From the Pastor
I met with a friend who is also in ministry and learned that we share a love for the Christmas season. For those of you that don't know our routine, each year our family puts up two Christmas trees-an artificial tree with white lights and crystal ornaments that is upstairs in the living room, and a live tree with colored lights and multi-colored ornaments downstairs in the den. The live tree goes up as soon after Thanksgiving as our favorite tree vendor starts selling them-we are usually one of the first ones on the lot-and by the time we take it down on New Years it is a dry stick of kindling, no matter how much we water it. The artificial tree goes up around Halloween, and stays up at least until Valentines Day, and sometimes longer.
My friend follows a similar yet different schedule. His tree goes up as soon as the World Series is over. Then he and his wife put up a few more around the house, and by Thanksgiving they put six small trees outside, and one on the deck. After New Year's Day the trees are put away, except for one four-foot tree which replaces the main tree in the living room by the fireplace. The decorations for that get changed from month to month, culminating in April after baseball season starts, when it is decorated with Orioles stuff.
He says that in his house there are two seasons: Christmas season and baseball season.
I'll come back to him.
I was in a grocery store in late October and there was a section of shelves dedicated to holiday decorations, and I was struck by the fact that there were Halloween decorations, and next to them were Christmas decorations. I would have thought that maybe there would have been Thanksgiving decorations in between, but no-it was Halloween, then Christmas.
Used to be that Thanksgiving was seen as its own holiday, but then it was like Thanksgiving just became the official kickoff to the Christmas season. Eat some turkey, and get ready for Black Friday. Now the Christmas season gets kicked off right after Halloween-or maybe right after the World Series-and then we just blow right through Thanksgiving. Pam and I were at the mall last weekend, and Santa was already bouncing kids on his knee. Oh, and we were at the mall to do some Christmas shopping. The official launch of Water For Christmas was more than a week ago. The Creative Arts Team has already been working on Christmas decorations for the church, and their work begins in earnest this week, as next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent.
Thanksgiving has become just a momentary blip in the Christmas season.
This is more an observation about our society than one about the church, because Thanksgiving has never really been a religious holiday; it has never been a part of the Christian calendar. (This season before Advent is called Kingdomtide and actually begins at the end of the Pentecost season in late May.) The origins of Thanksgiving are as a harvest festival, and was observed at various times until President Lincoln declared it a national holiday and unified its observance. So it's not an official church or Christian holiday.
But still.
Back to my friend. We get together regularly to talk about our spiritual lives and challenge and encourage one another in our walk with Christ. His focus lately is in wanting to be more thankful about everything, and so beginning fifty days before Thanksgiving he has made a concerted effort to be aware of things in his life for which he needs to be thankful. In the evening he reflects on his day and writes in a journal about the things he is thankful for in that day.
So, while on the outside it may appear that he goes straight from baseball season to the Christmas season, in reality he is consciously working to develop a real spirit of thanksgiving in his soul.
And that is more than just a blip in the Christmas season.
Rather than seeing Thanksgiving as a kickoff to Christmas or just a momentary interruption in the preparation for Christmas, maybe we ought to view the Christmas season as an opportunity to develop a spirit of thanksgiving in our souls. To reflect on the people, the events, and the circumstances that are in our lives for which we can be thankful. To learn to be content with who we are, with who others are, with where we are in life, and with what we have. To be less materialistic and more aware that, unlike a lot of people in our world, we don't have to worry about literally surviving another week or even another day. And that we can do something for those who do.
Dodeka from Grk, "twelve"
What we call the Minor Prophets ancient Jewish tradition simply called "The Twelve" and treated them as one book. These writings revolve around the Exile and thus understanding them is essential to understanding the life and times of Jesus. Join Pastor Larry each Wednesday at 7 p.m. starting September 9th as we study The Twelve and relate them to Jesus' own teaching.
Welcome to Our Online Community!
Welcome to your online community! We hope that you will be able to get better connected by participating in "Discussions", looking for "Groups" that may be of interest to you and then joining one! You may also find a place to use your gifts by looking at our volunteer "Positions".
When you log in, you will be able to see all the groups you are participating in, see the events you might be interested in and much more. You may wish to take a moment to update your profile information by clicking on the 'My Profile' link in the upper left hand corner to make sure that our records are correct. Also, be sure to fill in some of the "fun" information like the activities you enjoy, the music styles you prefer, your favorite radio station, and more, so that others can get to know you better.
We hope you enjoy the online community!
For LATEST NEWS, including "Pastor's Notes" click HERE
Call the Church Office
Call the church office if you have need of one of our pastors, especially if you are scheduled for surgery or you would like prayer for other medical needs. The number is 301-473-8283. You may leave a voice mail for any of the pastors if we are not in the office at the time of your call. Thank you!
Student Ministry News
What Am I Going To Do With My Life!?!
If you are in that wilderness that is called "post high school" you probably find yourself asking this question a lot. Sorry we don't have any answers for you but what we do have is a new Sunday school class for young adults (ages 18-24). You may not find the answers you are looking for but you will find Biblically sound teaching and people who care about you.
For Information contact Gretchen Eisenberg (ywifitness@gmail.com) or Becky Krauss
For more information on youth activities, please contact Richard Krauss at 301-473-828
or e-mail mailto:richard@firstfrederick.org
Now Available in the Lobby:
Frederick County coupon books full of discounts for local restaurants and businesses for
only $20.00
And
Catalyst Student ministry T-shirts for only $5.00
Children's Ministry Corner by Rachel Pyles
Children's Christmas Shopping Trip
On Sunday, December 13th, right after Church, all children in 1st through 5th grades are invited to go Christmas shopping. If your child is planning to attend this event, you MUST REGISTER them by Wednesday, December 9th at the Children's Registration Desk or by e-mail to mailto:Rachel@firstfrederick.org We will go to lunch at Burger King. Bring a list and $1.06 for each gift on your list because we will go shopping at the Dollar Store. Please provide two envelopes for your child, one marked for the shopping with a list of people they would like to shop for and another marked with their name and money enclosed for lunch at Burger King. Transportation will be provided.
Need Your Voices
The children have been asked to join the Adult Choir for one song in the Christmas Performance again this year!
Who-Children ages 4 years old thru 5th grade
What-Children's Choir Practice
Where-Upstairs in the Joybells room
When-Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. (after Sunday School and before the 11:15 a.m. service)
Each practice will only last 10-15 minutes so please join us! We would love to have you be a part of this Christmas activity as we prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth and share the news with others! Further details on the performance schedule will be handed out at practice.
Operation Christmas Child
It is that time of year again and our Children's Missions programs on Wednesday nights will participate in a gift giving program with Samaritan's Purse. The purpose of this program is to give a simple gift. The children will fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and special treats. The shoeboxes are then wrapped up like a present and are shipped to a child in a third world country. The simple gift shows that child we love and care about them just as Jesus loves them. There is a shipping cost attached to each shoebox that we send. In past years we have limited the number of boxes because of the associated cost. So, this year we are asking for monetary donations to send as many boxes as we can fill! Please help us send a gift of love to a child in need. Here are some items you can donate:
Pencils, crayons, and writing pads
toys- small cars, dolls, stuffed animals
hygiene Items- toothbrush, toothpaste combs, and washcloths
other Items- hard candy, lollipops, mints, gum, t-shirts, and socks
Safe and Secure Classes
Our policies and procedures for the Preschool/Children's Departments require every adult who works with children as a lead teacher or as a helper on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights to complete this Safe and Secure Class. This class is designed to familiarize you with the policies and procedures we have in place when working with children. You will also have defined for you and will come out of the class understanding such terms as abuse and neglect. The class is only one session and only takes 15-30 minutes. The classes will begin on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour beginning November 8th and continuing until every person has participated in this program.
*If you have already attended a Safe and Secure Class here at FBC you do not have to attend these classes. These classes are intended for our newest members of our Preschool/ Children's Ministry Team. Thank you.
For general information on the Children's Ministry, contact Rachel Pyles at rachel
@firstfrederick.org or 301-473-8283 or visit our website at www.firstfrederick.org.
go to Preschool Ministry or Children's Ministry.
Refuge
Refuge Worship Returns Sunday, September 6th at 7 pm!
Refuge is for anyone who desires a more intimate worship experience. It meets in the youth department and features acoustic music and an informal atmosphere. If you know of anyone, particularly late teens through twenties, who don't feel they "fit" in other kinds of worship services, this may be the place for them. Dan and Liz Haight, along with Pastor Larry, are the leaders for this service.
Filling Backpacks
Filling Backpacks:
First Baptist Church has pledged to sponsor Waverly Elementary School. What a blessing it is that we have been able to supply the needs of more than 20 families in our community by filling backpacks with food. Our pantry is running low and we need your help replenishing our supplies. Here is a list of items that we will need to restock our shelves:
Canned fruits or vegetables
Boxes of rice
Soups (any kind)
Mac and cheese
Pasta and Pasta sauce
Pop Tarts
Tuna or canned chicken
*A fun treat for a child-fruit snacks, granola bars, or cookies
THANK YOU!!!
Other Waverly Needs:
The following items are needed on an ongoing and consistent bases:
- Boxes of facial tissues
- Zip-lock bags: gallon-, quart-, pint-size and sandwich bags
- Children's books
- School supplies: #2 pencils, pink erasers (rectangular-Sanford), glue sticks, spiral notebooks (no designs-solid colors), notebook paper (not college ruled), highlighters, solid-colored (no designs) pocket folders (no fasteners) in red, blue, green, yellow, or purple.
You may bring any of these items to the Preschool Department of the Church, clearly marked for Waverly, and we will deliver them to the school.
Order Your Poinsettias Now
It is that time of year when we order Poinsettias to be placed in the Worship Center for the holidays in memory or in honor of a loved one or to let someone know how much they are appreciated. Order forms are located near the Welcome Desk and may be inserted in the box that is marked for that purpose.
Journey to the Manger
On December 19 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. the music and worship ministry of First Baptist will present Journey to the Manger . The Christmas story will never change. The message of hope, joy and love is still offered today. In Journey to the Manger we discover this meaning on a journey through time . . . the Depression Era, Italy during the Renaissance, the streets of England, a simple little church in Austria, the manger, and finally back to the 21st century . . . as our main character, Nathan, discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
As we watch Nathan's heart transformed by God's love in Journey to the Manger, all will be encouraged, blessed and inspired. And perhaps, there might be those who experience "their first real Christmas."
Annual Adult Christmas Luncheon
Annual Adult Christmas Luncheon...
Just a reminder that the Annual Adult Christmas Luncheon will be at Ceresville Mansion Monday, December 7, at 11:40 a.m. Tickets are $22.00 each and can be purchased from Su Sine or Phyllis Thomas. The deadline for purchasing tickets is November 29th.
Frederick Family Revels
The Frederick Chorale will be presenting The Frederick Family Revels at First Baptist Church on Sunday December 6 at 3:30 p.m. The Revels is a holiday show for the whole family, featuring Queen Elizabeth and her court, celebrating the season with glorious music, period costumes, audience participation, carol-singing, and much merriment. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for seniors and students. To purchase tickets call: 301-831-3714, e-mail: frederickchoraletickets@gmail.com or contact Chip Handrich.
Food Bank
During these hard economic times, more and more families will be needing and depending on help from our local food bank as well as other agencies. Please don't forget to make your contribution of non-perishable food items to the Food Bank. Collection bins have been conveniently placed at the entrance of the church building. Items will be taken to the Food Bank the Monday following the third Sunday each month.DVD Night Resumes
Welcome back, ladies! I'm excited to kick back, put our feet up and enjoy another year of watching movies together on Wednesday nights. This Wednesday, we'll watch the second in the series of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As always, there are no sign ups, no RSVPs, no pressure. Just join us upstairs in the adult wing at 7 p.m. while the kids are having fun in their activities. See you then!
Hospitality Ministry
Effective October 1, the Hospitality Committee will implement new kitchen policies and guidelines. This includes general kitchen policies as well as rules for handling food, instructions on how to make coffee, clean-up, etc. Also, a kitchen use form has been designed and needs to be filled out by those desiring to use the kitchen or if having the Hospitality Committee cater an event. Both forms may be obtained from the church website of the church Secretary.
If you have any concerns or questions, please call or email Jackie Peyton at 301-360-9558 or mailto:jackie_peyton@comcast.net
CentrePointe Counseling
We are again partnered with CentrePointe Counseling Services to provide affordable, licensed Christian counseling to our members and community. We have two counselors in Frederick who can be reached for an appointment. Please contact Elizabeth Devilbiss 1-800-491-5369, extention 115 and Dan Holler, extension 109.
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