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Volume 21, Issue 8
September 2013
AWANA Clubs School has started, and Labor Day and the Sandwich Fair is just around the corner. Next Awana is about ready to start. We have passed out Awana flyers, along with the Soccer Camp at both parades and during our very successful Soccer Camp. If Soccer Camp was any indication, we expect a full house for Awana. Material has been ordered to start Club and the yearly scheduled will soon be available. Plano Bible Church has a long history with Awana. We have had Awana Clubs since 1975, almost 40 years. Plano Bible and Village Bible are the only two churches in the area offering Awana. Last year’s average attendance was over 65 kids each week, with over 100 Clubbers actively enrolled. 90% of the Clubbers attending each week are NOT from PBC families. We are having an impact into our community, and we have seen many families coming back for church and other programs. AWANA at Plano Bible starts the Tuesday, Sept 10, 2013, the 1st Tuesday after the Fair. Check-in starts at 6:15, with club running from 6:30 – 8:05PM. Plano Bible Church has AWANA programs from Cubbies for toddlers 3, 4 and 5 years old, Sparks K thru 2nd grade, and Truth and Training 3rd thru 6th grades. Information about PBC’s AWANA program is available on the Church’s web site planobiblechurch.org. Registration can be made online, by calling the church office at 630-552-8877, or filling out a registration form located in the church lobby. Updates and closings are posted on Facebook under Groups, at Plano Bible Church Awana. Sign -up and receive instant notification of updates. Not just Help Wanted, HELP NEEDED! There is an ongoing need for more help during Awana Club. It takes about 40 to 50 adult and teen workers and helpers each week to run the program. A sign-up sheet will be located in the lobby. New Opportunity, OUTREACH TO PARENTS: In October we are hoping to start about a 6 week Parent Study. Brought up in discussion during the leaders’ year end wrap up meeting, we noted that many parents stayed during the entire Awana program. During the Leaders discussion, we saw an opportunity to reach out to Parents with a Discussion Group, Book Study or a Bible Study. A leader is needed for this time. Please consider this ministry. PBC Church Family: We need to start restocking the AWANA Store. The Store is in need of small items. These items are given to kids as rewards for accomplishments throughout the year. We also need some help, once a month, helping man the Store. Vince & Carol Zito, AWANA Commanders
This Month’s Events September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour 10:15 a.m. Worship on the Lord’s Day September 9, 16, 23, 30 9:00 a.m. Women’s Prayer Group September 10, 17, 24 6:30-8:05 p.m. AWANA Clubs September 9 6:30 p.m. Pulpit Committee September 12 6:30 p.m. Missions Committee Meeting September 16 7:00 p.m. GAB (Gals And Books) September 19 7:00 p.m. Elder Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Deacon Board Meeting 8:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting September 28 8:00-11:00 a.m. All Pro Dad Simulcast
All Pro Dad Simulcast All Men, Boys, Grandpas, Grandsons, Uncles, Nephews YOU ARE INVITED To watch and participate in the simulcast of ALL PRO DAD This is an internet streamed event that features Coach Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts Mark Merrill from Family First Clark Kellogg, Indiana Pacers Coach Tommy Bowden, Clemson University Lorenzo Neal, New Orleans Saints Hunter Smith, Indianapolis Colts The Skit Guys
Saturday, September 28, 2013 8am until 11am 8.00—Breakfast of pancakes and sausage 9:00—Opening Program 9:20—Running Back with Mark Merrill 9:35—Defensive Back with Lorenzo Neal 9:50—Quarterbacks with Hunter Smith 10:05—Team Chaplain with Clark Kellogg 10:20—Team Coach with Tommy Bowden 10:35—Message from Coach Tony Dungy 10:55—Closing Challenge 11:00—Event Concludes
Jeffrey Niles (Roanoke, TX) has been invited to present the worship message and lead an adult CEH class on Sunday, September 15. Jeffrey is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Master of Theology, 2012) and Moody Bible Institute (Bachelor of Arts in International Ministries, 1995). He has served as an Associate Pastor, held Assistant and Youth Pastor positions, and led and participated in numerous missions trips to South Africa, Central America, Mexico and Canada. He and his wife Angie were married in 1995, and they have five children. Jeffrey’s family is not accompanying him on this visit; however, the Pulpit Committee is working to develop a full agenda for the weekend so it will feel like home. John Holland, Pulpit Committee Chairman
PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE TABLE IN THE LOBBY
The Alaska String Band has ministered at PBC a couple of times in the past few years. They will be in the area and will be performing at the Sandwich Opera House Saturday evening September 28. For more information go to www.sandwichoperahouse.org or call 815786-2555. For more information on the band go to www.alaskastringband.com.
September Birthdays
Deacon Board Report The staining of the new railing in the nursery has been completed, and the project is completed. The Deacons are aware that odors in the basement make it tough for people with allergies, and we are in the process of purchasing an air handler system to eliminate this problem. And, as I have said before, we are planning to upgrade the sanctuary. We will be seeking prices and will present the information to the members shortly. 25 years of the same carpet, chairs, and paint need to be replaced. They have served us well and deserve a retirement. I have had two members contact me to serve on a committee for picking out colors, and I would like 3 more. As for finances, we are doing well. Gregg Williams, Deacon Chairman
Missions Committee A Mission Emphasis weekend is planned for October 26-27th with a trip to Pacific Garden Mission and a viewing of the taping of “Unshackled” their radio drama program. At our mission conference this past spring we enjoyed a lively concert by the PGM choir. For most of us this will be our first trip to PGM to view their facilities and learn more of their ministry in downtown Chicago. Missionary retirement is becoming a greater concern of our mission committee. We are prayerfully reviewing various policies and how God would have us move forward. This is a very challenging issue for each of us. Please join us in prayer. Moving forward we are working at setting goals to become more personally involved in missions as a congregation. We would like to continue with regular ongoing work with Wayside Cross Ministries as well as plan a mission opportunity in which anyone in the congregation can participate. There is also a great desire to see us partner with new missionaries in the near future. One last thing, Operation Christmas Child collection will soon be here. Remember as you are out shopping to pick up some extra items for children ages 2 – 14. Items to look for include: toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy, and clothing. Lisa Sperry
Ladies Service Committee Ministry Updates Meals to support members of our church family during times of illness or recovery are now being organized by sending out emails and use of the organizational web site mealtrain.com. When you get an email from Pam Gibbons to alert you of a need, you will be directed to the site where you can view dates needed and special needs such as dietary restrictions. Pam will help answer any of your questions and those who don’t use the web site will need to coordinate with her if they need an alternate way to participate. Thanks for your support as we work to use this new tool. Check out the remodeled sleep area of the nursery. A big thank you to the Deacons and their helpers who opened up the sleep area by installing a railing. We now have a sight into that area and a new safe crib for the use of infants in our care. The support of our church family allows us to continue to serve each other and reach out to our community. We thank each of you who support us in the ministry of our church.
3 Joanne Christensen 4 Lavinia Garrison John Ressler Karen Thatcher 5 David Warhurst 6 Kim Wyman 11 Delores Perkins 15 Myron Jeffries 19 Alex Ellis Thomas Melton Alexander Roe 20 Cecelia Quilty 23 Earl Felix Dave Westbrook 25 Kendin Chiavario 26 Josephine Garrison 29 Caitlyn Roe 30 Ken Kubisak
September Missionary Birthdays 15 Arleen Blycker 24 Charlotte Bechtel
Gals And Books (GAB) The next meeting of GAB (Gals And Books) will be held on Monday, September 16, at Panera Bread in Yorkville. Come at 6:00 p.m. to eat, or at 7:00 p.m. for the book discussion. We are currently reading Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury.
Carol Zito
MOMS – A Year of Encouragement (Mothers Offering Mutual Support) Titus 2:3-5 th
MOMS Group Begins: September 19 --- 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. MOMS would be a time for women of all ages (young mothers to grandmothers) to come together in order to build relationships, and offer our support through study of God’s word, words of encouragement, prayer, etc. We see this as a ministry right in line with our church’s vision of reaching our community for Christ by building relationships and meeting needs. We have purchased a curriculum to use this year entitled “Where Moms Connect – A Year of Encouragement”. The lessons are independent of one another so if a mom has to miss a time or two due to appointments or illness, it will be easy to join right in the discussions when they are able to join us again. MOMS will meet at the church on the 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00. We also plan to meet on the last Sunday evening each month (inviting all ladies and girls to join us) from 4:30 – 6:30. On Sunday evenings we will review the lessons from the month so all ladies will benefit from those lessons even if they are not able to attend Thursday mornings. Special events will also be planned throughout the year. Although this is currently a Thursday morning event, if God lays it on your heart to provide an evening or weekend meeting, we will be happy to work in conjunction with you by sharing lesson materials and assistance in planning. We need YOU! A complete listing of ministry areas where assistance is needed, with descriptions of those jobs, is in the foyer or we could e-mail that to anyone interested. If you are willing to help or have any questions, please talk with Tanzi Melton, Marilena Garrison, or Lisa Sperry.
September Nursery Staff September 1 AM
Leann Johnson, Tanzi Melton
September 8
Plano Bible Church 1111 West South Street, Plano, IL 60545 630.552.8877 630.552.8810 (Fax) [email protected] www.planobiblechurch.org Carol Williams - Editor Eleanor Thomsen - Proofreader
AM
Cecelia Quilty, Brenda Warhurst
September 15
September Greeters September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29
Treber & Karen Thatcher John & Maureen Holland Randy & Lisa Sperry Art & Pam Gibbons Len & Mazie Nolder
AM
Linda Pickett, Karen Thatcher
September 22 AM
Connie Chiavario, Karina Leal
September 29 AM
Candy Rady, Kim Tindall
Opportunities for Prayer Sunday mornings, 8:30 a.m. at the church. Monday mornings, 9:00 a.m., Women’s Prayer Time at the church. Saturday mornings, 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Time at the church
Elder Board Report In May, the Elders tasked a Visioning Team which would work with Doug to formalize our church Mission and Vision. Doug walked us through this process to be able to verbalize why we exist as a church and to create a “Vision Map” which will be the foundation upon which the church will build ministry. The visioning team was selected to represent a cross section of our church family. We wanted both men and women, long time members and shorter term members, older and younger in age, Elder and Deacon representation and older and younger in the faith. The team members consisted of Ben Sperry, Jan Pinkous, John Ressler, Kathy Kolbe, Mark Caldwell, Myron Jefferies, Tanzi Melton and Vince Zito. Involvement on the team required a large commitment of time and personal reading, praying and meditation. While most of us went into this process unsure of what we were doing, Doug did a masterful job of facilitating us to work collaboratively and produce results that we feel are Spirit led and will be useful for ministry for years in the future. At our meeting, the team members shared how God has already used this in their own lives and how meaningful the process was to them. We recognize that if we are going to change our focus (to move from inward to outward focus), then we need to change how we do things. The Vision Map is intended to bring the required clarity as we work to be focused in our church purpose. The Vision Map is a tool that helps us to stay focused by helping us shift from matters of opinion to matters of purpose. It serves as a filter for ministry decisions such as the pastor search, ministry plans and ministry goals. The Vision Map is intended to be concise yet to the point. The goals in its construction were to create a one page snapshot of our church. We attempted to keep it brief and avoid “churchy” language that would not be understood by the unsaved. In all of these statements we attempted to keep them to 11 words or less. The Vision Map consists of our Core Beliefs, Core Values (which stem from those beliefs) our Mission and our Vision. CORE BELIEFS The Core Beliefs are not a replacement for the doctrinal statement that rehearses our entire beliefs. It is intended to articulate those beliefs that significantly impact who we are and what we do CORE VALUES Core values are not an academic statement listing our entire value system. They articulate those values that significantly impact who we are and what we do. They are principles in which we desire to live out. They are a result of our Core Values. MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission Statement is a brief, easy to remember, actionable statement about our God-given task. It should be unchanging. VISION STATEMENT The Vision Statement is a word picture of what it will look like when we accomplish our mission. It flows from and is consistent with our core beliefs, core values and mission. It is future oriented and compelling. Our Vision Map is a document that we can begin to use immediately. We have already begun to use it as we review ministry ideas. We are asking that everyone read through this Vision Map and pray and ask God how he can use it in each of our lives. We are anticipating God’s blessing as we continue to reach out to those who need to hear the gospel. Our Mission: Inspire and equip God’s People to: Share Jesus… Serve and love our neighbors… Sacrifice self… Our Vision: To be a growing community of joyful Christ followers, living transparently before each other and the world. Core Beliefs & Values We Believe…
Therefore we will:
God, the Creator, knows us deeper than our comprehension and loves us beyond our understanding. People are created for relationship with God, but all have sinned and deserve the punishment of hell. Jesus Christ, God’s son, became human, took our punishment, providing the only way to relationship with God. The Holy Spirit, convicts people of sin and empowers Christfollowers to live lives that please and honor God. The Bible, God’s life-changing Truth, tells Christ-followers how to know, love and obey God. The Church, a community of Christ-followers, makes disciples by sharing the love, hope and Truth of God. Worship is intentionally glorifying God in all we think, say and do.
Boldly live every day, so that others see a reflection of Him.
Prayer is intimate conversation with God that transforms lives for His purpose
Show compassion to everyone, recognizing we are all sinners. Share God’s plan by connecting with people at every opportunity. Humbly embrace the Holy Spirit’s direction and power Study, obey and share God’s Word because of its transforming power Welcome all people, providing a safe place where each one grows in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Choose to freely, enthusiastically and creatively celebrate God. Delight in regular prayer, confessing our sin and nourishing our relationship with God. John Ressler, Elder Chairman
Fun Fair, Corn Boil, Gospel Concert - Sunday August 11 We had a great turn-out from our community to this event hosted by Plano Bible Church on Sunday, August 11! Many Soccer Camp kids and their families came back to PBC a second time this summer! Individual pictures of the Soccer Camp players along with information about PBC and upcoming ministries were distributed. These families and others from the community enjoyed playing some of our Fun Fair games: bounce house, golf, fishing, corn hole, soccer scoring, football throw, juggling, bozo buckets, and throwing wet sponges at the guy behind the sheet - Howard Casner! After this we had a short program showing Soccer Camp pictures and Juan Leal shared his powerful testimony. Lisa Sperry shared info about an upcoming MOMS ministry and Gregg Williams shared about a Dads Breakfast on Sept. 27. After the program, everybody really enjoyed the Corn Boil, hotdogs, chips, and desserts. The meal was followed by a great time of listening to "Just Over Yonder", a bluegrass gospel men's quartet. This was the 8th time this gospel group has performed at PBC over the past 20 years! We continue to pray that God will work in the hearts of those that attended this event and were able to hear the Gospel! Randy Sperry
September 2013
AWANA Clubs School has started, and Labor Day and the Sandwich Fair is just around the corner. Next Awana is about ready to start. We have passed out Awana flyers, along with the Soccer Camp at both parades and during our very successful Soccer Camp. If Soccer Camp was any indication, we expect a full house for Awana. Material has been ordered to start Club and the yearly scheduled will soon be available. Plano Bible Church has a long history with Awana. We have had Awana Clubs since 1975, almost 40 years. Plano Bible and Village Bible are the only two churches in the area offering Awana. Last year’s average attendance was over 65 kids each week, with over 100 Clubbers actively enrolled. 90% of the Clubbers attending each week are NOT from PBC families. We are having an impact into our community, and we have seen many families coming back for church and other programs. AWANA at Plano Bible starts the Tuesday, Sept 10, 2013, the 1st Tuesday after the Fair. Check-in starts at 6:15, with club running from 6:30 – 8:05PM. Plano Bible Church has AWANA programs from Cubbies for toddlers 3, 4 and 5 years old, Sparks K thru 2nd grade, and Truth and Training 3rd thru 6th grades. Information about PBC’s AWANA program is available on the Church’s web site planobiblechurch.org. Registration can be made online, by calling the church office at 630-552-8877, or filling out a registration form located in the church lobby. Updates and closings are posted on Facebook under Groups, at Plano Bible Church Awana. Sign -up and receive instant notification of updates. Not just Help Wanted, HELP NEEDED! There is an ongoing need for more help during Awana Club. It takes about 40 to 50 adult and teen workers and helpers each week to run the program. A sign-up sheet will be located in the lobby. New Opportunity, OUTREACH TO PARENTS: In October we are hoping to start about a 6 week Parent Study. Brought up in discussion during the leaders’ year end wrap up meeting, we noted that many parents stayed during the entire Awana program. During the Leaders discussion, we saw an opportunity to reach out to Parents with a Discussion Group, Book Study or a Bible Study. A leader is needed for this time. Please consider this ministry. PBC Church Family: We need to start restocking the AWANA Store. The Store is in need of small items. These items are given to kids as rewards for accomplishments throughout the year. We also need some help, once a month, helping man the Store. Vince & Carol Zito, AWANA Commanders
This Month’s Events September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 9:00 a.m. Christian Education Hour 10:15 a.m. Worship on the Lord’s Day September 9, 16, 23, 30 9:00 a.m. Women’s Prayer Group September 10, 17, 24 6:30-8:05 p.m. AWANA Clubs September 9 6:30 p.m. Pulpit Committee September 12 6:30 p.m. Missions Committee Meeting September 16 7:00 p.m. GAB (Gals And Books) September 19 7:00 p.m. Elder Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Deacon Board Meeting 8:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting September 28 8:00-11:00 a.m. All Pro Dad Simulcast
All Pro Dad Simulcast All Men, Boys, Grandpas, Grandsons, Uncles, Nephews YOU ARE INVITED To watch and participate in the simulcast of ALL PRO DAD This is an internet streamed event that features Coach Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts Mark Merrill from Family First Clark Kellogg, Indiana Pacers Coach Tommy Bowden, Clemson University Lorenzo Neal, New Orleans Saints Hunter Smith, Indianapolis Colts The Skit Guys
Saturday, September 28, 2013 8am until 11am 8.00—Breakfast of pancakes and sausage 9:00—Opening Program 9:20—Running Back with Mark Merrill 9:35—Defensive Back with Lorenzo Neal 9:50—Quarterbacks with Hunter Smith 10:05—Team Chaplain with Clark Kellogg 10:20—Team Coach with Tommy Bowden 10:35—Message from Coach Tony Dungy 10:55—Closing Challenge 11:00—Event Concludes
Jeffrey Niles (Roanoke, TX) has been invited to present the worship message and lead an adult CEH class on Sunday, September 15. Jeffrey is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Master of Theology, 2012) and Moody Bible Institute (Bachelor of Arts in International Ministries, 1995). He has served as an Associate Pastor, held Assistant and Youth Pastor positions, and led and participated in numerous missions trips to South Africa, Central America, Mexico and Canada. He and his wife Angie were married in 1995, and they have five children. Jeffrey’s family is not accompanying him on this visit; however, the Pulpit Committee is working to develop a full agenda for the weekend so it will feel like home. John Holland, Pulpit Committee Chairman
PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE TABLE IN THE LOBBY
The Alaska String Band has ministered at PBC a couple of times in the past few years. They will be in the area and will be performing at the Sandwich Opera House Saturday evening September 28. For more information go to www.sandwichoperahouse.org or call 815786-2555. For more information on the band go to www.alaskastringband.com.
September Birthdays
Deacon Board Report The staining of the new railing in the nursery has been completed, and the project is completed. The Deacons are aware that odors in the basement make it tough for people with allergies, and we are in the process of purchasing an air handler system to eliminate this problem. And, as I have said before, we are planning to upgrade the sanctuary. We will be seeking prices and will present the information to the members shortly. 25 years of the same carpet, chairs, and paint need to be replaced. They have served us well and deserve a retirement. I have had two members contact me to serve on a committee for picking out colors, and I would like 3 more. As for finances, we are doing well. Gregg Williams, Deacon Chairman
Missions Committee A Mission Emphasis weekend is planned for October 26-27th with a trip to Pacific Garden Mission and a viewing of the taping of “Unshackled” their radio drama program. At our mission conference this past spring we enjoyed a lively concert by the PGM choir. For most of us this will be our first trip to PGM to view their facilities and learn more of their ministry in downtown Chicago. Missionary retirement is becoming a greater concern of our mission committee. We are prayerfully reviewing various policies and how God would have us move forward. This is a very challenging issue for each of us. Please join us in prayer. Moving forward we are working at setting goals to become more personally involved in missions as a congregation. We would like to continue with regular ongoing work with Wayside Cross Ministries as well as plan a mission opportunity in which anyone in the congregation can participate. There is also a great desire to see us partner with new missionaries in the near future. One last thing, Operation Christmas Child collection will soon be here. Remember as you are out shopping to pick up some extra items for children ages 2 – 14. Items to look for include: toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy, and clothing. Lisa Sperry
Ladies Service Committee Ministry Updates Meals to support members of our church family during times of illness or recovery are now being organized by sending out emails and use of the organizational web site mealtrain.com. When you get an email from Pam Gibbons to alert you of a need, you will be directed to the site where you can view dates needed and special needs such as dietary restrictions. Pam will help answer any of your questions and those who don’t use the web site will need to coordinate with her if they need an alternate way to participate. Thanks for your support as we work to use this new tool. Check out the remodeled sleep area of the nursery. A big thank you to the Deacons and their helpers who opened up the sleep area by installing a railing. We now have a sight into that area and a new safe crib for the use of infants in our care. The support of our church family allows us to continue to serve each other and reach out to our community. We thank each of you who support us in the ministry of our church.
3 Joanne Christensen 4 Lavinia Garrison John Ressler Karen Thatcher 5 David Warhurst 6 Kim Wyman 11 Delores Perkins 15 Myron Jeffries 19 Alex Ellis Thomas Melton Alexander Roe 20 Cecelia Quilty 23 Earl Felix Dave Westbrook 25 Kendin Chiavario 26 Josephine Garrison 29 Caitlyn Roe 30 Ken Kubisak
September Missionary Birthdays 15 Arleen Blycker 24 Charlotte Bechtel
Gals And Books (GAB) The next meeting of GAB (Gals And Books) will be held on Monday, September 16, at Panera Bread in Yorkville. Come at 6:00 p.m. to eat, or at 7:00 p.m. for the book discussion. We are currently reading Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury.
Carol Zito
MOMS – A Year of Encouragement (Mothers Offering Mutual Support) Titus 2:3-5 th
MOMS Group Begins: September 19 --- 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. MOMS would be a time for women of all ages (young mothers to grandmothers) to come together in order to build relationships, and offer our support through study of God’s word, words of encouragement, prayer, etc. We see this as a ministry right in line with our church’s vision of reaching our community for Christ by building relationships and meeting needs. We have purchased a curriculum to use this year entitled “Where Moms Connect – A Year of Encouragement”. The lessons are independent of one another so if a mom has to miss a time or two due to appointments or illness, it will be easy to join right in the discussions when they are able to join us again. MOMS will meet at the church on the 1st and 3rd Thursday mornings from 9:00 – 11:00. We also plan to meet on the last Sunday evening each month (inviting all ladies and girls to join us) from 4:30 – 6:30. On Sunday evenings we will review the lessons from the month so all ladies will benefit from those lessons even if they are not able to attend Thursday mornings. Special events will also be planned throughout the year. Although this is currently a Thursday morning event, if God lays it on your heart to provide an evening or weekend meeting, we will be happy to work in conjunction with you by sharing lesson materials and assistance in planning. We need YOU! A complete listing of ministry areas where assistance is needed, with descriptions of those jobs, is in the foyer or we could e-mail that to anyone interested. If you are willing to help or have any questions, please talk with Tanzi Melton, Marilena Garrison, or Lisa Sperry.
September Nursery Staff September 1 AM
Leann Johnson, Tanzi Melton
September 8
Plano Bible Church 1111 West South Street, Plano, IL 60545 630.552.8877 630.552.8810 (Fax) [email protected] www.planobiblechurch.org Carol Williams - Editor Eleanor Thomsen - Proofreader
AM
Cecelia Quilty, Brenda Warhurst
September 15
September Greeters September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29
Treber & Karen Thatcher John & Maureen Holland Randy & Lisa Sperry Art & Pam Gibbons Len & Mazie Nolder
AM
Linda Pickett, Karen Thatcher
September 22 AM
Connie Chiavario, Karina Leal
September 29 AM
Candy Rady, Kim Tindall
Opportunities for Prayer Sunday mornings, 8:30 a.m. at the church. Monday mornings, 9:00 a.m., Women’s Prayer Time at the church. Saturday mornings, 7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Time at the church
Elder Board Report In May, the Elders tasked a Visioning Team which would work with Doug to formalize our church Mission and Vision. Doug walked us through this process to be able to verbalize why we exist as a church and to create a “Vision Map” which will be the foundation upon which the church will build ministry. The visioning team was selected to represent a cross section of our church family. We wanted both men and women, long time members and shorter term members, older and younger in age, Elder and Deacon representation and older and younger in the faith. The team members consisted of Ben Sperry, Jan Pinkous, John Ressler, Kathy Kolbe, Mark Caldwell, Myron Jefferies, Tanzi Melton and Vince Zito. Involvement on the team required a large commitment of time and personal reading, praying and meditation. While most of us went into this process unsure of what we were doing, Doug did a masterful job of facilitating us to work collaboratively and produce results that we feel are Spirit led and will be useful for ministry for years in the future. At our meeting, the team members shared how God has already used this in their own lives and how meaningful the process was to them. We recognize that if we are going to change our focus (to move from inward to outward focus), then we need to change how we do things. The Vision Map is intended to bring the required clarity as we work to be focused in our church purpose. The Vision Map is a tool that helps us to stay focused by helping us shift from matters of opinion to matters of purpose. It serves as a filter for ministry decisions such as the pastor search, ministry plans and ministry goals. The Vision Map is intended to be concise yet to the point. The goals in its construction were to create a one page snapshot of our church. We attempted to keep it brief and avoid “churchy” language that would not be understood by the unsaved. In all of these statements we attempted to keep them to 11 words or less. The Vision Map consists of our Core Beliefs, Core Values (which stem from those beliefs) our Mission and our Vision. CORE BELIEFS The Core Beliefs are not a replacement for the doctrinal statement that rehearses our entire beliefs. It is intended to articulate those beliefs that significantly impact who we are and what we do CORE VALUES Core values are not an academic statement listing our entire value system. They articulate those values that significantly impact who we are and what we do. They are principles in which we desire to live out. They are a result of our Core Values. MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission Statement is a brief, easy to remember, actionable statement about our God-given task. It should be unchanging. VISION STATEMENT The Vision Statement is a word picture of what it will look like when we accomplish our mission. It flows from and is consistent with our core beliefs, core values and mission. It is future oriented and compelling. Our Vision Map is a document that we can begin to use immediately. We have already begun to use it as we review ministry ideas. We are asking that everyone read through this Vision Map and pray and ask God how he can use it in each of our lives. We are anticipating God’s blessing as we continue to reach out to those who need to hear the gospel. Our Mission: Inspire and equip God’s People to: Share Jesus… Serve and love our neighbors… Sacrifice self… Our Vision: To be a growing community of joyful Christ followers, living transparently before each other and the world. Core Beliefs & Values We Believe…
Therefore we will:
God, the Creator, knows us deeper than our comprehension and loves us beyond our understanding. People are created for relationship with God, but all have sinned and deserve the punishment of hell. Jesus Christ, God’s son, became human, took our punishment, providing the only way to relationship with God. The Holy Spirit, convicts people of sin and empowers Christfollowers to live lives that please and honor God. The Bible, God’s life-changing Truth, tells Christ-followers how to know, love and obey God. The Church, a community of Christ-followers, makes disciples by sharing the love, hope and Truth of God. Worship is intentionally glorifying God in all we think, say and do.
Boldly live every day, so that others see a reflection of Him.
Prayer is intimate conversation with God that transforms lives for His purpose
Show compassion to everyone, recognizing we are all sinners. Share God’s plan by connecting with people at every opportunity. Humbly embrace the Holy Spirit’s direction and power Study, obey and share God’s Word because of its transforming power Welcome all people, providing a safe place where each one grows in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Choose to freely, enthusiastically and creatively celebrate God. Delight in regular prayer, confessing our sin and nourishing our relationship with God. John Ressler, Elder Chairman
Fun Fair, Corn Boil, Gospel Concert - Sunday August 11 We had a great turn-out from our community to this event hosted by Plano Bible Church on Sunday, August 11! Many Soccer Camp kids and their families came back to PBC a second time this summer! Individual pictures of the Soccer Camp players along with information about PBC and upcoming ministries were distributed. These families and others from the community enjoyed playing some of our Fun Fair games: bounce house, golf, fishing, corn hole, soccer scoring, football throw, juggling, bozo buckets, and throwing wet sponges at the guy behind the sheet - Howard Casner! After this we had a short program showing Soccer Camp pictures and Juan Leal shared his powerful testimony. Lisa Sperry shared info about an upcoming MOMS ministry and Gregg Williams shared about a Dads Breakfast on Sept. 27. After the program, everybody really enjoyed the Corn Boil, hotdogs, chips, and desserts. The meal was followed by a great time of listening to "Just Over Yonder", a bluegrass gospel men's quartet. This was the 8th time this gospel group has performed at PBC over the past 20 years! We continue to pray that God will work in the hearts of those that attended this event and were able to hear the Gospel! Randy Sperry
