December 2015
Volume 15, Issue 12
Published Monthly
First Baptist Church
3300 Fairlawn Drive Columbus, IN 47203
812-376-3321; www.fbccolumbus.org;
church@fbccolumbus.org
Our Staff…
THE MESSENGER
Discovering God at Advent & Christmas
Daniel Cash
Senior Pastor
David Doles
Associate Pastor
Joyce Crowder
Minister of Music
We are about to enter the holy season of the year known as Advent. It is a time of preparation and
reflection as we await, once again, the coming of Christ. It is a season filled with great music,
gatherings with family and friends, and a variety of seasonal programs and opportunities. It is a
season of discovery, if we will allow it to be.
A review of the story of a coming Messiah and all that surrounds it can help us discover (or
rediscover) things about God we may not have known (or forgotten). This is my hope as we
explore an Advent theme in worship titled “Discovering God at Advent”. During each of the
Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve and Christmastide (the Sunday following Christmas) you are
invited to hear Good News proclaimed about God: God as Messiah; God who is present; merciful;
found in sound and silence; come to save us; and fully human as well as divine.
Here’s a preview of our worship themes for Discovering God at Advent and Christmas:
1st Sunday of Advent – Nov. 29th
Discovering God as Messiah
Isaiah 9
Pastor David Doles preaching
3rd Sunday of Advent – Dec. 13th
Chancel Choir Musical
“The Silence and the Sound”
Christmas Eve – Dec. 24th – 7 p.m.
Discovering God as Savior
Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
2nd Sunday of Advent – Dec. 6th
Discovering God’s Presence
Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68ff; 3:1-6
4th Sunday of Advent – Dec. 20th
Discovering God’s Mercy
Luke 1:46b-55
Christmastide – Dec. 27th
Discovering God’s Humanity
Luke 2:41-52
Dr. Bill Griffith preaching
I hope to see you in worship – Pastor Dan
Elective Class—with Dr. David Carlson of Franklin College
Sunday, January 24
Dr. Carlson will present the following topics:
• What Every American Needs to Know about ISIS
• We Dare Not Look Away: The Appeal of ISIS to Today’s Youth
This will be an extended Sunday School hour which will include a question and answer period
following the presentation. We will meet in Fellowship Hall at 10:30 am to approx. 12:00 pm.
Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors!
Special Called Business Meeting
There will be a special called business meeting of the congregation on Sunday, December 13,
following worship to approve the 2016 Budget and elect officers and church council members for
the coming year.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
7:00 PM—December 24
“Discovering God as Savior”
Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Greetings from your First Baptist Church Staff:
As we once again discover the wonder of God’s presence, mercy and salvation
through Christ Jesus, may your celebrations of the season be filled with joy, hope
and peace.
We are thankful for the opportunity to serve Christ with you. Merry Christmas!
Dan Cash
Dave Doles
Joyce Crowder
Laura Friedrich
Barry Ferrill
Jeremy Martin
Dortha Anderson
Donna Tull
Carla Williams
The Messenger
Pastoral Care Team for December
December 2015
Dec. 6—Randy & Jeannie Wheeler
Dec. 13—Ron & Peggy Lane
Dec. 20—Paul & Carol Poe
Dec. 27—Mark & Beth Slaton
Published Monthly
First Baptist Church
3300 Fairlawn Dr
Columbus, IN 47203
Issue No. 12
EMERGENCY RESPONDER SCHEDULE
Dec. 6—Mike Compton
Jan. 3—Roberta Walls
Dec. 13—Sharon Fulkerson
Jan. 10—Judy Rhude
Dec. 20—Joyce Briggs
Jan. 17—Forest Daugherty
Dec. 27—Kim Hamon
Jan. 24—Sharon Fulkerson
Jan. 31—Mike Compton
DECEMBER COMMUNION
SANCTUARY SERVERS:
John McKay
Charlotte Oestreicher
Nathan Patrick
Frank Eldridge
Keith Arbuckle
Ron Lane
Wayne Lovelace
Bill Baker
Mark Slaton
HOMEBOUND SERVERS:
Judy Rhude
Dick Miller
Randy & Jeannie Wheeler
Janet Bailey
Teresa Arbuckle
Mark Slaton
Grace Marshall
COMMUNION PREPARATION: Kip & Lianne Wright
CLEAN UP: Marian Miller, Zach Bolte, Jim Bokelman
JANUARY COMMUNION
SANCTUARY SERVERS:
Zach Bolte
Katie Emmert
Frank Eldridge
Mark Slaton
Keith Arbuckle
Cliff Putterill
Nathan Patrick
Dave Emmert
Teresa Arbuckle
COMMUNION PREPARATION: Bill & Carolyn Baker
CLEAN-UP: Chris Nelson, Emily Nelson, Joe Hamon, Matt Hamon
HOMEBOUND SERVERS:
Betty Harrison
Teresa Arbuckle
Janet Bailey
Grace Marshall
Susan Carter
Randy & Jeannie Wheeler
Charlotte Oestreicher
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP
December 6—Elisa Watkins & Reilly Jones
December 13—Choir Cantata (No Children’s Worship)
December 20—Lori Cash
December 27—EPIC Sunday
SERVING IN THE NURSERY THIS MONTH:
December 6
Nursery Worship—Marsha Daugherty, Estolle Gross & Kayla Jones
Toddlers Worship—Stephanie Adams & Richey Stephens
Nursery Sunday School—Paulette McClintock
Toddlers Sunday School—Becky Stephens
December 13
Nursery Worship—Jennifer & Anna Kelley
Toddlers Worship—Heidi & Reilly Jones
Nursery Sunday School—Jeannie Wheeler
Toddlers Sunday School—Dortha Anderson
December 20
Nursery Worship—Deborah, Emily & Molly Nelson
Toddlers Worship—Jeanne Greenlee
Nursery Sunday School—Judy Rhude
Toddlers Sunday School—Susan Hoffman
December 27
Nursery Worship—
Toddlers Worship—Carol Burton & Linda Mayfield
Nursery Sunday School—
Toddlers Sunday School—
Music Ministry
Music Worship Leaders for December
Opening Songs - Ted Burton, Mollie Cash, Sharon Tobias, Georgana Lowman
December 6 - Chancel Choir
December 13 - Joyful Ringers and Chancel Choir
December 20 - Glad Ringers and Chancel Choir
December 24 - WAVE and Chancel Choir
December 27 - EPIC Ensemble and Drama “A Tale of Two Toys”
“The Silence and the Sound”
The Chancel Choir, Narrators, and Youth Choir will be
leading worship on Sunday morning, December 13. They
will be singing and reading the writings of Heather
Sorenson. In her Narrative at the beginning of the
musical she writes, “The time was now. And as the
curtains rolled back from a divinely-set stage, all of
creation rose and stood in silence.” As she continues, the
music and the narrative begin with the hymn “Let All
Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”. I invite you to read the
verses before you join us for worship that day. Be sure
to share this worship opportunity with others. And then
join us on the 13th to be inspired by “The Silence and the
Sound”.
Church Wide Christmas Caroling to our Shut-Ins
Wednesday, December 16
6:00 p.m.
The Worship Team would love for all of you, of all ages, to join
us in this Ministry Opportunity. We’ll have a “song leader” for
each group and will divide so we can reach all who would like for
us to come. There will be a time for snacks and conversation
when we return to the church!
Chancel Choir will have a short rehearsal when everyone has returned.
HEALTHY LIVING TIP
Be active.
•
Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart
rate and that strengthen your muscles.
•
Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Include activities that raise their
breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.
•
Physical activity helps to:
o Maintain weight
o Reduce high blood pressure
o Reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer
o Reduce arthritis pain and associated disability
o Reduce risk for osteoporosis and falls
o Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
If you would like to make a donation for Advent/Christmas decorations,
please complete this form, include your check, and mail to the church
office or place in the offering plate on Sunday morning.
Name
Donation $
In honor of
In memory of
We will publish a list of donors and the person you wish to remember in the bulletin on
Christmas Eve.
Children’s Church Schedule for December
Dec 6
Mary and Elizabeth
Dec 13
No C.C. (Christmas Cantata)
Dec 20
Jesus is Born
Dec 27
No C.C.—Epic
Luke 1:39-56
Luke 2:1-20
Children’s Sunday School Lessons for December
Dec 6
Malachi the Messenger
Malachi 3:1-4
Dec 13
Zephaniah’s Joyful Song
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Dec 20
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Luke 1:39-55
Dec 27
Young Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:41-52
Some of you heard Pastor Rick’s (oops), I mean Pastor Dave’s plea and followed his advice to
come to Revision. But some of you have yet to take him up on it. Well, here’s another chance for
you to worship in this special way we call Revision. Join us on December 20 in the Fellowship
Hall at 6:00 p.m. December’s theme is Gifted and Talented. It’s based on the Parable of the
Talents, so come and hear God’s Story and be challenged to consider how it’s part of your story
as well.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED
Those with the spiritual gift of teaching or who love teaching are needed for:
Grades K-3 (one teacher every other month)
Grades 4-6 (two teachers on rotating basis)
Contact Jeanne Greenlee, 812-343-1201, if you are interested!
Bible Study on Ruth continues December 2 & 9
Join Pastor Dan for the final two sessions of the Wednesday evening Bible Study on the Old
Testament book of Ruth, December 2 & 9 at 6:00 p.m.
While an ancient story, the story of Ruth is in many ways a contemporary one. Come and join in a
study and conversation about immigration and refugee resettlement issues, harvest and
stewardship themes, the care of widowed persons, and much more.
You may wish to consider a year end tax deductible contribution to
the FBC Foundation. The Foundation is designed to encourage
special gifts to the Church, particularly bequests and memorials. The
income from this fund is made available for special purposes and
needs of the Church. Gifts received by the Foundation are
considered "special gifts" and will be used to meet "special needs" of
the Church. As special gifts, these funds also can be used to
expand the Christian ministry of First Baptist Church in the community and to assist with the
mission related needs of our denomination in the U.S.A. and around the world.
If your name does not appear on the Birthday List and you
wish to be included, please call or email the church office.
December Birthdays
1. ~ Jackie Martin
21. ~ Shirley Morris
2. ~ Nile Wright, Karita Alexander
23. ~ Carla Williams, Emily DeLong
12. ~ Jane Riley
25. ~ Dortha Anderson, Larry Mayfield
15. ~ Lowell Anderson
26. ~ Larry Carter, Phillip Watkins
16. ~ Ken Tull
29. ~ Beth Caldwell, John Lipson
17 ~ Jane Ellen Watkins
30. ~ Pat Evans, Kelli (Lovelace) Fitzgerald
20. ~ Charlotte Oestreicher
31. ~ Mike Compton
Dear FBC Church Family,
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our house handicapped
accessible and for all the prayers, cards, and visits. We appreciate all your
love and support.
Dick & Beth Miller
Dear First Baptist Church,
Thank you very much for your contribution of a large amount of food, including fresh vegetables, fruit,
eggs, and canned goods to Love Chapel in September. Donations to Love Chapel help improve the lives of
many individuals and families that need assistance.
Elizabeth Kestler, Exec. Dir.
Dear First Baptist Church Family,
K.M. and I would like to thank many who helped us make our move over here. We had a chance to
meet unselfish, dedicated people in preparation for this change. There are many who deserve special
thanks: Beth Slaton, Bob & Judy Rhude, Kerry & Alice Richmond, Sue Putterill, Paul & Carol Poe, Larry &
Susan Carter, Bob Hoffman, Bill Griffith and others were among the hard workers. We are grateful for our
Sunday school friends’ visits, cards, and words of encouragement. Columbus was like home to us. Leaving
that city was hard. God gave the privilege to teach in the Sunday school (K.M.), was in the diaconate board
(Molly), and also to participate on the Communion Team (Molly). We cherished and thanked the Lord each
moment when we were able to serve. Please keep us in your prayers. It is a struggle to establish in this new
place. We would like to express our deep appreciation to the members for their actions of love and care. We
thank Pastor Dan for his many visits to our home. Thanks for the prayers of the other church staff members.
Also we miss our “GREAT” neighbor Mandy Reed. We will greatly miss our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Love, Molly
First Baptist Church
3300 Fairlawn Drive
Columbus, IN 47203
Service:
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS, INDIANA
PERMIT # 33
Sunday Morning: Worship 9:30 am, Sunday School 10:45 am
Looking Ahead…
Tuesday, Dec. 1—Hannah Circle (2:00 pm)
Tuesday, Dec. 1—Missions Ministry Team (7:00 pm)
Thursday, Dec. 3—Youth Lunch at East HS (11:00-1:00 pm)
Wednesday, Dec. 9—Four Seasons Mending (9:00 am)
Wednesday, Dec. 9—Stewardship Property Team (1:00 pm)
Wednesday, Dec. 9—Caring Branches (3:30 pm)
Thursday, Dec. 10—Youth Lunch at Pit Stop (11:00-1:00 pm)
Thursday, Dec. 10—SCIHE Home School Christmas Concert (6:00 pm)
Saturday, Dec. 12—Chancel Choir Final Rehearsal for musical (9:00 am)
Saturday, Dec. 12—Inquirers Class Party at Four Seasons (5:00 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 13—Choir/Drama Musical during Worship (9:30 am)
Sunday, Dec. 13—Special Called Business Meeting (10:30 am)
Sunday, Dec. 13—Talents Class Party (Fellowship Hall) (5:00 pm)
Tuesday, Dec. 15—Church Council (7:00 pm)
Wednesday, Dec. 16—Caring Branches (3:30 pm)
Wednesday, Dec. 16—Christmas Caroling (6:00 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 20—Youth Coffee Bar (before/after worship)
Sunday, Dec. 20—Revision Skit Rehearsal (4:45 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 20—Revision Music Rehearsal (5:15 pm)
Sunday, Dec. 20—Revision Worship (6:00 pm)
Thursday, Dec. 24—Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (7:00 pm)
Saturday, Dec. 26-Jan. 6—Chile Mission Trip
The Body of Christ Prays ForPHome Bound Members: Betty Euler, Roselyn Hoff, Mae McKinney, Charles Mullins, Betty Vinson,
Florence Walesby. Also remember: Dick Emmert, Jane Ellen Watkins, K.M. George, Corbie Snyder, Wendell Ross, Janet Hart, Dick
Miller, Dick Crowley.