Music
B.L.A.S.T.
VBS Scripture Reading
Sunday School
Youth Bible Studies
Nursing Homes
Gardens
Martha Ministry
In Home Communion
Celebrate Recovery
Sound System
Signing to Song
Nursing Home Ministry— This year, our church family will again provide Christmas gifts for residents of the Bastrop nursing homes and assisted living facility. Last year, we delivered approximately 2,500 small gift items to over 300 residents of these facilities. To help pay for these gifts, a love offering will be collected on October 4th and October 11th. Please make sure to note that your donation is for the “Nursing Home Ministry.”
LET’S MAKE SURE THAT NO SENIOR IS FORGOTTEN THIS CHRISTMAS!
In Home Communion, alw ay s brings jo y to th e giver as w ell as th e receiver by th o se who serve in this ministry! But this past Sunday the younger Sunday School Classes got such a treat when they visited Bill and June Powell ! Next visit is October 25th!
