In this issue:

Are You Ready?

Church Staff Gift Tree

1

Are You Ready? concluded 2

Christmas Eve Service 3

Christmas Poinsettias

December Church Calendar

Church Open House

4

5

Are you ready?Are you ready?

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The Messenger

The Messenger

The Messenger

D E C E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 1 2 V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4 5

Youth Ministries

College Ministries

6

Children’s Ministries

Kids’ Choir Special Schedule

Family Cookout & Hayride

7

Ministries

Contact Information

8

Are you ready? In preparation for the end of the world on December 21, 2012 at the end of the 5,125-year Mayan cycle

known as the Long Count, there has been panic buying of candles and essentials reported in China and Russia. In the United States,

there is a sudden surge of demands for survival kits. The Associated Press reports two Chinese businessmen each building

an ark that will survive what they anticipate is a worldwide flood of Noahic proportions.

More from Lakan on page 2

CHURCH STAFF CHRISTMAS LOVE GIFTS! At this time of year when we are remembering those who have been a blessing to us throughout the year, we want to include our church staff. The Personnel Committee has chosen to do something different this year!

On Sunday, Dec. 16th, a tree will be placed in the Sanctuary Foyer. Between now and then, we invite you to collect cards, money gifts,

presents, food items, etc. and bring them on the 16th to place on and around the tree. At the end of the Children’s Program on the evening of the 16th, we will present our staff with the gifts that you have given. Our staff will share all that you so generously give!

If you have any questions, please contact Kandi Pool or any member of the Personnel Committee.

Our Staff: Lakan Mariano, Pastor Philip Cross, Family & Education Pastor Ryan Connel, Student Pastor Micah Mariano, Worship Pastor Cindy Hickey, Ministry Assistant Sue Harrison, Pianist

Mary Lou Fuller, Organist Mike Lee, Sound Engineer

Are You Ready? Continued

Date setting about the end of the world or the return of Jesus Christ has

been going on for a long time. Christians should rely and trust what the Bible says. Jesus tells us to “keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). Earlier in that same dialogue with his disciples Jesus tells them, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).

Jesus did tell his disciples then and we know from the Bible's account that there are signs of his coming and the end of the age. What he is emphatic about is that no one knows that exact day nor hour, and that

his followers must always be ready for his return. “So you must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:44).

Being ready has nothing to do with candles and essentials and survival kits. The first question everyone must answer in being ready is, “Do I know Jesus Christ as my savior and my Lord?” If you are not sure of how to answer this, talk to your Sunday school teacher, your BodyLife Group leader, or talk to one of our elders and staff. And if you can answer this with an unequivocal “Yes,” then the next question you need to consider

is, “Am I ready to be judged by the Lord for works I have done as a Christian?” Jesus did not save us to simply give us a ticket to heaven. He gave us the task being his witnesses and of making disciples of all nations. Our preparation for Jesus' return has to do with how faithful we are in being about the Lord's work.

There is a story told about St. Francis of Assisi being asked what he would be doing if he knew Christ would be coming back that day. Francis was hoeing his garden and without bothering to look up to address the person, he simply replied, “Hoeing.” He had that confidence that he had been about the Lord's work and therefore was not going to change anything. I do not know if that story is true or not, but each of us should have the confidence that we are about the Lord's work. And we are ready and always joyfully anticipating seeing our Lord Jesus face to face. And we should be like the Apostle John when the Lord Jesus told him that “Yes, I am coming quickly” responded, “Yes! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)

Yes! Come, Lord Jesus! Lakan

CCHRISTMASHRISTMAS MMEMORIALEMORIAL PPOINSETTIASOINSETTIAS GGIVENIVEN::

Given By:

Bob & Lucille Gilliam in memory of Ida Belle Gilliam

Bob & Lucille Gilliam in memory of Alice Hunter

Jean McSwain in memory of Ross McSwain

Nelson Word in memory of Mr. & Mrs. L. L. Word

December Calendar Events: 1st— Monthly Men’s Breakfast at 7AM

God’s Gardeners’ Class Party at the Pool’s home

3rd— Women’s Ministry Cookie Baking Night (6PM in Fellowship Hall)

4th— Final Fall Precept (introduction to 2 Timothy)

7th— Final Redeeming Marriage Conference Session at 6:30PM

8th— Monthly Women’s Breakfast at 8AM

Youth One Day Retreat: Unity Project

Still Young Adults Class Party at the Weber’s home

Work in Progress Class Party at Gayle Bryan’s home

9th— College Graduation Recognitions

BodyLife Christmas Parties

11th— Church Office Christmas Open House (10AM—2PM)

12th— Youth Christmas Caroling at Nursing Home

15th— Children’s Cookout and Hayride 5-7PM

16th— Kids Choir Musical “Signs of Christmas” at 5PM

followed by Christmas Fellowship in the Foyer

(everyone bring your favorite Christmas Goodies to share!)

19th— Love and Joy Class Party at 11:30AM at Zentner’s Daughter

AWANA Baby Shower for Jesus at 6PM

Youth Christmas Party at 6PM

24th— Church office closed

Christmas Eve Service at 6PM

25th— Have a Blessed Christmas!

Church office closed

26th— Family Week (No Evening Activities)

30th— Agape Sunday

31st— Church office closed

Youth New Year’s Eve Lock In

1st— Church office closed

Thanks so very much to all those who helped us have such a

wonderful Open House this week! We appreciate each of

you who provided food and a special thanks to those who

jumped in and helped with setup and cleanup, and to those

who were so hospitable to our friends at Crockett by taking

time to sit down and visit with them!

YOUTH MINISTRIESYOUTH MINISTRIES

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM CHBC Upstairs

Home Groups: Sundays at 6:00PM Various Homes

Outbreak: Wednesdays at 6:00PM CHBC Upstairs

Weekly Meetings

COLLEGE MINISTRIES WEEKLY MEETINGS:

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM (in the College Room)

Home Groups: Sundays at 6:00PM (Various Homes)

Pause: Wednesdays at 8:00PM (Siefker’s Home-1734 Weston) FMI: Contact Ryan Connel at 227-1778 or church office at 949-5788

We will present our Christmas Musical “Signs of Christmas” on Sunday evening, December 16th at 5PM in the sanctuary. Afterwards we will enjoy a time of good food and fun in the Foyer with our families and friends! Come and bring your favorite Christmas sweets to share with everyone.

Children’s Choir Practice Schedule: Sunday, Dec. 2nd—5:00-7:45PM Sunday, Dec. 9th—5:00-7:45PM Saturday, Dec. 15th—10AM-1PM (bring $2 for pizza!)

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS COOKOUT & HAYRIDE When: Saturday, Dec. 15th 5-7PM Where: 6286 Stokes Rd (home of Greg & Laura Jackson) Bring: Your own drinks & s’more making ingredients Hot dogs & chips will be provided! RSVP to Stacy Stephenson at 325-212-3932

WEEKLY MEETINGS:

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM Classes for all ages Preschool—5th Grade Kids on Fire Choir: Sundays at 6:00PM CHBC AWANA room Grades K-5th Grade AWANA Clubs: Wednesdays at 6:00PM Preschool—5th Grade FMI: Contact Philip Cross at 277-7980 or the Church office 949-5788

Club Calendar: 12-12—Combined Christmas Shop! 12-19—Baby Shower for Jesus

HOW TO CONTACT US:

By Mail: College Hills Baptist Church 2102 Johnson Ave San Angelo TX 76904

By Phone: 325.949.5788

By Fax: 325.949.6877

By Email: info@collegehillsbc.org

Online: www.collegehillsbc.org

Look us up on: YOUR CHURCH STAFF:

Lakan Mariano: Senior Pastor

Philip Cross: Family & Education Pastor

Ryan Connel: Pastor to Students

Micah Mariano: Worship Pastor

Cynthia Hickey: Ministry Assistant

CHURCH OFFICE

HOURS: Monday—Thursday:

8:30AM—4:00PM Friday:

9:00AM—4:00PM Lunch Break:

Noon— 1:00PM

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ELDERS AND DEACONS: These men are responsible for hospital visitation and are available to anyone who has needs. Elder Fred Rike…….…...227-4208 Deacon John Bilberry……....942-1012 Elder Rex Stephenson.942-9537 Deacon Charles Harrison....653-4386 Elder Andrew Siefker…212-4410 Deacon Jerry Walls………..…944-1876

We appreciate all our extended session workers. Please be in your place by 10:20AM so you can be there before the children arrive. Please call Cathy Blair at 405-496-5769 if you are unable to work your extended session or if you have any questions.

1’s and 2’s: 3’s & 4’s: 12-02 Cami Mariano/Bethany Cross B Haskins/Valton Lewallen 12-09 Jackson/Allie Rike Ashley Minor/Avery Brown 12-16 Brittany Guevara/Cameron Cross Brad & Michon Grissom

EXTENDED SESSION WORKERS:

Agape Sunday, Dec. 30th:Agape Sunday, Dec. 30th:Agape Sunday, Dec. 30th:

Remember to bring

nonperishable food items for

our Agape Ministry.

We will also be receiving an

offering for our Agape Ministry

to assist those in need.