From My Heart In the November 4, 2014 election period (early voting begins October 15) there are two moral-ethical questions voters are being asked to decide. I feel the mandate to express the biblical view on both.

The first is to allow wine sales in the supermarkets of Lebanon and Mt. Juliet. I have and will consistently stand against expanding the availability of a legal drug that does more harm than the many illegal drugs available to our citizens. Alcohol already accounts for untold numbers of deaths, increasing poverty, demise of families and the ruin of promising young people than any other stimulate. Do we really want to make it more available under the guise of convenience and tax revenue? As for revenue, don’t just look at the income side of the ledger, but consider the expense side that those who push alcohol measures never show us.

My good friend, Chuck Groover, pastor of Victory Baptist Church here in Mt. Juliet, grew up in his family’s grocery business; beat the drum in 2012 to defeat legislation allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores. He stands against it because of . . . *Retailers state they want to sell wine for the convenience of their customers. Bro. Chuck says, “I can assure you convenience . . is not the main motivation. It is . . .the almighty dollar.” *Bro. Chuck points out that retailers have little regard for their customers that shop in their stores for the essentials of life who on a daily basis battle alcohol addiction. Already, I wonder, how many of those now lose that battle, get in their car after visiting the cold beer aisle and drive that car toward an innocent family—maybe your family. Why do we want to give them another form of alcohol? At least now, they have to go to a separate store for wine and hard liquor. *Bro. Chuck points out the obvious, yesterday it was beer sales, today wine, tomorrow hard liquor. I spent three years in New Orleans. Hard liquor was available in every supermarket, convenience store, chain drugstores etc. *How long do you think it will be before convenience stores will be clamoring for the right to sell wine just like their big brothers? Bro. Chuck also pointed out the number one violator of under- aged beer sales is convenience stores. A vote for wine sales in the grocery stores is a step closer to wine sales in convenience stores and the possibility of wine sales to minors.

One cannot legitimately justify the use of alcohol from the Bible, nor can we say after loosening the laws in Tennessee we are better off because of it. It is time to stop voting with the alcohol providers and stand up for ourselves and future genera-tions. Baptists, not entirely, have largely stood against alcohol sales. This one continues to do so. Church will you join me?

The second issue is addressed elsewhere in this newsletter. It is passing and enforcing some common sense policies concerning abortion. I will not speak further to it, but with the same passion as I have about alcohol use and sales, I encourage you to “Vote Yes on Amendment 1!”

Glad to be your pastor,

The NETWORK

Volume XXIV October 2014 Number 10

Church-wide Outreach Visitation

Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. Come and make a church growth visit.

Share Jesus with someone and invite them to church.

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID MT. JULIET, TN PERMIT NO. 116

Silver Springs Baptist Church 9938 Lebanon Road Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

CASTING CROWNS Thrive tour

October 10, 2014 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Special Guests: Mandisa & Sidewalk Prophets Tickets at WAYFM.COM

The Booth Brothers With special guests-original members of the

Imperials Quartet Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m.

Victory Baptist Church Visit VBCMT.org for ticket information

Or call: 773-5200

Cost: $20

Special Census Mount Juliet ● Deadline October 11, 2014

The City of Mt. Juliet asks that each household complete the special census form (online at www.mjcensus.org).

This request is important because for each citizen counted, the City of Mt. Juliet receives roughly $95.00 per year from the State of Tennessee in “State Shared Revenue” that is calculated and distributed based on population.

Should you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Program Manager Amy Rooker at 615-773-6282 or Bo Logan at 615-773-6236. Thank you in advance for your help and support.

WCBA Annual Meeting The annual meeting is a gathering of Baptists in our association to conduct business, be inspired by music and preaching, and a time of fellowship with brothers and sisters from other churches. The Annual Meeting will be held . . .

October 16, 2014 Calvary Baptist Church—Sparta Pike, Lebanon

First Session 4:00 p.m. Supper 6:00 p.m. Second Session 7:00 p.m. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend the annual meeting. Messengers: Russ Stephens Chris Gregg Richard Gleaves Mark Stephens John Shouse

Silver Springs Baptist Church 9938 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 615-758-7853

Email: silversprings@tds.net www.silverspringsbaptist.com

Sharing God’s Word. Showing God’s Love. Russ Stephens, Pastor

Chris Gregg, Minister of Music & Worship John Shouse, Youth Pastor

Carol Armstrong, Beverly Birdsong, Church Secretaries Dottie Owens, Financial Secretary

New Building Fund Given (thru 12-31-13) ................ $615,148.66 New Building Fund Given since January ...................... $5,666.00 Total Given................................................................ $620,814.66

New Building Fund balance as of August 31, 2014... $512,537.11 (This total includes deduction for expenses and additions from interest earned.)

Through September 21, 2014 (38 weeks)

Budget Goal ...................................................................... $245,795.78 Budget Given .................................................................... $236,198.41 Difference ............................................................................ ($9,597.37)

Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions Given in 2013: $1,052.00 Goal for 2014: $1,500.00

Given to date: $ 400.00 (3 week emphasis)

For Profession of Faith and for Baptism

Jacob Slaughter 8630 Hickory Ridge Rd.

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

773-8294

An abortion destination? TENNESSEE CURRENTLY HAS ABORTION ON DEMAND WITH:

NO informed consent for women and girls considering abortion

NO hospitalization requirement for second trimester abortions

NO required inspection or regulation of abortion facilities

NO 24 hour waiting period

Approval of Amendment 1 by Tennessee voters on November 4, 2014, would allow passage and enforcement of common sense policies designed to protect the health and safety of women and girls considering abortion.

By joining with other concerned Tennesseans in support of Amendment 1 you can help:

STOP Tennessee from being a destination for out-of-state abortions.

PROVIDE adequate information and safeguards for women and girls

seeking abortion.

REQUIRE the inspection, licensure and regulation of abortion facilities

in our state.

PREVENT taxpayer funding of abortions in Tennessee.

PROMOTE the protection of innocent human life.

Senior Adult Fall Rally October 2, 2014 @ 9:30 am Tusculum Hills Baptist Church

Guests Artists: Ernie Couch & Revival Cost: $10.00 (includes lunch at 12:30 pm)

Love offering will be taken

Everyone Welcome!

YES ON 1 is a community-based outreach to raise

awareness of the proposed constitutional amendment slated for public vote, November 4, 2014. Local committees are being developed across the state, and your help is vital to our success.

For volunteer and giving opportunities, please visit vote YEStn.org.

Music

Games

Russ’

Great Prizes

Church-wide Picnic at the Pastor’s House October 5

4:30 p.m. Begin gathering 5:30 p.m. Worship

6:00 p.m. Eat

Everyone Welcome! Paul Bates’ smoked pork & drinks are provided.

Bring side dishes, desserts, & lawn chairs.

Fellowship

SSBC Members in the News Chris’ Corner

Sympathy

Note of Thanks

Pictured in the news: Ashley Butler & daughter, 4 yr old, Callie enjoying a carousel ride at the Wilson County Fair. Also; Callie was pictured in the Lebanon Democrat with her pre-kindergarten class at Coles Ferry Elementary School during Imagination Library Week. Linda McClanahan as the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center director, welcoming Dr. Ming Wang as a guest speaker.

Thank you for the kind thoughtfulness in sending the food during our loss, we are grateful. The family of Ruth T. Gipson

Preparing For 2015 2015 Budget requests due October 12, 2014.

Any member is welcome to have input into the development of the

2015 budget.

Budget Request forms are available in the magazine racks.

2015 Church Calendar is being formulated.

Any member can propose an event to be considered to be

published in our 2015 calendar.

Calendar submissions are due October 26, 2014.

Please check your current church directory information and

inform the church office of needed changes.

2014-2015 Committee Chairpersons Applied Ministries: Debby Ellis Properties: Don Ellis Nominating: Mark Stephens Kitchen: Joyce Porter Special Activities: Teresa Crouch Counting: Allison Edmonds Worship Atmosphere: Becky Walker Finance: Chris Birdsong Safety & Security: Kenny Edmonds Personnel: David Toomey

Tennessee Baptist Convention Annual Meeting

November 10-12 Brentwood Baptist Church

Brentwood, Tennessee Once every three years the Tennessee Baptist Convention meets in Middle Tennessee. Attending the convention is a wonderful way to be better informed as to what your church does in cooperation with churches across the state. You may not be able to attend every session, but you are encouraged to try to attend some of the meetings. Pastor’s Conference, November 10 Theme: “Church Unleashed by the Spirit,” Acts :1:8

Sessions begin at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. While this is called a Pastor’s Conference, all who like to hear the Word of God proclaimed, participate in worship, and enjoys fellowship with other believers are welcome to attend.

Business Sessions: November 11-12 (Starting times not available)

Messengers and guests can come and go as their schedule dictates Along with business, there is plenty of worship and preaching. There is an exhibit hall so that church members can gain valuable information about what is happening and help in strengthening their ministries. We are allowed nine messengers, however, everyone is welcome to attend. Messengers will be elected in the October 12 business meeting. If you desire to be a messenger and are unable to be at the business meeting, please let the church office know before October 12.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Celebration 6:00 p.m. Evening Praise Service Kingdom Movers (Children’s Music)

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 6:30 p.m. Adult Discipleship Training Nursery: birth-2 yrs. Mission Friends: 3 yrs.-K Children in Action (co-ed missions

program grades 1-6) Youth Fuel Worship Service Special Friends Class

Our

Church

Schedule

5 4:30 p.m. Church-wide Picnic at the Pastor’s House 6-10 Fall Break 10-12 Fall Retreat/Mission Project for the Youth 11 WOP Rake Leaves for “Shut-ins” JAM for Children 12 2015 Budget Requests Due 6:45 p.m. Regular Monthly Business Meeting 13-17 Fall Break 16 4:00 p.m. WCBA Annual Meeting, Calvary Baptist Church 17 Christmas Party, birth-grade 6 18 2:00 p.m. Silver Springers Lunch Out 25 9:30 a.m. Phoebe Ministry Meeting, Silver Springs Baptist Church 26 2015 Calendar Submissions Due 2:00 p.m. WCBA Sunday Singing

August

Sunday School ..........................94 Undesignated ........... $30,182.47 Morning Worship ..................... 125 Building Fund ................. $421.00 Evening Worship .......................40 TBCH ............................... $50.00 Wednesday Evening .................54 GOTM .............................. $20.00

Our sincere Christian sympathy is extended to: Kenny Edmonds in the death of his grandfather; to Shirley Tramel in the death of her cousin, Ruth Gipson; & to Amy Haggard in the death of her grandmother, Marie Rosenbalm

Come join us for Fuel Worship Service

(students 7th-12th grade) on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

From the Garage, The Silver Springs youth (FUEL) are in the process of collecting

“coats for the cold” “ through November. If you have coats that are

just hanging in the closet because you no longer wear them and

thinking of giving them away, please donate them to “coats for the

cold” . You can drop them off at the youth room, or call the church

office; 758-7853 and someone will pick them up.

Choir is still a good idea (part 1)

It has been nearly three years since I began directing the SSBC Worship Choir….or any choir for that matter. I have come to love directing a choir and am finding that God is using all the talents He has blessed me with to pull the best out of our amazing group. Here are some reasons that a church choir is still a good idea, and why you might want to give it a shot! 1. Leaders in Worship – The choir sings to glorify God and to commune with Him. They are leaders, with me, in helping our congregation connect with the Father. The choir not only helps the church focus on the reason for worship, but the choir itself is refined and encouraged by establishing a heart of true worship. 2. Built in Group Who Know New Songs – I witnessed this with Denver and the Mile High Orchestra during the recording of one of our DVDs. We were teaching a large group a new song so that they would be able to sing with Denver during the taping. Because a large group of us knew the song really well, the audience felt more comfortable in participating and giving it a shot. This happens in worship too. Let’s face it, new songs and hymns need to be introduced periodically in the worship rotation. It is nice to be led by a large and talented group of singers who know the new song when most of the congregation hasn’t heard it… the sound of many voices making the unfamiliar, familiar. 3. Ministry Involvement – For those in the church that don’t seem to know where to serve, the choir can be a great place to start. Generally speaking, everyone can at least get their voices to do something that resembles singing….sometimes only in their car or in the shower. This means, however, that the choir can be a wonderful place for a church member to serve when he/she might be struggling to find a place to use gifts or talents. There is safety in numbers, and the choir just might provide the right opportunity for someone wanting to join a larger group but not get lost in the process. ….continued next month….

Phoebe Ministries (A Ministry for Widows)

October 25 ● 9:30a.m. Silver Springs Baptist Church

Joy Center

“With God, all things are possible…” (Mark 10:27)

October 4 ● Belle Aire Baptist Church, Murfreesboro

Cost:$18

Men’s Ministry Greetings beloved church family! I'm very excited about getting into the Men's Ministry. I wanted to quickly share my heart’s desire for the basis of this ministry, which is influenced by Romans 12 and Acts 6.

Romans 12 tells us, "in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice..." and "do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," so that we can know what God's will is. It also goes on to talk about how each of us has a different gift from God to be used to serve Him. We are all so valuable to each other and to Him. I want to encourage all of our men to continue serving and if there's anything I can do to assist, please let me know or if you just have a ministry idea, please give me a shout!

Acts 6 talks about the men needing to pitch in and assist the ministers of God's word so they can devote themselves to that service. So again, I want to encourage our men to respond to anything they feel like they could do to help out our pastors. You know that Russ, Chris, and John probably are not going to cry out for help too often, but we all know these guys are always hard at it, and they could use our help, prayers, words and/or deeds of encouragement. They love us so, let's send that right back to them as God gives us opportunity.

Again, I'm so excited about serving with such a tremendous team. More to come, please pray that we serve the Lord with boldness, as He and He alone is worth serving in this life.

Love you all—your brother in Christ,

Eric