First Baptist Church

Rutherfordton, NC

December 10, 2017

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH STAFF

Tim Marsh

Pastor

828-755-1616

tmarsh0307@gmail.com

Beth Heffner

Minister of Music and Families

828-980-2761

bethfbcr@gmail.com

John Miller

Minister of Youth and Outreach

704-472-5860

jmiller818@gmail.com

Kenneth West

Organist

Alison Moore

Pianist

Debbie Turner

Secretary

debbiefbcr@gmail.com

Garry Cuthbertson

Custodian

George Hughes

Grounds Maintenance

ACOLYTES

December 10 ................ Abby Miller

................................. Hannah Parker

December 17 ......... Aidan Ledbetter

................................ Lillian Beheler

BIRTHDAYS OF THE WEEK

December 12 ............ Ted Huneycutt

December 13 ................ Lucy Malan

December 14 .............. John Blanton

December 15 .......... Scott Carpenter

.............................. Melanie Carrick

................................... Sonia Colnot

USHERS FOR DECEMBER

Team 2: Calvin McGinnis, Daryl

Camper, Scott Lawrence, Emily

Kay, Vicki Hughes, Ronnie Wilson,

Lane Parton, Stan Clements

DEACON AT THE DOOR

John Blanton

COLLEGE STUDENT

Scott Herrick

PO Box 1086

Cullowhee, NC 28723

sjherrick1@catamountwcu.edu

Western Carolina University

DEBBIE TURNER TO RETIRE, TRANSITION TO PART-TIME

FINANCIAL SECRETARY WITH FBCR

Our Office Manager, Debbie Turner, has announced her intentions to re-

tire from her full-time position on February 1, 2018. The Personnel Com-

mittee recommends that First Baptist Church transition Debbie into the role

of part-time Financial Secretary. This transition will come before the church

in church conference in January. We sincerely appreciate Debbie’s out-

standing service to our congregation and ministerial staff since 1999 as

Church Secretary and more recently as Office Manager. We look forward to

continuing our relationship with Debbie in this new part-time role!

CHURCH OFFICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN 2018

Do you have four hours you can spare weekly? Are you gifted at relating

to people? Do you have a desire to be Christ’s presence to those who visit

our church or call by telephone? Our church is looking for eight volunteers

who would be willing to volunteer four hours on a weekly basis, mornings

and afternoons, Monday-Thursday, beginning Monday, February 5, 2018.

Requirements include: a friendly disposition, a desire to make a difference,

and the willingness to serve in a consistent 4-hour time slot on a weekly

basis. If interested, please contact Pastor Tim Marsh for more information

on how you can make a difference!

CHRISTMAS MISSION OFFERINGS

First Baptist will be receiving the Christmas Mission Offering for mis-

sions during the month of December. You can choose to give to the Lottie

Moon Offering for International Missions (SBC) or the Global Missions

Offering (CBF). Envelopes are in the vestibules or in boxed envelope sets.

To Date: Lottie Moon: $240; CBF Global: $100.

HONOR FLIGHT, A WWII DOCUMENTARY

January 16, 2018 at RetroCinema 4

McMahan’s Funeral Home, Padgett & King Funeral Home, and

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home are teaming together to invite you and a

guest to a free showing of Honor Flight, a documentary about four WWII

Veterans and a Community who come together to send the veterans to the

WWII Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The showing will be Tues-

day, January 16, 1:00 PM at RetroCinema 4 in Forest City. Please RSVP

by January 12, 2018 for your free tickets by calling McMahan Funeral

Home at 828-287-4715, 8:30—4:30 PM, M-F. Please take advantage of this

wonderful opportunity!

Records for December 3, 2017

Sunday School Attendance ....... 124

Morning Worship Attendance .. 174

Budget Requirements...... $8,664.00

Budget Offering ............ $10,440.00

Special Offerings ............... $975.00

Total ........................... $11,415.00

Budget to Date

Required by 12-3-17 ..... $86,640.00

Received by 12-3-17 ..... $87,490.62

Building Fund

Received ............................ $126.00

Capital Campaign ......................... $

To Date ....................... $414,450.71

Funeral Food Alert

Team #7

Sharon Scruggs

Jane Simpson

PASTOR’S COLUMN

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant

David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we

would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. (Luke 1:68-

71, NRSV) If you have not been following the #metoo movement, I would encourage you to

do so. In response to numerous women in Hollywood coming forward to share their

stories of sexual harassment and sexual assault, Time Magazine named these

women, whom they called The Silence Breakers, “Person of the Year.” Quite re-

cently, actress Alyssa Milano, who played Samantha Micelli on the 1980’s TV show

Who’s the Boss, recently came forward to share her story of sexual harassment in

Hollywood through the social media outlet Twitter. She asked that everyone who experienced sexual harassment to share a blurb, an experience, or simply acknowl-

edge their plight with the hashtag #metoo. For those of you who are unfamiliar with

Twitter, a hastag links your “tweet” with all other tweets with that same hashtag. I

can click on #metoo or I can search it, and Twitter will locate all tweets with that

same hashtag. The conversation is sickening and sad.

Numerous women are coming forward. And, social media has finally given them a

platform in which they can be heard. Years ago, women were taught to brush off

comments about their appearance or unwanted advances in the workplace. Now,

their voices are being heard. And, today, women and men alike are demonstrating

intolerance for such behavior. The time was right for the voices to be heard, though

it does not make our past responses to such behavior OK. What does this have to do with Advent? Much. Like many women who have suf-

fered in silence in the workplace, Israel suffered in silence as they were occupied by

Rome. Some tolerated Roman occupation and compromised their beliefs so that they

could survive. Others saw it as a way for advancement. Some withdrew into the

desert. Others found visible ways to prophetically live out Israel’s scriptures as an

occupied people. Maybe you could walk through Palestine and fail to hear their

cries. Yes, there were smiles and laughter. Yes, people were going to synagogue and

making their pilgrimages to the Temple. Yes, they were listening to Rabbis and

such. They were living life, feeding their families and doing their thing. On the sur-

face, they may have seemed happy.

They were not. They were waiting. They were biding their time. They were coop-erating to survive. They were hearing the Prophets read aloud and discussed. They

were praying. They were anticipating.

Had you stopped to spend time with the villagers, you would have learned that

something very different was bubbling beneath the surface. The people were await-

ing their Messiah. Those who were smiling were smiling to survive. Yet, privately

they grieved what had happened to their land, to their freedom and to their hope.

They were waiting to be delivered from Roman occupation. They were waiting for

all things to be made new. They were waiting for tears to be dried. They were wait-

ing for justice and fairness in the land. And, they were waiting for the One who

would make these things possible.

You only need to stop long enough to take notice. You only need to slow down from your day to listen, observe, and empathize. You only need to imagine what it’s

like to spend a week in their shoes.

Then, and only then, can you hear the Advent cries.

Grace and peace,

Tim

FBCR INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

As we approach the winter season, I wanted to remind you of our Inclem-

ent Weather Policy. As always, we do not take the decision to cancel or

postpone worship services and activities lightly. Nevertheless, we are con-

cerned for the safety of our members and guests and thus, will err on the

side of caution.

These are the following options for weather-related cancellations:

1. Sunday morning worship only at 10:55 AM

2. Sunday morning worship only at 3 PM

3. Only Sunday evening activities cancelled

4. All Sunday morning and evening activities cancelled

5. Sunday school, worship and such will take place as scheduled

I will communicate these options via email, Facebook and the WLOS

News (ABC Channel 13—Asheville). You may also visit

www.firstbaptistrutherfordton.com for information on cancellations or post-

ponements. And, you may sign up for text message alerts by contacting

Rev. John Miller at the church office. Also, please sign up for text message

alerts by texting “FBCR” to 95577.

If you are uncertain as to whether or not services are cancelled, please

contact me. If we proceed with services, but you feel unsure as to whether

or not you should attend, please err on the side of caution. If you are volun-

teering, please contact the church so we may prepare for your absence.

Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord through First Baptist and your

understanding of the necessity and spirit of this policy.

Grace and peace,

Tim

SOUP FOR YOKEFELLOW

September-November Soup Goal: 90

September-November Soup Donations: 170

December Soup Goal: 30

December Soup Donations: 8

This will be the last month for soup donations. Please continue to remem-

ber the needy. Thank you for your generous contributions to this vital min-

istry!

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

*No Wednesday Nights (DIVE) until January 3rd

*No Sunday Nights (ILLUMINATE) until January 28th

*We have ONE OPEN SPOT for WinterSpree left. First come first serve.

See John for more details.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

RUTHERFORDTON, NORTH CAROLINA

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE

December 10, 2017

10:55 AM

Sermon Series: Mission Illumination:

Lighting Lives with the Promises of Advent

CALL TO WORSHIP

Greetings and Announcements Tim Marsh

Leader: The Lord is Risen!

People: He is Risen indeed! Lighting the Acolyte Candles

Lighting the Candle of Peace Bob Harrison and JoAnn Maxey

Adult Choir “Come, Lord Jesus, Come” Raney

Jane Simpson, Handbells

Litany Peace

Leader: Advent is marked by a spirit of yearning for peace.

All: May the world be filled with the peace of Christ.

Leader: We long today for peace among nations..

All: May the world be filled with the peace of Christ.

Leader: We long today for peace among races.

All: May the world be filled with the peace of Christ.

Leader: We long today for peace in our hearts and in our lives

All: May the world be filled with the peace of Christ.

Prayer

*Hymn 132 “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” CAROL

*Invocation John Blanton

REMEMBER AND GIVE THANKS

Children’s Message Jessica Godfrey

Local Missions Moment Leslie Canipe

Morning Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer John Miller

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil:

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever.

Amen.

*Hymn of Offertory 84 BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN

“The People Who in Darkness Walked”

*Scripture and Prayer of Offertory 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 Hannah Parker

Offertory

HEAR AND RESPOND TO THE WORD

The Written Word Tim Marsh an John Miller

Luke 1:67-80, Isaiah 40:1-11; Romans 8:18-25

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God.

Anthem “O Savior, Open Heaven Wide” Purifoy

O Savior, open heaven wide. Bend down, bend down and hear our cry.

From deep within these prison walls in dark despair, on You we call.

No fortress ever made of stone so cruel as one of flesh and bone,

Held captive by our spirit’s pain and shackled by our guilt and shame.

From darkness bring us into Light,

From worldly depth to heaven’s height.

Release us from our solitude and bring us ever near to You.

O come and open heaven wide.

Come down, come down, come to our side.

Appear at every prison door to set us free forevermore.

Come open every prison door. O set us free, set us free.

O set us free forevermore. CCLI#1858884

The Spoken Word “Peace for the Distressed” Tim Marsh

*Hymn 107 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ST. LOUIS

(We invite all who desire to make public professions of faith or transfer

church membership to do so at this time. And, we encourage all with

special prayer needs to pray with the pastor or pray silently at the altar

for personal or intercessory prayer needs.)

GO FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE *Benediction

*Departing Song (80) “Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love” BAUGH

Hope, peace, joy, and love! These are gifts You bring from above.

Jesus, Emmanuel, come to be light of Your peace, reflected in me. CCLI#1858884

*Postlude

*Congregation Standing

2017 Advent/Christmas Calendar

Sunday, December 10—10:55 AM service—Second Sunday of Advent

Sermon: “Peace for the Distressed”

Sunday, December 10—6:00 PM—”Invitation to a Miracle” by Joseph

M. Martin. Our Sanctuary Choir will present this beautiful

Christmas musical with small orchestra and narration.

Wednesday, December 13 –6:30 PM—Children’s Christmas Program/

Jesus’ Birthday Party Presented by the children’s choirs and

followed by a Birthday party for Jesus with Santa in attendance!

Sunday, December 17—10:55 AM service—Third Sunday of Advent

Sermon: “Joy for the Depressed”

Sunday, December 17 –6:00 PM service—Moravian Lovefeast

Come and enjoy this traditional service which includes scripture

reading, fellowship, music, souvenir beeswax candle lighting,

and authentic Moravian buns and sweetened coffee. Our new

organist, Ken West, will be our featured musician for the

evening.

Sunday, December 24—10:55 AM service—Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sermon: “Love for the Deserted”

Sunday, December 24—7:00 PM—Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight

Service Come and bring your family and make this special

service part of your family Christmas tradition. This beautiful

service is full of music, scripture, and a special baptism!

POINSETTIAS

In Memory Of: Given by: Bill Page ................................................................. Bryson & Jamie Morgan Claude & Wanda Hawkins ................................ Claudia & Larry Reichart .................................................................................. Randy & Cathy Hawkins Kent Geer............................................................... Marjorie Geer Jim Pyatt ................................................................ The Pyatt Family Larry Pyatt ............................................................ The Pyatt Family Leroy Mull............................................................. Madalyn, Mackenzie, George & Janet Dr. Joe Don Hughes ........................................... Madalyn, Mackenzie, George & Janet Charles & Kathryne Simpson ........................... Jane Tip Carpenter ....................................................... Scott Carpenter H. Mal & Ruth S. Wilson .................................. Tince Wilson Ferguson Jim Camper ............................................................ The Family Jackie Farmer ........................................................ Kay, Sue, Jerry Alan Jones .............................................................. Bob & Pat Jones Margaret & Forest Edwards ............................ Priscilla & Steve McBrayer Dad & Mom ........................................................... Doug & Betty Gilbert Dad & Mom ........................................................... Bill & Malissa Hawkins Dad & Mom ........................................................... Bob & Carolyn Keever B. R. & Ruth Earney ........................................... The Family Dixon & Willie Hawkins ................................... The Family Harold Thompson ............................................... Christine Thompson Phyllis McKinnon ................................................ Griggs & Debbie McKinnon Dr. J. M. McKinnon ............................................ Griggs & Debbie McKinnon James McKinnon .................................................. Griggs & Debbie McKinnon Mr. James T. Pollock .......................................... Griggs & Debbie McKinnon Bill Page ................................................................. Lib Page Bettie & Ray Morris ............................................ Henry Giles Martha & Howard Carpenter ........................... Henry Giles My Parents ............................................................ Camille Wheeler Club Jones .............................................................. Martha Jones Charlotte & Frank McMahan ........................... Barbara & David Aiken Ernest & Agnes Wolke ...................................... Richard & Pamela Wolke Charles & Constance Flynn .............................. Richard & Pamela Wolke Bill Robbins ........................................................... Brenda & Ronnie Wilson Col. Calvin O. Wilson ......................................... Brenda & Ronnie Wilson Nell Moore Wilson ............................................. Brenda & Ronnie Wilson Herman & Marge Green .................................... Pat & Eddie Bennett Howard & Mae Wood Bennett ........................ Pat & Eddie Bennett Lyna & Johnie Carnegie ..................................... Dot Carnegie

In Honor Of: Given by: Hilda Mull ............................................................. Madalyn, Mackenzie, George & Janet Nancy M. Giles .................................................... Henry Giles Pearl Robbins........................................................ Brenda & Ronnie Wilson Easter Hughes ...................................................... Dot Carnegie Jean Carpenter ...................................................... Scott Carpenter