December 2017

Bro. Mike Titsworth, Pastor Bro. Johnny Parrack, Music Minister

Diana Drennan & Freda Haynes, Secre-taries

Email: trinitybenton@ymail.com

Bro. Mike

“Let your light so shine before men . . .” Matthew 5:16

This past Sunday I shared that as those who have received the “Light of Life”

(John 1:4) we have a responsibility to let His Light shine through us. And this

year’s Christmas Season provides each of us many wonderful opportunities to

do just that as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. But it is up to each one of us to

intentionally make the most of those opportunities. For unless we intentionally

make the effort to do so, it is easy to get caught up in all the extra hype and

activities of the season and miss out on those opportunities.

The place to begin is to ask the Lord to help and guide you to be the

“Christmas Light” He would have you to be this year. Don’t just go through the

usual motions and traditions of Christmas, ask Him to help you to be open to

His leadership.

Your Pastor & Friend,

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light . . .

Wishing you the blessings of Christmas! Thank you for allowing us to serve.

Weekly Opportunities Sunday Early Worship 8:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Regular Morning Worship 10:40 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study 3:30 p.m.

Men’s Fraternity 3:30 p.m.

Choir Practice 4:45 p.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Monday Men’s Prayer Breakfast 8:00 a.m. (At Saline Memorial Hospital)

Tuesday Church Visitation 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Men’s Prayer Group 5:30 a.m.

Supper 5:30 p.m.

Adult Study & Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Student “SURGE”

Attendance Date Sunday School Worship November 5 149 186 November 12 138 164 November 19 129 168 November 26 128 154

Undesignated Offering received for: November 5 $ 9,353.01 November 12 $ 4,681.05 November 19 $ 5,212.37 November 26 $ 5,047.09

Online Giving this month - $1,294.00

Undesignated Offering 2017—$288,001.09

Needed Each Week in 2017 - $7,238.11

Current Balance In Building Fund: $301,031.19

For your convenience, online giving is available on our church Website at trinitybenton.com

Christmas Party

Tuesday, December 12 At 6:30 p.m.

Ham will be provide. Please bring side dishes. We will have a “White Elephant” gift exchange

Prayer Shawl will not meet in December

SonShine Seniors We are about to wrap up our 2017

adventures. We will meet in fellowship hall Tuesday, Dec. 5th at 10:30 am. Bring homemade cookies and some cookie tins to stuff for taking to the shut-ins. We will go to Larry's Pizza for lunch. Please sign the sheet in the foyer so reservations can be made for Larry's.

Homebound Ministry 3RD Tuesday of each month

(We will not meet in December) We have had a great turn-out of women participating in this ministry. We invite anyone who would like to visit with some our older members to be a part of this ministry.

Our Goal: $6,000

Bible Club At Tyndall Park In the Gene Moss Building

From 3:30-5:00 p.m. Club will meet on Dec 4, 11 & 18

See Bro. Mike to help or with any questions.

Need to lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, or get rid of excess pounds? We will begin a group in January that will meet every month that will teach us how to eat healthy while having a little fun. If you are

interested, plan to attend our first meeting on Saturday, January 13th, at 10 am. There’s no charge. For more information, contact Judy Parrack or Ella Casady.

Bro. Johnny P

Just Passing Notes

The Year is at end. As we pass from one year to another, some will have fond memories; others will have sad memories. Most will look back to make sure their taxes are in order to please the IRS. I will look back to see if I can correct anything. But primarily I will look back and try to remember all those that God has used to bless me and my family…and there are many. I will make an effort to reach out to them just to thank them for what they mean to me.

And at this point, I want thank Trinity Baptist church for their support and the relationship that we all have together. The church has blessed us in many ways and you have shown it with smiles, handshakes, hugs and even gifts. I also wish to thank you for the prayers that you lift up daily for us.

I especially thank the choir for their continued commitment and support of the worship part of our services. They all go the extra mile in wanting to complete that which we start. This past Christmas concert was a great example. I have said it before and will again: we are a family and you can feel that special bond every time we meet. It is truly an honor to be a part of this choir. They have come a long way and worked very hard to be “C to C.” Me? I’m just their cheerleader. What a thrill it is just to get to “direct” them. And may I say: don’t you think that they not only looked good on the night of the concert, but they also sounded good? Thank you choir.

Now as we enter into the New Year, we also enter with new expectations. There is a new regime. There will be New Year resolutions that will be fun to make, but even more fun when you break them. Many will have questions on their mind: how will I be effected in this new leadership? Even better: what changes can I make in me in order to show Christ? Or: will Christ come this year? Will I be ready?

The best way to enter the New Year without any doubt is to remember Him and who He is in you. Remember that all though many changes will be made, He will Not change.

I am looking forward to the New Year. These are exciting times! Everything I see happening reminds me of what He said: “there shall be wars and rumors of wars; famines and pestilences.” In the book of Revelation, He said three times: “I come quickly.” It’s just like He said! Just think how much closer it is, to His calling the church away!!! And: like it’s been said recently: “Joy to the World, the Lord is come.” In spite of whatever is going on; He is in charge every day; not just Christmas….I’m looking forward to the new year…..see you Sunday….just passing notes.

Welcome New Members—

Tim & Marsha Smith 7225 Worth Ave. Benton 72015

(501)350-8065

We shipped 234 shoe boxed! We also collected more than enough contri-butions to pay for shipping. (Overage will be kept in reserve for next year’s Shoe Box campaign.)

Sunday

December 17th

At 6:00 p.m.

“CHRISTMAS MEMORIES” Presented by

C to C3 Invited your friends & family to join us!

A reception to follow.

Christmas Eve Candlelight

Service

December 31 At 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday

December 20

at 6 p.m.

It’s not too late!

Poinsettias decorating our sanctuary may be dedicated to the memory of or in honor of a loved one.

Order envelopes are available in foyer or on the table by the office. Cost is $8.00 per plant.

March 23-27

Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

Widow & Widower Banquet

3 4

Bible Club

5 SonShine Seniors

Calviin’s Class

Men’s Prayer Meeting

6

7 8

9

10 11 Bible Club

12

HOSPICE MEAL Fidelis Class Christmas Party

13

14 15 16

17

18 Bible Club

19

Homebound Ministry No December Meeting

20

21 22

23

24

25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “GOD with us.”