the creekside newsletter january 2011
DESCRIPTION
The Creekside Newsletter, January 2011, Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Taylors, SCTRANSCRIPT
Refresh & Rebuild Marriage Retreat
Better Than Ever Together
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 - 30
We have 57 couples registered for the Refresh & Rebuild Marriage Retreat at
Ridgecrest. We are excited to gather together in the beautiful mountains of North
Carolina while we strengthen our relationship with both our spouse and our Lord.
Please pray for our speakers (Todd and Erin Stevens) and that this weekend will be
used of God in the lives of all those attending.
BEGINS SUNDAY, JANUARY 16
40 Days of Community was such a success in 2010 we are bringing it back. As every
member at Brushy Creek learned, we are better together when we march forward
hand-in-hand and tackle the many tasks God wants us to do. Join us this month as
we kick off a brand-new 40 Days program. Some components will be familiar, many
will be new. We can’t wait to show the community how Brushy Creek is Better Than
Ever Together.
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF BRUSHY CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH TAYLORS | JANUARY 2011
WWW.BRUSHYCREEK.ORG
theCREEKSIDE Welcome Home to Brushy Creek
Instead of a new year’s resolution, I’m resolving to have a sharpened focus on three things in 2011: to be a PRAYERFUL WITNESS, a SERVANT EVANGELIST, and a STRATEGIC MISSIONARY.
I want to focus more on talking to God about lost people in prayer, and talking to lost people about God in witness. I know that God is working in the lives of people all around me, but it is when I am truly prayerful that I am most sensitive to witness opportunities with those who would be receptive.
I want to be more sensitive to opportunities to serve others, especially folks that may not know the Lord. I know full well that serving others goes a long way toward seeing their hearts open up to discussing the ultimate things of life – like a relationship with God.
And I want to visualize a clear target for my efforts – my family, friends, acquaintances, and my own neighbor-hood. I pray that I can invest my life in 2011 more and more in prayer, in serving, and in sharing the Good News with people within my circle of influence. Will you join me?
If you would like to join others in receiving training, support, and prayer in these three vital areas, then please contact me at [email protected]. I would like to share with you some very exciting opportunities that you can get involved in.
Happy New Year!
The Next Time Around by Dr. Ralph Carter | Pastor
A New Year’s Focus by Jim Russell | Rescue Minister
theCreekside | JANUARY 2011
IN A FEW DAYS I will begin teaching a class in the 3rd session of Greenhouse, entitled The Next Time Around. This
class is for single adults who have been married and think they might want to be married again.
Here is the bad news. As dismal as the numbers on first marriages are, the stats on second trips down the aisle are
even more alarming. You would think that once you’ve been around the block a time or two, you would be all the wiser
for it; but apparently that is not the case. This course is going to be designed, to keep you from having a friend or
relative say to you a few months or years after the honeymoon is over – “What were you
thinking?” So if you think that marriage may be in your future, and especially
if you hope it is, come check out this class. You might learn something
that will help you find Mr. or Mrs. Right and I know you will learn
something about how to avoid disaster.
Merry Makers Monthly MeetingTUESDAY, JANUARY 18 - 10:30 a.m.
Coming Up... JANUARY 22Abbeville Playhouse - $16
FEBRUARY 10Blue Willow Inn - $16
MARCH 4Anderson Follies - $18
DO YOU MAKE RESOLUTIONS? Here are a few of the most popular ones to choose from. Save more money, lose weight, get in shape, cut out caffeine, spend more time with children, work harder, quit working so hard, read the bible through, and make better grades. These are all great things to resolve to do.
Why is it that we fail to keep these resolutions for more than a few weeks? Because it is hard to change!
If you want some easy change in your life, rediscover your talents and use them. I know there are those of you who used to sing or play an instrument and you aren’t doing it now. Why not? All it takes is coming to one rehearsal a week. You can record your favorite TV program and watch it later. Want a New Year’s resolution that will help you feel better about yourself? Use the talent God gave you, for His glory.
Make the change from an unfulfilled life, to a fulfilled one. This is a resolution!
Choir: Wednesdays after The GreenhouseOrchestra: Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
A Resolution Worth Keeping by Robbie Sox | Minister of Music
Men’s MinistryMen’s Monthly Prayer BreakfastSUNDAY, JANUARY 9 - 8:00 a.m.
We look forward to seeing you there!
theCreekside | JANUARY 2011
Senior Adults
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2010 was one of my favorite years as a Brushy Creeker. It was so cool to see what God did through 40 Days of Community and how ministries like Celebrate Recovery, Sunday School, the college ministry, and many others are growing! I can’t wait to see what God is going to do in 2011! I hope you’ll be an active part of what is going on at BCBC this year!
Looking Back and Ahead by Angela Carter | College Minister & Director of Missions
theCreekside | JANUARY 2011
WE ARE NOT ALONE, GOD IS WITH US! What a wonderful promise! Our Living God is Emmanuel, which means, “God with us”! I am so glad I do not have to tackle the obstacles of another year in my own strength. 2010 has come and gone and Jesus, who is rich in grace and mercy, has blessed us with another year to live, and breathe, and have our being! Wow, what a Savior!
2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Today is the day of salvation.” We are not guar-anteed tomorrow, so let us rejoice in our salvation today! Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? What better way to start a new year than to surrender your heart and life fully to the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords? The truth that God loves me, and sent His son Jesus to live, to die, and to defeat death for me causes me to rejoice in my salva-tion! Thank you Jesus!
Will you join me in praying that our lives this year will shine forth the light of Christ? “For we were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord, let us walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) As a body of believers
at BCBC, let us shine the light of Jesus in 2011 brighter than ever before! Praise God for a New Year to RESCUE, GROW, and SERVE!
Please go to www.BrushyCreek.org for details on how you can get involved in our ministries at BCBC.
ARE YOU HURTING?
At BCBC we believe that God does not waste a hurt! Check out our Recovery programs (Celebrate Recovery, and Life Hurts God Heals) on our church website! Please come on Sunday, January 9 to hear all the Lord is doing in these programs.
PARENTS AND STUDENTS, I want to take a
moment and tell you about a wonderful opportunity for
you to learn together. In session three of The Greenhouse,
which begins January 5, there are two classes that are for
parents and students. The first is Class 108: The Waiting
Game. This class is for guys and their dads only. No
females allowed. This class will be taught by David Kay.
The second is Class 107: 5 Conversations You Must Have
With Your Daughter. This class is for girls and their moms
only. Rhonda Eberly and her daughter Elizabeth will be
leading this class. The names of the classes tell you all
you need to know. Students, I want to encourage you if
your mom or dad does not come to our church, or can’t
come to the class, please come anyway. Trust me, you will
not be alone and you will still take away valuable infor-
mation. I know this may seem awkward for everyone at
first, taking classes with your parents/students. However,
I believe these classes can really help to start good, open
dialogue between parents and students. So plan to come
and grow with us as a family, starting January 5 at 6:45
p.m.
Come Grow by Benji Ladd | High School Pastor
No More Darkness by Jeremiah Oliver | Middle School Pastor
theCreekside | JANUARY 2011
PRESCHOOL PARENTS, here are a few reminders for preschool:
· What to bring: Every loose item that comes to the room with a child should be clearly labeled with first name
and last initial (diaper bag, pacifier, bottle, coat, sweater, infant security items, etc.). The weather is cold now,
and we will try to go outside if possible. Please send a coat for your child that is labeled so that your little one
will have an outer garment to wear in case we are able to go out and play.
· Children wearing diapers MUST bring:
› An adequate supply of diapers or training pants.
› A change of clothes, shoes, socks.
· For the protection of the other children and teachers in your child’s class, PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR
CHILD TO CHURCH IF SHE HAS DISPLAYED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS WITHIN
THE PAST 24 HOURS: diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained rash, non-allergic cough, discolored nasal drainage, or
fever. If your child becomes ill while in our care, you will be notified immediately.
Your Preschooler by Eleanor Bishop | Director of Preschool
Spending Time with God and Your Kids by Rebecca Oaks | Director of Children’s Ministries
FINDING TIME TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD MIGHT SEEM DIFFI-CULT IN OUR BUSY LIVES, BUT HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS:
Pray with your children in the car in the morning. Read the memory verse from Sunday’s Connection weekly page as you leave the house. Explain what the verse means to you and ask your child for their comments. Try to apply the verse to your family and your child. Repeat this process each morning, using the same verse. This will help your child learn the verse and develop a personal application from the verse.
Reading Bible story books before bedtime is a good way to develop a close relationship with God and your children. Many Bible story books provide an activity to help the child personalize the story. As your children learn to read, take turns reading portions of the story.
Include family prayer time. Encourage each person in the family to pray. Look for different opportunities for prayer such as when hearing good news, when solving a
problem together, or when facing your child’s fear about something. Remember to thank God for His answers. Together, notice that God does not always answer yes to every prayer. Sometimes the best answer as He shows His love to us is no. Talk with your child about God’s answers to prayers.
Look for teachable moments. God provides oppor-tunities for us to incorporate the Bible into our daily lives. Parents can use some of these moments to teach their children about God’s greatness. These moments can be as simple as commenting that blooming flowers are God’s way of reminding us that He created the world and every-thing in it. Read this story of creation together in Genesis.
Using various times and a variety of techniques to incor-porate God into your family’s daily life teaches your chil-dren that God is with them at all times and everywhere they go.
Article by Dana Baer appeared in Parent Connection.
theCreekside | JANUARY 2011
When April 8-9, 2011 Where The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC Theme “The Joy of Serving
our Christ: When Church Ladies Become God’s Girls” Speaker Martha Gillen with Worship Leader Dana Stout
coST 4 per room-$150.00 and 2 per room-$165.00Opportunity is available to make 5 installment payments (Oct 2010-Feb 2011),
$30.00 for 4 per room, or $35.00 for 2 per room. Space is limited. For more information please contact: Libby Massey at 864-292-1363 or [email protected]
Shelly Maynard at 864-483-3241 or [email protected] Susan Bailey at 864-801-0393 or [email protected]
www.BrushyCreek.org
SAVE THE DATES!February 25 - International Women’s Night
April 8-9 - Spring Retreat at The CoveMay 6 - Single Mom’s Event
July 30 - Christmas in July for MissionsOctober 7-8 - Fall Retreat at the Creek
December 6 - Christmas Dinner
WE STARTED OUT THE 2010 YEAR with the “Just Give Me Jesus” event, with Anne Gram Lotz. Throughout the weekend, God’s divine love story was unveiled through praise, prayer and preaching. Many repented of sin and re-establishing a right relationship with God.
Our April event was “International Women’s Night,” attended by seventy-one women. Testimonies from church members of Puerto Rican, Columbian, Egyptian, South African, Australian and Indian heritage confirmed Christ’s heart for the nations.
In May, we had our very first Single Mom’s Event, attended by over 65 women who were treated to a sit down dinner, and a dynamic message from Lori Little, a single mom who found her hope and help in Christ Jesus. Since its incep-tion, the Single Moms Ministry has grown and several single moms have become members of our church. Our desire is to bring every single mom in our community to the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so they are not alone in raising their children.
We celebrated our first “Christmas in July for Missions” in 2010, focusing on Samaritan’s Purse, “Operation Christmas Child”. We hosted approximately 170 ladies for brunch, inspirational speaking, singing and even a little early Christmas shopping! We collected over 500 items and over $700 to aid in the shipping of the shoe boxes. We had one lady receive Christ as her Savior and one lady who recommitted her life to Christ.
In September, we hosted our second Beth Moore Simulcast here at Brushy Creek Baptist Church. We had 178 women who attended this event and heard Beth Moore share a wonderful message from Proverbs 31:26. It was a day of refreshing and rededicating for everyone who attended.
Ladies from our church and from the community went to Bon Clarken Retreat Center on November 12 and 13. Judy Aaron taught us the importance of prayer from Nehemiah. It was a wonderful weekend celebrating “Who God is” and “What He has already done”.
We celebrated the birth of Christ at our annual ladies Christmas dinner on December 9 with praise and worship to our one and only true God.
Finally, we would like to express our praise and heartfelt gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his pres-ence and power at every single event we hosted, for the lives changed, and for the hope that we have found. We also would like to thank those of you who have been faithful in attending, hosting, helping and praying for each of our events.
Women’s Ministry by Elizabeth Nuthalapaty
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9 10 11 12 13 14 15
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23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
EveryWeekSUNDAYS
8:00a.m. SundaySchool
*9:15a.m. SundaySchool/ TraditionalWorship
*10:45a.m. SundaySchool/ ContemporaryWorship
MONDAYS
*6:00p.m. CelebrateRecovery
6:00p.m. LifeHurtsGodHeals
*7:30p.m. CreeksideOrchestraPractice
WEDNESDAYS
5:00p.m. CaféattheCreek
*6:45p.m. TheGreenhouse
*8:10p.m. CreeksideChoirPractice
EveryMonthSENIOR ADULTS
MERRY MAKERS MEETING
Tuesday, January 1810:30 a.m.
MEN’S MINISTRY
MEN’S TESTIMONY BREAKFAST
Sunday, January 98 a.m.
2011 January
*ChildcareAvailable
DEACONS’MEETING7 p.m.
MEN’STESTIMONYBREAKFAST8 a.m.
CELEBRATERECOVERYSERVICE6 p.m.
QUARTERLYBUSINESSMEETING6 p.m.
40DAYSOFCOMMUNITYCOMMITMENTDAY
CAFÉATTHECREEKandGREENHOUSESESSION3BEGIN5 p.m.6:45 p.m.
MERRYMAKERS10:30 a.m.
HIGH SCHOOL SKI TRIP
MARRIAGE RETREAT
HIGH SCHOOL SKI TRIP
MARRIAGE RETREAT
PastorRalph Carter864.238.0166 [email protected]
Associate PastorDavid Kay864.234.9655 [email protected]
Rescue MinisterJim [email protected]
Music MinisterRobbie Sox864.292.8322 [email protected]
College Minister and Director of MissionsAngela Carter864.325.3778 [email protected]
High School PastorBenji Ladd864.414.1195 [email protected]
Middle School PastorJeremiah Oliver864.915.3302 [email protected]
Director of Adult Sunday SchoolBen Langner864.297.6066 [email protected]
Director of Children’s MinistriesRebecca Oaks864.968.9826 [email protected]
Director of PreschoolEleanor Bishop864.915.9669 [email protected]
Director of The GreenhouseKristen Belflower864.268.8696 [email protected]
Director of Weekday PreschoolTina Stephens864.268.3945 [email protected]
Facilities ManagerMarshall Croy864.322.5500 [email protected]
Staff Directory
HIGH SCHOOL SKI TRIP
MARRIAGE RETREAT
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILLIPEPPER
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILLIPEPPER
MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILLIPEPPER
4999 Old Spartanburg RoadTaylors, South Carolina 29687
864.244.5075BrushyCreek.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Non Profit Organ
U.S. Postage
PAID
Taylors, S.C.
Permit NO.14
7th 14th 21th 28th AVERAGE
Sunday School 909 928 899 881 905
Worship Services 1178 1223 1130 1195 1168
Attendance in November 2010
LOOKING AHEAD... APPLICANTS FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
CONGRATS!JANUARY
January 14-16High School Ski Trip
January 21-23Middle School Chillipepper
January 28-30Marriage Retreat
FEBRUARY
February 6 - March 2040 Days of Community
MARCH
March 25-27Middle School DNow
APRIL
April 8-9Ladies Spring Retreat
BY LETTERLindsey Winchester
To JOHN AND ANNELLE BAILEY on the bir th of their daughter, ADDA CARTER, born November 10, 2010.