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Newsletter of the Mill Creek Baptist Church, 11475 Lee Highway, Fincastle, VA 24090, (540) 992-3474, mcreekbap@rbnet.com

Thoughts from Pastor Brady

Living Boldly for Jesus

Revelation 12:11 “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

I’ve got a book titled “131 Christians Everyone Should Know”. It has names like Athanasius, who lived from 296 AD to 373 AD. He was a very influential theologian. There is also Augustine of Hippo who lived about 100 years later in North Africa. There are so many names, I’m sure that all are known by at least one person in our congregation. Names include leaders of nations, great evangelists (like Billy Graham), pastors and preachers, musicians, poets, founders of denominations, missionaries and scientists.

Their professions span the gamut of life but there is one group that is separate from all the rest. These are the martyrs, those who gave their life for Jesus. Being a martyr is not a profession or a vocation. Professions and vocations are ways in which people live their lives, putting food on the table, a roof over the head, clothes on their back, and so forth. Being a martyr is dying to this world – but it is always living in the next.

Christian martyrs are not like what other religions might call martyrs. For example, there is the story of Perpetua. She lived about 100 years before Athanasius and it can be said, I think without any exaggeration, that because of martyrs like Perpetua, Athanasius and so many others were able to do what they did in their lifetimes. We are able to do what we do.

Roman law declared being a Christian illegal and punishable by death. Some traditions of this story have Perpetua turning herself in, but regardless, she refused to recant her faith in Jesus and was taken to the stadium for the wild beasts to tear apart. What made her story so compelling to the population was that she was also a new mother. In spite of this fact, by showing such composure and trust in God in her refusal even to the point of her martyrdom, she helped change the course of history. We should be glad for what she did for we are still riding on the wave of the splash in history she and those like her made.

She didn’t murder anyone to make her point. She just refused to deny Jesus – no matter what. Then for that, she was executed in front of thousands but when those thousands saw the peace with which she faced her death, they were changed. Eventually the Roman Empire stopped persecuting Christians and embraced Christ. Athanasius and many after would rest on the shoulders of the giant witness of Perpetua who was unafraid of martyrdom.

Today, we read in the news of men and women who claim to be martyrs for their beliefs. They are murdering thousands of people, including many Christians, in Syria, Libya and other Middle East countries. What more can we do than they but to refuse to deny our faith and be willing to give a witness to the world around us? So many have gone before and paid the ultimate price. Let’s not hide from the price we pay in our lives – for indeed, our price is not in giving our lives. Let us live boldly for Jesus.

God Bless you,

Pastor Brady

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8:30 Service Nursery Workers August 7 Cheryl Ratliff August 14 Kim Lawrence August 21 Debbie Rago August 28 Karleen Fringer

10:45 Service Nursery Workers August 7 Pat Wertz & Beth Radford August 14 Don & Rachel Epperly August 21 Cindy Markham August 28 Tom Moore & Lara Lee Strickler

Mission Friends Workers

August 7 Justin & Nikki Cook August 14 Joanna Lanoue August 21 Melanie & Olivia Thacker August 28 Molly & Greg Marshall

Kids on Mission Workers

August 7 Mark & Nora Bryant August 14 J. R. Graybill August 21 J. R. Graybill August 28 J. R. Graybill

August Greeters

August 7 Ric & Sharon Anderson August 14 Molly Marshall August 21 Molly Marshall August 28 Molly Marshall

August Counting Committee Bubby & Janet Entsminger, Mary Lynne Harris

SS Early 10:45am Regular Building

Worship Worship Offering Fund

July 3 NR 128 129 $13,006.00 $2,205.00 July 10 117 48 129 $7,437.00 $1,975.00 July 17 141 80 110 $7,757.00 $943.00 July 24 119 60 166 $5,903.00 $659.00

Happy August Birthday! 1 Doris Alderson

2 Jenna Humphries

Donna Mack

Ashley Tiller

Suzanne Ward

3 Lara Lee Strickler

4 David Winebrenner

5 Thomas Ryan

Sandy Williamson

6 Courtney Peery

8 Brad Isbel

Bradley Goad

9 Sissy Austin

10 Nora Bryant

12 Isobel Dickerson

13 Rhudy Camper

Jordan Downhour

Helen Pannell

14 Bill Wagner

Amy Miller

Guy Conner

15 Janet Entsminger

16 Beth Deel

Marcia Neighbors

17 Andi Kreklow

18 Cheryl Rodger

Karen McLaurin

20 Cindie Hayden

Thomas Wilson

23 Linda Newcomb

24 Samantha Hayden Gilmore

27 Skylar Elkins

Brett Hensley

Karen Lee

Alexis Chocklett

29 Dana Fair

Donna Spencer-Martin

30 Brice Towle

31 Mary Lynne Harris

Don Crook

Olivia Simmons

Mary Painter

Our Stewardship

Happy August Anniversary! 6 Ben & Melina Marshall

7 Paul & Dana Kreklow

9 Kevin & Amanda Marshall

11 Ralph & Gail McCampbell

12 Andy & Carolyn Shotwell

13 Rob & Sheila States

17 Luke & Carol Winand

19 J.D. & Aileen Robinson

25 Chad & Cherie Neighbors

27 Chad & Laura Epperly

28 Tom & Sandy Moore

29 Aaron & Jenna Humphries

Wednesday Night Menus

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This was the 12th year for our “Botetourt Sports Camp” at Limestone Park. It was great to stand there and look out over the park and see the 200 children and teenagers enjoying the fun, fellowship, and God’s great outdoors. As the week went on, there were many parents and grandparents that came up to me and thanked us for doing this camp to shower God’s love on their children. The days consisted of rotating through sports like, football, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading, tennis, basketball, and baseball. They also got to swim in the pool. Then each day at 1pm, we would stop and have lunch. Sharon Coleman from Buchanan Baptist organized all of the lunches, and did a great job. Also Camp Eagle served lunch one day and delivered the message. Al Soltis, (Roanoke Valley FCA director) came and shared his testimony one day also. Our focus this week was, “What’s your story?” We talked about how people are watching us every day and how our daily lives can either encourage or discourage them to live for Christ. On Thursday, Sammy Fry, (Special guest from Camp Eagle) gave the message and gave the children a chance to receive Christ and 35 to 40 prayed to make Jesus Lord and Savior of their lives. It was a great week and I would like to thank everyone that had a part in helping to make it happen.

The last week of July there were 25 senior high students and adults that went to Greenville, SC. on a mission trip. We worked at the Frazee Dream Center helping with the children and also doing any clean up or remodeling they needed. We also went to the Project Host Soup Kitchen in Greer, Sc. At the soup kitchen, we helped organize food, clean, and also served the people that come there to eat. This was the 8th year that we have gone to Greenville to work. We have built some great friendships with the staff and the children.

Well it is time for probably the most important mission trip that we will go on, the local schools. Yes, it is time for school to start and the students, teachers and administration are going to be watching and listening to see what God has and is doing in your life. Be sure to remember that there are people you see at school each day that need to see Christ being real in and through your life. So surround yourself with friends to hold you accountable and that will also support and pray for you. Get involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, and other Christian clubs at school. Then also, make church activities and Bible studies a priority so that you will continue to grow in your faith. I understand that life is busy but we all need to be intentional about our spiritual growth. After such a great summer I am looking forward to a great school year.

Please mark your calendars and be sure to come to the revival on August 21-23. Our friend Craig Tackett will be preaching Sunday morning and evening, Monday evening, and Tuesday evening. Please be sure to be praying for Craig in these days leading up to the revival.

God Bless, JR

Labor Day Family Camp-Out Camp Do What You Wanna! Family Campout is planned for Labor Day weekend, starting on Friday night, September 2nd. Come join us for all the festivities: swimming, movies, floating the river, fishing, bonfire, great fellowship and lots of other family fun. The cost is $25 per family. See or contact Luke Winand @ 540-798-7367 to reserve your spot.

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MUSIC NOTES……MUSIC NOTES……MUSIC NOTES……MUSIC NOTES…… I am so excited that it is time to go to my Choral Conference! I'm taking Marcia

Neighbors and Shirley Holdren, too. They are so involved in our music and drama ministry

that I believe they will get just as much out of the conference as I do. My friend Cheri

Williams from Lynn Haven Baptist is also going with us again this year. We will leave on

Wednesday, August 3rd and return on Saturday night, August 6th. We will travel to

Spartanburg, SC where we will be learning new music, attending workshops and

worshipping at First Baptist Church. It is a wonderful time of renewal for our spiritual and

musical well being. I thank the church so much for allowing us all to go this year. We covet

your prayers for safe travel and to sense God's presence while we are there.

We will begin Adult Choir practice on Wednesday, August 17th at 7:35pm. All Wednesday night activities

begin that same night, so it's a great time to join us. You do not have to read music to sing with us. We are

truly a choir family and we welcome new members ANYTIME! We will be working on new music, so everyone

will be starting on the same level. We will also be getting ready for singing at the Revival. So don’t be afraid to

come and check us out!

Merry Christmas! I have been listening to Christmas music all summer. I will make my final decision after

my conference. We will begin practicing for our Christmas music on Wednesday, August 24th at 7:35pm. Please

be praying and asking God if He would have you join us this year (I'm pretty sure he will say YES). This is a great

way to be involved for a short time to see if the choir is something you would like to do on a regular basis. I

know we learn and sing the music to spread the good news of Jesus’ birth but you will be very blessed in the

process of learning it yourself.

Our Youth Praise and Drama team will begin meeting on Wednesday, August 17th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Considering our Mill Creek kid's busy schedules, we will be offering our Fall Whole-Notes Choir in a different

way this year. There will be more information to come about events that our K-5th grade children can be

involved in to share their musical and dramatic talents. Half-Notes will continue to meet during Mission Friends

in 10:45 service on Sundays.

Please mark Sunday, August 21st thru Tuesday, August 23rd on your calendars. You don't want to miss our

revival with guest speaker Craig Tackett! He is a dynamic speaker who will capture everyone's attention from

young to not so young. We will have some great special music and congregational singing too.

Psalms 33: 3 “Sing a new song to Him; play skillfully on the strings, with a joyful shout."

For His Glory

Cindie

Wednesday Night DinnersWednesday Night DinnersWednesday Night DinnersWednesday Night Dinners Wednesday night meals will be starting again August 17th. The month of August will be potluck and there is no charge for pot-luck meals. Beginning in September, there will be a menu for each week in the Dove and Sunday bulletins and on our web-site. It is important to sign up for the prepared meals on the

fellowship pads each Sunday or by calling the church office so we know how many to cook for. The charge for prepared meals is $4 for adults and $2 for each child with a maximum amount of $12 per family. Please remember that we use the honor system for payment of your meal and that the money received pays for the food used to prepare the meal. The last Wednesday of the month and business meetings are always potluck. On potluck nights, we ask that you bring enough food for your family plus one so that we will have plenty for everyone including any visitors.

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From the Deacons’ Desk The deacons have joined the majority of the church body in reading the devotional book, “Draw the Circle”. A 40 day prayer journey, undertaken to improve our prayer lives and to prepare our hearts for the Revival service soon to come.

The Bible warns us against complacency, a life that does not bear fruit. Revival helps to resuscitate spiritual life.

The evidence of revival is a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers and changed lives. Believers are once again spending time in prayer and reading and obeying God’s Word. Believers begin to powerfully use their spiritual gifts. It gives one the power to live in the world but not of the world.

Revelation 2:10-11 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 3:11 – I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Rob States Vice Chair

TUESDAY NIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT TUESDAY NIGHT PRAYER CIRCLEPRAYER CIRCLEPRAYER CIRCLEPRAYER CIRCLE

Our August Tuesday Night Prayer Circle will meet on August 2, 16 , and 30 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Randy Daniels Room for a devotional; following which, the attendees will have a choice of meditation and prayer with music, prayer walking, or group prayer. Please join

us as we pray for revival for ourselves and our families, church, community, and beyond. We are certainly seeing dark times in our nation and in the world: some churches are turning against the teachings of the Bible and pursuing what is right in their own eyes; our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers as they are facing severe persecution; and, we witness acts of hate and terrorism weekly. If ever we needed to turn to Almighty God, it is now. While God alone can bring revival, we can prepare our hearts to receive His grace through repentance and sincere prayer. Meeting with others to pray is uplifting and encouraging. As we share the burdens the Holy Spirit lays on our hearts, we are

drawn together in a bond of love and fellowship that is very powerful.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the

midst of them." Matthew 18:20 KJV

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Draw the CircleDraw the CircleDraw the CircleDraw the Circle We pray that you are enjoying Draw the Circle, 40 Day Prayer Challenge, and find it enriching your prayer lives with new stories and guidance to prayer. Day five strongly encourages us to keep a prayer journal so that we can “connect the dots between [our] prayers and God’s answers.” The author tells us he has found that keeping a journal is essential for him as it has increased and inspired his faith. We are all prone to forget - sometimes our blessings while we remember the hurts. He considers journaling “one of the most overlooked and undervalued spiritual disciplines…on a par with praying, fasting and

meditating. It’s the way we document what God is doing in our lives.” Have you started journaling? If not, let’s start so that we can look back after the Challenge and see what God has done!

Then the LORD said to me, "Write my answer plainly on tablets” Habbakkuk 2:2 NLT

If you haven’t joined us, it’s not too late! Contact the office for a book – 992-3474 or mcreekbap@rbnet.com.

Leisure Time Fellowship The August trip for the Leisure Time Fellowship to Wohlfahrt Haus is sold out.

Our trip for Thursday, September 8th will be to The Inn at Virginia Tech. We will leave the church at 10:30. Please contact Sarah Spencer 992-1367 or Pat Wertz 520-5776 for your reservation as soon as possible.

Rugging Dates August 11 & 18

Join the Ruggers on Thursdays, August 11th and 18th at 6:30pm on the porch at Brugh’s Mill for c r o c h e t i n g ,

chatting, and laughing. Ice cream eating is optional! Contact Judy Deel if you have questions.

Town Hall MeetingTown Hall MeetingTown Hall MeetingTown Hall Meeting Sunday, August 7Sunday, August 7Sunday, August 7Sunday, August 7

2:00pm2:00pm2:00pm2:00pm The purpose of this meeting will be to address any questions or concerns regarding the Baptist Faith & Message 2000.

The Prayer Blanket Ministry Team would like to thank everyone for their support of this ministry which brings the love and comfort of Christ to those going through difficulties. The team will go back to

their regular schedule of the first and third Mondays in August. Please join us at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall.

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Wednesday EveningsWednesday EveningsWednesday EveningsWednesday Evenings 6:306:306:306:30----7:30pm7:30pm7:30pm7:30pm

Beginning August 17Beginning August 17Beginning August 17Beginning August 17

Financial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace University In this nine-week class, you’ll learn Dave Ramsey’s seven easy-to-follow Baby Steps to create a budget, get out of debt, and make a plan for your money! Pastor Brady will be leading this class.

Experiencing GodExperiencing GodExperiencing GodExperiencing God Written by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, and Claude King, the Experiencing God Bible Study is based on the Experiencing God book, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Through examination of biblical and contemporary illustrations, partici-pants will understand and apply seven realities of experiencing God. This class will be led by J D Robinson.

Kingdom ManKingdom ManKingdom ManKingdom Man In Kingdom Man, Tony Evans challenges and equips men to fully understand their po-sition under God as well as their position over what God has given them. It provides concepts men can follow that will help them to actively pursue ways to maximize and develop the character qualities of biblical manhood in their lives. Kevin Peery will lead this study.

Women’s StudyWomen’s StudyWomen’s StudyWomen’s Study A women’s study will also be offered. It will be led by Joanna Lanoue. Watch the Sunday bulletins for more information!

If you would like to participate in any of the above classes, please sign up by calling or emailing the church office at 992-3474 or mcreekbap@rbnet.com so we know how many books to purchase for each class.

Family Worship ServiceFamily Worship ServiceFamily Worship ServiceFamily Worship Service Sunday Evenings Beginning August 28Sunday Evenings Beginning August 28Sunday Evenings Beginning August 28Sunday Evenings Beginning August 28

6:30pm6:30pm6:30pm6:30pm Worshiping TogetherWorshiping TogetherWorshiping TogetherWorshiping Together

Strengthening Faith TogetherStrengthening Faith TogetherStrengthening Faith TogetherStrengthening Faith Together This hour long family-oriented service will include singing, a short

devotion, scripture & Bible learning, and prayer. Bring your children

(all ages are welcome) and join us for this special time of worship!

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August 17—Potluck

August 24—Potluck

August 31—Potluck

Join us for RevivalJoin us for RevivalJoin us for RevivalJoin us for Revival SundaySundaySundaySunday————TuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesday August 21, 22 & 23August 21, 22 & 23August 21, 22 & 23August 21, 22 & 23

7:00pm7:00pm7:00pm7:00pm Guest Speaker:Guest Speaker:Guest Speaker:Guest Speaker: Craig TackettCraig TackettCraig TackettCraig Tackett

Craig Tackett is the pastor of Nicholasville Baptist Church in

Nicholasville, KY. Craig has a talent for communicating the Gospel in a way that is real and relatable for everyone. His passion is connecting people to Jesus in such a way that they

are able to develop a hunger for their own pursuit of an authentic and personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. Craig is married to Jamie, a business manager at

Clinique. He also has two children, his daughter Tyler is 12, and his son Taycin is 6.

Our New Youth PastorOur New Youth PastorOur New Youth PastorOur New Youth Pastor We are delighted to report to the church that Brandon

Minter has been called to Mill Creek as the Youth Pastor.

He begins his official duties on the 1st of August. We are

excited about how God is at work and at what He will do

through Brandon and Mill Creek together. Please give

Brandon and his wife, Ashley, a wonderful welcome

when you see them at church on their first Sunday with

us, August 7.

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Mill Creek on Mission in Our Community

• Many have traveled to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia in recent weeks to help with the cleanup of the devastation created by the massive flooding. Work has been done in homes and at White Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Much more needs to be done. If you would like to volunteer, contact the church office and let Sandra know when you might be available.

• Thanks to the generosity of many in our church and community a 28 foot trailer was filled to the brim with items needed to help the flood victims in the Greenbrier community. Supplies were delivered to St Thomas Episcopal Church in White Sulfur Springs and will be distributed to outlying areas that are most in need.

• On July 21, members of our two mission groups provided lunch for participants of the Backpack Ministry of Orchard Hills Church at Limestone Park. The children enjoyed swimming at Limestone Park several times this summer. In addition to their summer activities, Orchard Hills offers homework help to these children throughout the school year.

Abby & Maisy Cook join by profession of faith & baptism. Their address is 3005 Trinity Road, Troutville, VA 24175.

Ashleigh & Eli Johnson join by profession of faith & baptism. Their address is 250 Timber Ridge Road, Fincastle, VA 24090.

Simeon Lanoue joins by profession of faith & baptism. His address is 230 Pine Haven Road, Fincastle, VA 24090.

Our church family rejoices in their decisions.

Dear Church Family,

Thank you very much for everything that was done for me during my

surgery and the lengthy stay at Carrington Place. I appreciate all the

prayers, phone calls, food, and flowers. I was very touched by the many

visits and so appreciate the love and concern shown. Thank you again!

Gloria Strickler

Many thanks to those who donated to provide pillows and pillowcases for the native

Americans on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. More than $200 in cash and

gift cards and over 50 pillowcases were given. These were distributed to children

the last week of July by the WMU of Virginia. Pillows and pillowcases were given

at Ft Yates where our Mill Creek team served and at Kenel where Bob and Beth

Hetherington worked.

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Alaska Mission Trip 2016

It's 3:30 am, Sunday, July 10th with eight excited volunteers preparing to leave and serve with missionary Brenda Crim with Alaska Missions. The team was welcomed by several sleepy eyed church family members to send us off. We had great flights and good connections. (Thank you for the travel prayers.)

Once arriving in Anchorage and after gathering the luggage, the team stopped for a quick lunch and devo-tions. Devotion emphasis this day was, "open my eyes Lord, reveal to me what you want me to see". We started our drive along the Seward Highway corridor but this drive is never the same. Yes, the road travels to the same destination, but what you see is different each time. This time the team was greeted by Dall sheep high on the mountainside and mountain goats on the end of the cliff. How awesome! We arrived at the lodge for a quick night's sleep before we were up starting a new day. This day was a day of rest, sight-seeing and devotions. The devotions shared this day was, everyone has different gifts. We were challenged and asked are you using the gifts God gave you to the best of your abilities? Tuesday, we fished and ab-sorbed all of God's beauty. Devotions came from I Corinthians13 with the emphasis on verse 16, - faith hope and love – and the greatest of these is love. Wednesday morning we left Seward for Kenai with devotions and a special prayer for each team member with a sprinkling of water from Resurrection Bay. Once we arrived in Kenai we never stopped. There was always food to prepare. We served over 1650 meals in 5 days. Each day started at 5:15 am (or before) and never ended until midnight or later.

Team devotions continued while in Kenai, and ranged from Ryan sharing God's creation from Nehemiah 9:6 You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything. To the Lord giving you peace and comfort for trouble hearts. And from Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Lastly, we were asked and challenged, "Have you made a difference"?

So we ask you, have you made a difference? Are your eyes opened for God? Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Have you received the peace only God can give you? Do you use the gifts God has given you? Do you live by 1Corinthians 13:16, faith, hope and love; with the greatest being love.

Blessings to you all!

Your 2016 Alaska Mission Team

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Adult Choir practice Adult Choir practice Adult Choir practice Adult Choir practice

begins begins begins begins

Wednesday, August 17 Wednesday, August 17 Wednesday, August 17 Wednesday, August 17

@ 7:35 pm@ 7:35 pm@ 7:35 pm@ 7:35 pm

Christmas Cantata Debut Christmas Cantata Debut Christmas Cantata Debut Christmas Cantata Debut

Wednesday, August 24Wednesday, August 24Wednesday, August 24Wednesday, August 24

@ 7:35pm @ 7:35pm @ 7:35pm @ 7:35pm

Fried Chicken DinnerFried Chicken DinnerFried Chicken DinnerFried Chicken Dinner Fundraiser for Limestone Park

Sunday, August 28

4:00–7:00pm Everyone is invited to come and enjoy a fried ch icken d inner at Limestone Park under the pavilion on Sunday, August 28 from 4–7pm. The dinner includes fried chicken, two

vegetables (green beans and mashed potatoes), bread and drink. Meals are $8.00 each and you can dine in or carry out. Homemade desserts will be available for an additional charge. Come enjoy a time of fellowship beside the river before the park closes for the season. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Contact Tommy Moore, Nancy Epp e r l y , R ich a r d S impson o r Pa t Shotwell for tickets.

Changing a Child’s Life with Christian EducationChanging a Child’s Life with Christian EducationChanging a Child’s Life with Christian EducationChanging a Child’s Life with Christian Education It’s back to school time! As summer break is quickly coming to an

end, the first day of school is just around the corner! Here in the states,

we all know every child will be in school somewhere as it is not an option

not to attend school.

However the parents in the Brisas community of Santa Domingo

never know if their children will be going to school until Pastor Ernan

hears from Mill Creek Baptist Church. If enough money is raised and a

child gets sponsored to go to school at Brisas, their parents can be

confident they will receive a hot lunch and maybe their only meal of the

day, as well as a snack, along with a quality education in a clean, safe and loving CHRISTIAN environment. And,

so they wait to hear from Pastor Ernan to see if there is a place at Brisas preschool for their child.

The cost of schooling is $300 per year for each preschooler and this includes tuition, uniforms, supplies,

snack and hot lunch. However, a donation of any amount will bless the lives of the Haitian and Dominican

children in the Brisas community. A gift of $10 or $25 will go a long way to help educate and feed many

preschool children a day!

Thanks so much for those who have already sent up prayers for this mission, made a donation or

sponsored a child ! If you have yet to make a donation but would like to do so, please make your check to Mill

Creek Baptist Church and note DR in memo section. The little ones and their families at Brisas as well as The DR

Mission Team can’t thank you enough!

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Fall Ministry Kickoff

& Mission Luncheon

Sunday, August 21 Our 3rd Sunday Luncheon for August will be

our annual fundraiser for Mill Creek Child Care to help raise money for new playground

equipment. The menu will be Carolina style BBQ with all the fixings.

Sunday, August 21, will also be a kickoff of our church’s fall ministries for all ages. We will

have activities for the entire family and would love your participation. Along with the

luncheon, we will have a photo booth for fun pictures and inflatable games for the children.

We will also have a car show. If you or a friend have a motorcycle or a car you would like to

show, we invite you to bring them. There is no charge for the car show as it is just for fun.

Lots of fun for the entire family!!

Please come out and support the children

of Mill Creek.

Wednesday Family Night Activities Begin August 17Wednesday Family Night Activities Begin August 17

Join us on Wednesday nights beginning August 17 for our church’s Family Night activities. The schedule for the evening includes the following:

5:00 Middles on Mission to Rescue Mission (1st Wednesday of month beginning September 7) 5:45 Family Supper (Potluck August 17, 24, 31) 6:30 Mini Mill Creek Explorers (preschoolers & K) Mighty Mill Creek Explorers (grades 1-5) Youth Bible Study & Hang-out Time Youth Choir/Drama (2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays) Adult Handbell Choir Adult Bible Study/Discipleship Classes 7:00 Middles on Mission (4th Wednesday) 7:35 Adult Choir Rehearsal

Plan now to join us at church on Wednesday nights – and bring a friend along with you!

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This fall and winter Kids on Mission (Grades 1 – 5th) will

not only be learning about Missions near and far; but we

will also be focusing on character traits that God wants

us to develop. So each week we will talk about a

different trait that will help us develop our Christian

character. Kids will be encouraged to know Jesus Christ

and grow in a relationship with Him through Bible stories,

scripture memorization, life application and missions! So

please join us during the late worship hour!

Jesus told us to, "Go into

all the world and preach

the gospel..." (Mark

1 6 : 1 5 ) . T h e r e f o r e ,

recently we talked about

Brenda Fowler's mission

trip to Israel. The

mission team passed out roses to share God's love with people. After

sharing this story with the children, the children made tissue paper

roses to use in a similar way. Using our VBS method of sharing the

Gospel, the children practiced giving someone a rose and telling people

about God's love with the ABC's. We carefully discussed only passing out

the flowers with a parent's help, and the project was explained to

parents. This project was so useful for not only giving children a mission

they could accomplish, but also as a way of helping them understand the

Gospel and giving parents a tool to support discipleship and evangelism in the home!

Mini

Mill Creek

Explorers C a l l i n g A L L

preschoolers and

kindergarteners….

You’re invited to

j o i n u s o n

Wednesday nights

from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. as we explore little

stories in God’s love story with hands-on

activities, crafts, music, missions and lots of

fun! For more information contact Peggy &

Gino Arbogast at 254-1200.

Mighty Mill Creek Explorers Its that time of year again, we are about to change

from Summer Daze to School Days. That means it’s

time to get back to the fun of learning. Before our

Summer break, the Mighty Mill Creek Explorers were

learning all kinds of super cool stuff. The Explorers

made great crafts, were involved in lots of fun mission

projects, played cool games,

and learned many Bible

stories that helped them

each day. Soon the Mighty

Mill Creek Explorers will

again team up every

Wednesday night and we

would love your child (1st -

5th grade) to join us. -See

you soon!

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Middles on Mission & Senior High If you are Middle School or High School and want to be hands and feet of Jesus at the Roanoke Rescue

Mission during the fall/winter months, please mark your calendars now!

The first date to remember is: the LAST Wednesday of every month we will have puppet practice and

go over any crafts/worksheets, etc. that we will be using on the 1st Wednesday of each month. The folks

who show up to practice will lead at the mission and if you are unable to attend practice, you will help the

leaders with the program.

The second date to remember is: the FIRST Wednesday of each month! The bus will leave the church

parking lot at 5:15 p.m. After we serve, we will stop for supper and then head on back to church. Most

nights we return by 8:30 – 8:45 p.m.

With the new year we will need to get NEW permission slips as well! Please don’t plan to go without this

permission form.

Hope you can join us! For more information please contact Peggy or Gino Arbogast.

Girls Gone Graceful Girls in middle and high school are invited to become part of Girls Gone Graceful!

This girls group will be a part of a larger group for the coming year called

Acteens. Acteens is the missions education organization for teenage girls in

grades 6-12. Acteens is just one of the missions education organizations offered

by WMU. Acteens guides teenage girls to a greater understanding of God's work

in the world and how they can join Him in His work.

Through Acteens teenage girls have the opportunity to learn about missions in such a way that they are

challenged to live their lives openly for Christ in a very real and radical way. Girls have the opportunity to

experience the world through mission studies, cultural experiences, and hands-on missions involvement.

Acteens learn that God can use them every day in countless ways to change their world.

So come join us for some praise music, Bible study, crafts & fellowship as we learn how God can use you in

your daily walk! For more information, please contact Peggy Arbogast. Please watch the bulletin for

meeting times and place.

October 14—16

@ Eagle Eyrie

Sign up will begin soon!

Child Care News Happy Summer!! We are having a great summer! Everyone is having a good time on the adventures that were planned: summer learning, tie dying shirts,

swimming, playing Putt Putt, going to soft play, eating at Chuck E. Cheese, doing gymnastics, etc. There are only a few days of summer left! Public schools go back on August 9th and our fall program starts that day also. It looks like it is going to be a busy fall!

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August 2016August 2016

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Operation Christmas Child in August

It’s time to start thinking about packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. A small shoebox can teach a child about the love of God and lead him or her to faith in Christ. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out is eternal. Be a part of changing lives through the power of a simple gift.

Hairclips. Pencils. A doll. A necklace. Every item lovingly added to an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift has the potential to impact a child.

"The box was an act of kindness that represented hope. I no longer felt like Jesus had abandoned me." Alina says

"The toy car I received as a shoebox gift is a clear example of how God can use the simplest of things to influence people's lives". says David

"It wasn't just my first Christmas gift - it was my first gift ever". says Natasha

Mill Creek Baptist Church Ministers... the Congregation

Pastor..………..…………………....….Brady Lanoue Associate Pastor….. …………….....…...J.R. Graybill Minister of Music...………………..... Cindie Hayden Pianist……………………………..Marcia Neighbors Secretary………….……………..………Sandra Kidd

Mill Creek Baptist Church

11475 Lee Highway

Fincastle, Virginia 24090-4481

(540) 992-3474

Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Permit Number 16

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