Category: Stirrings at Bethesda

Good Morning, Bethesda!

The Lord blessed us with good attendance yesterday! Though we had members absent due to various reasons, we had several visitors and, for that, we are extremely grateful. May our Lord Jesus be glorified!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Tom and his family
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Brida Lovett and a job
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan
• Sandy Brandel, soon heading to Japan
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• The Hauk family
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. VALENTINE’S FELLOWSHIP, Sunday, 12:15 p.m.
5. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

“Expect no better treatment than your Master. Remember that the disciple is not above his Lord.”
– C. H. Spurgeon

January Bible Study

This Sunday evening during our January Bible Study, “The Greatest Week in History”, brother Dennis will lead us in examining Resurrection Sunday. Come join us at 5 p.m.

Valentine’s Fellowship

Following our Sunday worship service, join us in the fellowship hall for our Valentine’s Fellowship. The dinner will be an Italian potluck so please bring an Italian themed dish. Also, we ask if each family might bring a side dish and/or a dessert.

In addition, we’ll be taking pictures of couples or anyone interested in a picture. Furthermore, we spend some time playing some games and just enjoying one another’s company.

Business Meeting

Our monthly business meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend and participate in the church’s decision making process. If you are unable to attend, please pray the Lord would guide those present to make choices pleasing to Him.

Sermon Extras

1. In John 18:38 when Pilate announces to the crowd, “I find no guilt in him”, he did so emphatically. In the original language, Pilate emphasizes the pronoun “I” in his remark. “I, I find no cause/guilt/reason in him.”

2. In giving the crowd a choice of which prisoner to release, Pilate refers to a “custom” the Jews had. The word translated “custom” also means habit or something accustomed to. It is a word created by combining “nature” and “together” or, in other words, “friendship” and “fellowship”. It seems, then, this “custom” was begun with the idea of demonstrating friendship between two parties.

3. The crowd chooses to release Barabbas over Jesus. They consider Jesus more dangerous and a greater sinner than Barabbas, a robber, murderer, and rebel! But, if you consider the work of Jesus on the cross, He is reckoned by God while on the cross to be a greater sinner than any man for He takes upon Himself the sins of ALL His people!

“His honor and His breath,
were taken both away,
joined with the wicked in his death,
and made as vile as they.”
Isaac Watts

Pastor’s Postscripts

After almost 3 years in the Gospel of John, we have now reached chapter 19. As we approach Easter on our calendar (March 31), we will also approach the Easter story in John’s Gospel.

If the Lord wills, we will complete the exposition of John in late May. I am pondering a couple of ideas and am seeking the Lord’s direction on where He would have us go next. In the meantime, I do pray He blesses each of us with the word He has for us in John.

On a personal note, thank you to the Bounds for the copy of “Pilgrim’s Progress” which they gave me. The book is old without a publication date. I have done some checking and found the specific publishing company began in Chicago after the fire of 1871 and moved to Hammond, Indiana about 30 years later. Since the book indicates it was published in Chicago, I am assuming it is from the 19th century. I did find a digital copy of the book published by this company in the Library of Congress dated 1900, however, that specific publication appears to be somewhat later than my copy. So, not only did they give me a copy of one of my favorite books, they gave me an OLD copy. I do appreciate the gift!

May the Lord grant you a great week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

Despite the early morning snow and cold temperatures, we had a “sunny and warm” spirit in our worship yesterday! Our exposition of John’s Gospel is rapidly approaching its conclusion after almost 3 full years in the text. I encourage you to join us each Sunday morning as we hear from God’s Word and sing praises to Him!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Tom and his family
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Brida Lovett and a job
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan
• Sandy Brandel, soon heading to Japan
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• The Hauk family
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (2 Peter) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45 p.m.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

“… the friend of sinners faced the hatred of sinners; the Judge of all the earth was arraigned before petty human judges; the exalted Lord of glory was humiliated by being mocked, spit upon, and beaten; the Holy and Righteous one was treated as a vile sinner; the One who is the truth was impugned by evil liars.”
– John MacArthur

January Bible Study

Our January Bible Study, “The Greatest Week in History”, continues on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the Gospel of Luke!

Pastor’s Postscripts

A brief newsletter this week, a result of a busy Monday work day plus a lengthy doctor’s appointment.

Hope to see some of you at prayer meeting and everyone on Sunday as we worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

What a great Sunday yesterday was! The singing was wonderful, the Word was challenging, and the fellowship was sweet! Then all of that was “topped off” with a great study on Maundy Thursday!

I was delighted to see some of our members back following extended illnesses. For those who are still recovering, we are praying for you.

I do ask for special and extra prayer for Tom’s family today. During the service yesterday morning, we lifted up the family to the Lord. Please take a few moments today and do the same.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Tom’s mom, Alene, and the entire family
• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Brida Lovett
• Brazel family
• Bunch family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

“He that would not fall into a ditch should take care not to walk near the edge of it.”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 – 1892)

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (2 Peter) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7p.m.
2. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

Wednesday Evenings

For over a year we have taken a brief look at each book of the Bible, one book per Wednesday evening. This Wednesday we find ourselves near the end of our journey as we review the book of 2 Peter. It’s not too late to join us on our weekly, 10 minute “Walk Through the Bible One Book at a Time”. The study begins at 7 p.m.

Following our brief time in the Word, those assembled on Wednesday evenings then review prayer requests and spend time lifting those requests to the Lord. We would love to have you join with us each Wednesday.

January Bible Study

“The Greatest Week in History”, every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. This coming Sunday we will be examining Good Friday. Come out and join us for Bible study and fellowship!

Gems Gleaned from Here and There!

Here are some brief quotes from various Christians I have encountered recently I thought were worthy of sharing.

“Liars and hypocrites are very good at saying great words they don’t really believe.”

“What is love? In short, love is joyfully and willfully sacrificing yourself in the service of others for the purpose of seeing them blessed.” – Erik Raymond

“We have in this age but few giants in grace who rise head and shoulders above the common height, men who lead us on in deeds of heroism and efforts of unstaggering faith.”  – C. H. Spurgeon

“What kind of a society puts its women on the front lines to risk what only men should be called on to risk?” – Denny Burk

“No one publicly advocated the demise of discipline. No Baptist leader arose to call for an end to congregational censures. No theologians argued that discipline was unsound in principle or practice. No “freedom” party arose to quash the tyranny of the redeemed. It simply faded away, as if Baptists had grown weary of holding one another accountable.” – Greg Wills

“If we wish to see the Baptist denomination prosper, we must not expend our zeal so much in endeavouring to make men Baptists, as in labouring to make Baptists and others Christians. If we lay out ourselves in the common cause of Christianity, the Lord will bless and increase us.” – Andrew Fuller

Pastor’s Postscripts

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10,11)

As I read this admonition from Peter, I was reminded of a portion from our church covenant:

“We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines. To contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.”

Let us each use the gifts & abilities our Lord has given us to serve one another and glorify Him this week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

I do hope those of you who were home yesterday due to illness are recovering and will be back with us soon. Please do not hesitate to contact the pastor if I can be of any assistance or if you would like me to stop by and have prayer with you.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Tom’s mom, Alene, in hospital
• Brida Lovett
• Muellers, illness
• Brazel family
• Bunch family, especially Sandy’s mom and dad
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (1 Peter) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7p.m.
2. Ladies Fellowship, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Walkers’ home.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. including the Lord’s Supper.
5. CHILI COOK-OFF after the service.
6. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

January Bible Study

“The Greatest Week in History”, every Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

Fellowships this Week

* LADIES ONLY will meet at the Walkers on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a snack, if you like, and some “crafty” things to make Valentines for nursing home members.
* CHILI COOK-OFF, Sunday, January 27 following the morning worship service. If you want to be a contestant, bring a big pot of your best chili. All will join together after worship service and enjoy the various offerings as well as fellowship!

A Devotion from Spurgeon

“And so all Israel shall be saved.”—Romans 11:26.

THEN Moses sang at the Red Sea, it was his joy to know that all Israel were safe. Not a drop of spray fell from that solid wall until the last of God’s Israel had safely planted his foot on the other side the flood. That done, immediately the floods dissolved into their proper place again, but not till then. Part of that song was, “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed.” In the last time, when the elect shall sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and of the Lamb, it shall be the boast of Jesus, “Of all whom thou hast given me, I have lost none.” In heaven there shall not be a vacant throne.

“For all the chosen race
Shall meet around the throne,
Shall bless the conduct of His grace,
And make His glories known.”

As many as God hath chosen, as many as Christ hath redeemed, as many as the Spirit hath called, as many as believe in Jesus, shall safely cross the dividing sea. We are not all safely landed yet:

“Part of the host have crossed the flood,
And part are crossing now.”

The vanguard of the army has already reached the shore. We are marching through the depths; we are at this day following hard after our Leader into the heart of the sea. Let us be of good cheer: the rear-guard shall soon be where the vanguard already is; the last of the chosen ones shall soon have crossed the sea, and then shall be heard the song of triumph, when all are secure. But oh! if one were absent—oh! if one of His chosen family should be cast away—it would make an everlasting discord in the song of the redeemed, and cut the strings of the harps of paradise, so that music could never be extorted from them.

(Charles Haddon Spurgeon was pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London from 1854-1892. Crowds would fill the building, which could seat 7000, for Sunday morning worship.)

Pastor’s Postscripts

Next Sunday is our annual chili cook-off fellowship. That means a good time with good eats! I encourage you to plan on staying after our morning worship service.

Health-wise, Debbie and I are much better but still not quite 100%. We appreciate your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for many in our fellowship who have been fighting illness for some time.

May the Lord grant you a great week! I look forward to seeing you next Sunday with your Bible in hand and ready for worship!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

It was good to be back after missing last Sunday. Many in our fellowship are fighting a variety of illnesses but I was grateful to see so many there yesterday. Debbie and I have now passed the 3 week mark on our battles with whatever bug we have. After preaching yesterday, I came home, ate lunch, sat down in a recliner and was out for quite a while.

Yet we know our Lord is in control and will not permit us to bear more than we are able. To those of our congregation who are also battling sickness, we share your pain and pray for your speedy recovery. For those who have not had the privilege of being ill, we pray that the Lord would be gracious and spare you from it!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Nolan Brook, illness
• Walkers, fighting illness
• Jeff Mueller, illness
• Brazel family
• Bunch family, especially Sandy’s mom and dad
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Elise Walker, on mission trip in Guatemala
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (James) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7p.m.
2. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

Just a little snow to remind us it is Winter!

Future Fellowships

* LADIES ONLY: Meet at the Walkers on Thursday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m.
* CHILI COOK-OFF, Sunday, January 27 following the morning worship service

January Bible Study

“The Greatest Week in History”, every Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

Some Changes…

Just a slight “teaser”: some changes are coming to our morning worship services.

Some Thoughts…

Here are some thoughts gathered from “here and there” on the matter of the “Questionable Christian”.

1. The “Questionable Christian” might attend morning worship services but not consistently. You see, public worship is not that important to them. Their time is more important than the Lord’s time. Their true interests lie somewhere other than in worship. Therefore, some sleep in, others participate in sports. The “Questionable Christian” always has a “good” excuse for missing a church worship service.

2. The “Questionable Christian” never attends the local church prayer meeting. They are too tired after a long’s day work or they find some other excuse to avoid church prayer time. In truth they do not consider corporate prayer as important and they do not care if they miss opportunities to share joys and burdens with fellow believers. “Prayer meeting” is low on their priority list.

3. The “Questionable Christian” gives little, if anything, financially to the Lord through the church. Their list of “needs and wants” far outweighs the needs of the church. Advancing the Kingdom of God is not all that important to them, especially if contributing to the Lord’s work through the church might deprive them of some personal want.

Simply “doing” these 3 duties commanded in Scripture does not make one a true Christian. But a true Christian, born from above by God’s Spirit, now has a new nature which desires to worship together with brothers and sisters in Christ, which longs to join together and pray, and delights in contributing materially to advance the Kingdom of the Lord through the church. Such actions are not the cause of salvation; rather, they are the proof of salvation.

So, to those of you who habitually fail to “show your fruits”, consider yourself a “Questionable Christian.” Do you truly know Christ or are you deceiving yourself?

Pastor’s Postscripts

The Lord is great and greatly to be praised! May He bless your work and bring us together on Sunday to worship Him again in Spirit and in Truth!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

Due to holiday travel and lots of illness, we were missing several members in worship this Sunday. Please pray for those who were unable to be with us for whatever reason.

Also, I encourage you to reach out to someone you know who does not regularly attend worship services (even our own members!) and invite them to join us one Sunday in January. Perhaps God will be gracious and use your invite to bring another soul into His kingdom!

We will have Bible Study and Prayer Meeting this Wednesday at 7p.m. Everyone is invited to join us. Our church greatly needs prayer.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Debbie Walker, bronchitis
• Mueller family, illness
• Sandy Brandel, recovering from pneumonia
• Brazel family
• Bunch family, especially Sandy’s mom and dad
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (Hebrews) and Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7p.m.
2. Deacons Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45p.m.
3. Bethesda Men Breakfast and Book Study, Saturday, 8a.m.
4. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
5. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
6. JANUARY BIBLE STUDY, Sunday, 5p.m.

“Christ Jesus is not neutral in the great contest between right and wrong: as warmly as he loves the one he abhors the other.”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

If you truly desire a new life then simply turning the page to a new calendar year will not suffice.
You MUST be BORN AGAIN!
READING the Bible!

One of my prayer requests for each Bethesda member is to spend more time in the Word of God in 2013. Usually I include a “Read the Bible Through in a Year” plan in the first bulletin of a new year but will not be doing so this year. I am sending one that I have used many times as an attachment to this newsletter in case you do not have one and do not have access to the internet.

However, if you are on the internet, I recommend you check out the following blog site:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2012/12/27/reading-the-bible-in-2013/

Justin Taylor includes links to several different plans. One of them is actually a 2 year plan (i.e., read the Bible through in 2 years instead of 1). Any plan for reading the Bible is a good one, certainly better than having no plan.

Pick a plan that will work for you and begin your new year in the Word of God!

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
1 Timothy 3:16

January Bible Study

Beginning Sunday evening at 5 p.m. during our Discipleship Training hour is our January Bible Study. Over the next several weeks, brother Dennis will lead a study of “The Greatest Week in History.”

Come join our study beginning this Sunday, January 6 at 5 p.m.

Pastor’s Postscripts

Next Sunday morning we resume our exposition of the Gospel of John with chapter 18. I do pray all of you on our church membership list will be able to join us. Bring a friend with you as we begin a new year of worship at Bethesda Baptist!

May the Lord grant you a great week and

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

Our journey through the Gospel of John has completed chapter 17 here at the conclusion of 2012. We will resume our exposition of this great work in January 2013.

For now, Christmas time is upon us and our thoughts turn to the birth of our Savior.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Bunch family
• Sandy Bunch’s mother’s surgery today (Monday)
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Aaron Wordlaw’s nephew
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. BUSINESS MEETING, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
3. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
4. Christmas Program, Sunday, 5:00 p.m.
5. Christmas Fellowship, Sunday, 5:30 p.m. followed by Christmas Caroling.

Christmas Program

Sunday, December 16 at 5 p.m.

Final call: if you want to participate in our Christmas program please contact Steve or Tom as soon as possible.

Following the program, we will gather in our fellowship hall for some cookies and cocoa. Bring some cookies to share and/or any other snack food and join us for some fellowship time.

Following our fellowship, those who are willing may join us for some Christmas caroling.

Discipleship Training

Coming in January:

January Bible Study, Sunday, January 5, 2013 at 5 p.m.

Business Meeting

Like most Southern Baptist churches, Bethesda Baptist has a congregational form of church government. Briefly, this means each member of our church has an equal say in the business affairs of our church. Our church has monthly business meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Our December meeting is this Wednesday at 7 p.m. The December meeting is always a special one since there are key decisions facing our church which require church action at this time of year, two of these being:

1. Our Nominating Committee will present a recommendation to fill the various offices in our church (e.g., Sunday School teachers, committee positions).

2. The Finance Committee will present our 2013 church budget for approval.

There are other committees which will also present recommendations for the church’s consideration.

We need your presence and participation in the meeting so we can properly discern the Lord’s direction on these matters. Our church requires at least 10% of our members be present in order to conduct business. At least two of our 2012 meetings failed to meet this quota.

So please plan on coming to the meeting this Wednesday. Our business meetings usually last 30 minutes or less but are extremely important to our church.

Pastor’s Postscripts

I look forward to seeing you Wednesday at our Business Meeting, Sunday morning for worship, and Sunday evening for our Christmas program!

May Christ bless your week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

It was a blessing to see so many of our congregation in church yesterday morning. Several have been out either because of vacation, Thanksgiving, or illness. We’re grateful Pete and Brenda were able to attend as well as Marilynn. The Mueller’s were back as well as the Brandels.

Worship just seems to be better when more of our members are present!

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling & her father
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Bunch family
• Sandy Bunch’s facing surgery
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Aaron Wordlaw’s nephew
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (Philemon) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Deacons’ Meeting, Wednesday, 7:45pm.
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Christmas Program

Sunday, December 16 at 5 p.m.

If you wish to be a part of the program (read Scripture, sing, play an instrument, etc.), contact Steve or Tom.

We will have a brief time of fellowship following the program and then do a little Christmas caroling.

December 26

* NO 5th Sunday Q and A on Sunday, December 30.

Discipleship Training

Coming in January, our January Bible Study: “The Greatest Week in History”. Beginning January 6 at 5 p.m.

“If believers do not go and preach Christ, who will?”
– Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

December is the month when Southern Baptists give to support mission work outside of the United States and North America. Every penny given to the Lottie Moon offering goes directly to international missions.

I know the economy is bad and money is tight. All I ask is that you would pray to the Lord and seek His wisdom relative to giving towards this offering. Then, be obedient to the wisdom He provides to you!

“A question to you: Christ completed His work so that his followers may be sanctified. Christ prayed that his followers would be sanctified. Are YOU being sanctified?”

Pastor’s Postscripts

This Sunday will be my final message on the Gospel of John for 2012. I will begin chapter 18 on January 6. My intention, Lord willing, is to preach Psalm 5 on December 16 and Psalm 6 on December 30. The “Christmas” message on December 23 will be from Isaiah 7:14-15. Please pray as I prepare these messages.

Wednesday, December 12 is our monthly business meeting. Our church constitution requires a quorum in order for us to conduct business and presently that is 6 members present. There have been a couple of times in 2012 when we gathered for business meeting but did not have a quorum and could conduct no business.

The meeting on the 12th is a vital church business meeting. We will elect members to serve in various positions for 2013. We will vote on a proposed 2013 church budget. And, the Trustees will likely present a motion concerning our front doors (which are in serious need of repair or replacement).

So I am pleading with you to make plans on being here for the meeting on the 12th. I know you are busy especially at this time of year but so is everyone else. Our meetings rarely last more than 30 minutes. Take the time and support our church.

May our gracious God show His kindness towards you this week!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

Our Thanksgiving holiday has passed and now Christmas is on the horizon (less than a month away). Our next newsletter will carry a December date. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the year goes by the older you get!

To our members who were absent yesterday: WE MISSED YOU! We trust you are well and we look forward to seeing you next Sunday, if not sooner.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Bunch family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Aaron Wordlaw’s nephew
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Bruce & Debbie’s daughter, Emily
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. Bible Study (Titus) & Prayer Meeting, Wednesday, 7pm.
2. Bethesda Men’s Breakfast and Book Study, Saturday, 8am
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
5. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Christmas Program

Mark your calendar! Sunday evening, December 16, will be the annual Christmas Program at Bethesda Baptist. The program will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a brief time of fellowship and some Christmas caroling.

If you wish to participate in the program by singing, playing an instrument, or in some other way, contact Steve or Tom and let them know.

“The world is a step-mother to the saints; Christ pitieth their case that they are to stay in the world, as those that are in the haven pity their fellows that are left behind at sea in the midst of the storm.”
– Thomas Manton (1620 – 1677)

December Calendar

The December calendar has some changes to our usual church schedule. Please note the following:

* NO Discipleship Training on Sundays, December 16, 23, or 30.
* NO Prayer Meeting on Wednesday, December 26.
* NO 5th Sunday Q and A on Sunday, December 30.

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
– John 10:28-29

Discipleship Training

If you have been unable to attend any of the “Biggest Losers” classes in Discipleship Training, you have truly missed a blessing. There are two more remaining and I encourage each of you to take advantage of this free education. Dennis has done a great job leading this study.

Beginning in January, we will do our January Bible Study (“The Greatest Week in History”) during the Discipleship Training hour.

Pastor’s Postscripts

Debbie and I again thank each of you for your prayers for our daughter Emily. She is much improved and even made it to church yesterday! We ask you keep her and her newborn in your prayers.

Also, please pray for our church. We desperately need revival and the only revival which will last must come from the Lord. Lift our church up to Him each time you pray and ask Him to pour out His Spirit on our church family.

I do pray the Lord grants each of you a good week as He watches over you!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org

Good Morning, Bethesda!

Once again we unrepentantly missed yesterday’s service! As you are probably aware, our daughter Emily gave birth to our new grandson a week ago today and then had to be rushed back to the hospital for surgery last Friday. As I type this she is recovering quite well and we hope will return home today. Meanwhile, Debbie and I are in Springfield, helping take care of her children as well as visiting with her. We hope all is well enough by Wednesday that we may return home at that time.

Again, a HUGE THANK YOU to Rick for filling in at the last minute. What a blessing it is for a pastor to have someone in his congregation with the gifts and willingness of a Rick Bunch to step into the pulpit and proclaim God’s Word.

Urgent Prayer Requests

• Pete & Brenda Koelling
• Meghan Bartner
• Brazel family
• Rachelle Brandel in Japan.
• Jon Bound’s cousin, Carrie, suffering from terminal cancer and in need of salvation.
• Marilynn Norvell
• Cynthia Wordlaw
• Gene & Lois Schulze at home.
• Caroline, Anne Overton’s sister-in-law, fight with cancer.
• Bruce & Debbie’s daughter, Emily
• Our church and need for revival

Upcoming Activities

1. NO Bible Study & Prayer Meeting this Wednesday.
2. THANKSGIVING DAY – Thursday!
3. Sunday School, Sunday, 9:15 a.m.
4. Worship Service, Sunday, 10:30 a.m. including the Lord’s Supper
5. Discipleship Training (Biggest Losers), Sunday, 5:00 p.m.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

December has been designated by Southern Baptists as our month to emphasize the efforts of international missions. One way we do so is by giving financially to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Every penny given to this offering goes directly to support International Missions.

I realize the economy is bad and December is often a “taxing” month when it comes to our money but I ask each of you to pray and seek the Lord’s direction on what, if anything, you might give to support this worthy cause.

First Thanksgiving Proclamation from a President of the United States

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

G. Washington.

Pastor’s Postscripts

God commands us to give thanks in everything! Certainly Christians should lead all citizens of our country in giving of thanks to our gracious God on the holiday designated as Thanksgiving. Many will celebrate this Thursday by being thankful for friends, family, food, and, yes, football! We, too, may be thankful for these things and so much more but, as Christians, we direct all of our thanks to the One who has given us all we have: our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

God bless you and your family as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week! May Jesus Christ be praised!

Pastor Bruce
636-233-0645
TheSaxonHus@hotmail.com
Church phone: 636-447-2121
Church web site: www.bethesdabc.org