ONE STEP AT A TIME Christmas Child REGISTER: A21.org/walkstorage.cloversites.com ›...

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Contact Us [email protected] 307-234-6946 514 S Beech St Casper WY 82601 ELDERS Doug Neubert Michael Miller Shane Harkins Scott Gamble Kent Neubert John Marshall Jim Fuhrer John Spear Ministry Coordinator: Charity Harkins Operations: Ron Sucher Youth Ministry: Beau Gamble Childrens Ministry: Diane Shaffer Our Facebook page: First Baptist Church of Casper Website: fbccasper.com Church App: FBC Casper Note: If you would prefer to receive the First Focus by email, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. It is also available to view on our website fbccasper.com First Baptist Church 514 South Beech Casper Wyoming 82601 Operation Christmas Child We will collect boxes on Sunday, Nov. 13th. Collection week is Nov. 14-21 International Justice Mission Global Prayer Gathering 2017 March 3-4 Washington DC Sign up this month! Approximate cost flying out of Casper $1,200.00 Approximate cost flying out of Denver $ 800.00 This price includes flight, lodging and event tickets. We will have a Baptism service on Sunday, October 23rd. Let us know if you are interested. TO ABOLISH MODERN-DAY SLAVERY ONE STEP AT A TIME Join us as we walk for the 27 Million ENSLAVED across the globe. WHERE: Tate Pumphouse TIME: 9AM – Noon (Check in at 8:30AM) REGISTER: A21.org/walk A21.org/walk Last year at this time we did a series out of the book of Revelations. During the series we talked about an approach to living today balanced with what is going to happen when Jesus comes again. We live in the tension of not knowing when that will happen, for the scripture teaches that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, which means anytime. We know Jesus is coming, but we dont know when which creates tension in the present. We captured this thought with a phrase, Plan your life as if Jesus is coming in 100 years but live your life like he is coming tomorrow. The other day I was reflecting on this phrase and I was pondering how it has affected me over this last year. When I make plans I tend to only think about a year away. Rarely, unless it is around my retirement, do I think too far down the road. So when I consider planning as if Jesus is coming in 100 years I see that as an investment. As I was considering this personally, I realized that I spend most of my life seeking to invest in others. I invest in others because I want to see people in a different place in the years ahead with Jesus. I want you to know that Jesus loves you deeply and that love is sufficient. I want you to grow in that knowledge. I also have a deep desire for many of you to experience what it is like to go on a mission trip. When you commit to going on a mission trip, it makes a difference in your life. I see it as an investment into your life as well as the lives you encounter on the trip itself. When I began pondering the second part of the phrase, I asked myself if I am living as if he is coming tomorrow. I began to ask some more detailed questions. What if Jesus came tomorrow? Am I making the most of my days and my walk with Jesus Christ? Am I investing in each day by seeking to do what will impact my tomorrow? I was struck by these questions because in my heart I know that I could do more but it isnt in doing more that I grow in my relationship with Jesus. John 5:39-40 says, You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. These verses teach that I dont grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ by adding more information and knowledge; I grow in my relationship with Jesus when I draw closer to him and allow him to transform me. My life changes when I spend time with Jesus in order to connect with him and not simply to know more about him. So my pursuit this day and every day is about drawing closer to the one who already loves me and fully approves of me. I obey each day not because I have to but because I want to. Life is lived fully when I come to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, and allow Jesus to bring life to me. Life is meant to be lived not by doing more and trying to earn Gods approval, but by accepting fully what has already been done for me by Jesus. I encourage you this day to seek to connect to Jesus intimately. Instead of waiting until he comes perhaps tomorrow, pursue him intentionally today. Volume 12 Number 10 October 2016 Growth Tracks Oct. 2 nd Step 1 Know God Oct. 9 th Step 2 Find Freedom Oct. 16 th Step 3 Discover Purpose Oct. 23 rd Step 4 Make a Difference Sundays in October at 6PM Upstairs in Room 209 OCTOBER Series This month we are going to be hearing the marriage and wedding stories from five couples who are in leadership roles in our church. Within each of their stories are lessons and truths for us to learn. It is a series designed to offer support for your marriage as you get to know some incredible couples in our church.

Transcript of ONE STEP AT A TIME Christmas Child REGISTER: A21.org/walkstorage.cloversites.com ›...

Page 1: ONE STEP AT A TIME Christmas Child REGISTER: A21.org/walkstorage.cloversites.com › firstbaptistchurchofcasper...We are always in need of you getting involved with our students. I

Contact Us

[email protected]

307-234-6946 514 S Beech St

Casper WY 82601

ELDERS

Doug Neubert Michael Miller

Shane Harkins Scott Gamble

Kent Neubert John Marshall

Jim Fuhrer John Spear

Ministry Coordinator: Charity Harkins

Operations: Ron Sucher

Youth Ministry: Beau Gamble

Children’s Ministry: Diane Shaffer

Our Facebook page:

First Baptist Church of Casper

Website: fbccasper.com

Church App: FBC Casper

Note: If you would prefer to receive the

First Focus by email, please send an

e-mail to [email protected].

It is also available to view on our

website fbccasper.com

First Baptist Church 514 South Beech Casper Wyoming 82601

Operation

Christmas Child

We will collect boxes

on Sunday,

Nov. 13th.

Collection week is

Nov. 14-21

International Justice Mission

Global Prayer Gathering 2017 March 3-4 Washington DC

Sign up this month!

Approximate cost flying out of Casper $1,200.00

Approximate cost flying out of Denver $ 800.00

This price includes flight, lodging and event tickets.

We will have a Baptism service

on Sunday, October 23rd.

Let us know if you are interested.

TO ABOLISH MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Join us as we walk for the

27 Million ENSLAVED

across the globe.

WHERE: Tate Pumphouse

TIME: 9AM – Noon (Check in at 8:30AM)

REGISTER: A21.org/walk A21.org/walk

Last year at this time we did a series out of the book of Revelations. During the series we talked about an approach to living today balanced with what is going to happen when Jesus comes again. We live in the tension of not knowing when that will happen, for the scripture teaches that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, which means anytime. We know Jesus is coming, but we don’t know when which creates tension in the present.

We captured this thought with a phrase, “Plan your life as if Jesus is coming in 100 years but live your life like he is coming tomorrow.” The other day I was reflecting on this phrase and I was pondering how it has affected me over this last year. When I make plans I tend to only think about a year away. Rarely, unless it is around my retirement, do I think too far down the road. So when I consider planning as if Jesus is coming in 100 years I see that as an investment. As I was considering this personally, I realized that I spend most of my life seeking to invest in others. I invest in others because I want to see people in a different place in the years ahead with Jesus. I want you to know that Jesus loves you deeply and that love is sufficient. I want you to grow in that knowledge. I also have a deep desire for many of you to experience what it is like to go on a mission trip. When you commit to going on a mission trip, it makes a difference in your life. I see it as an investment into your life as well as the lives you encounter on the trip itself.

When I began pondering the second part of the phrase, I asked myself if I am living as if he is coming tomorrow. I began to ask some more detailed questions. What if Jesus came tomorrow? Am I making the most of my days and my walk with Jesus Christ? Am I investing in each day by seeking to do what will impact my tomorrow? I was struck by these questions because in my heart I know that I could do more but it isn’t in doing more that I grow in my relationship with Jesus. John 5:39-40 says, You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. These verses teach that I don’t grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ by adding more information and knowledge; I grow in my relationship with Jesus when I draw closer to him and allow him to transform me. My life changes when I spend time with

Jesus in order to connect with him and not simply to know more about him. So my pursuit this day and every day is about drawing closer to the one who already loves me and fully approves of me. I obey each day not because I have to but because I want to.

Life is lived fully when I come to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, and allow Jesus to bring life to me. Life is meant to be lived not by doing more and trying to earn God’s approval, but by accepting fully what has already been done for me by Jesus. I encourage you this day to seek to connect to Jesus intimately. Instead of waiting until he comes perhaps tomorrow, pursue him intentionally today.

Volume 12

Number 10

October 2016

Growth Tracks Oct. 2

nd Step 1 Know God

Oct. 9th Step 2 Find Freedom

Oct. 16th Step 3 Discover Purpose

Oct. 23rd

Step 4 Make a Difference

Sundays in October at 6PM

Upstairs in Room 209

OCTOBER Series

This month we are going to be

hearing the marriage and wedding

stories from five couples who are in

leadership roles in our church. Within

each of their stories are lessons and

truths for us to learn. It is a series

designed to offer support for your

marriage as you get to know some

incredible couples in our church.

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What: 24JE (24-hour Justice Experience)

When: October 7-8, 5PM-5PM (lock-in style) Where: FBC

Who: FBC youth & their friends!!!

Why: To expose students to the realities of modern-day slavery

& trafficking and give them the opportunity to join in the fight.

Cost: FREE!! We are asking that students bring items for

refugees to the event, but that’s it! The detailed list can be found on

the permission slip students will receive when they sign up.

*Sign up at the new Justice booth in the foyer or at youth

Wednesday night group.

Questions? Contact Laura Gamble (Beau) or Luanne Marshall

Sunday Worship 8:30 and 10:30AM

Youth & Children

Classes and Nursery at

10:30AM

The Bridge between services -

brunch, coffee and

fellowship

Children and Youth

Ministry

Wednesday 6:30-8PM

As we move into the school year things begin to ramp up in terms of activity of the youth. We have three different small groups operating right now. We have a middle school girls group meeting with Jane Curtis. We have a high school girls group that is meeting with Court-ney Schmidt, and a combined middle and high school boys group meeting with Taylor Schwahn and Levi Eggleston. Our normal Wednesday night group is meeting every week from 6:30-8:00 at the church. There is a group meeting Sunday mornings at 10:30 during the second service in the youth room. We would love to have your students in any of these groups.

We are always in need of you getting involved with our students. I know that not everyone is called to work with youth and that is ok. While coming up and hanging out with us on a Wednesday night or leading a small group may be terrifying, that isn’t the only way you can get involved. One way you could help us out is snacks. Some of you may have the ability and the resources to love on our students with food. I am adamant about having snacks for our students on Wednes-day nights for a couple reasons. One, food always attracts students. They are growing and learning constantly and their metabolism is running at lightning speed. As you may well know, they are always hungry. Secondly, and probably the most important reason is that a lot of our students have sports and other activities that go right up until youth time. This means that they often times don’t have a chance to eat anything before coming to group. I have had students not come before because they needed to eat and I don’t want that to be a reason for them to not come. I have been asked my multiple people about bringing snacks, so I created a sign up. If you would like to sign up to bring snacks for a Wednesday night I will have that sign up in the foyer on Sunday mornings or you can just text me and let me know. I can’t express to you how much of an impact this really has on our students. I am so grateful for our students and I love being able to minister to them. Thank you for your prayers and I can’t wait to keep you updated on how we are growing in the near future. Beau Gamble Youth Pastor

Youth Group Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sunday Morning Study:

10:30AM in the Youth Room

The students will be

fundraising toward an

IJM rescue operation.

Anyone can participate

by donating at this link:

http://fundraising.ijm.org/

campaign/3419

I hope everyone is settling into the new school year schedule! Superbook, our Wednesday night program, has been so much fun. This last month we took three weeks and learned about God Creating the World. My son, Samuel and I are enjoying the activities that are on the take home paper. If you haven’t brought your child yet I would love for you to join us. Each of the lessons we learn is covered in three separate nights with the third night showing us how that part of God’s Story points us to Jesus. Sometimes we might even watch videos that show archeological evidence proving that God’s word is true.

One of our teachers, Haley Perl, has taken time to share her experience with children’s ministry and how wonderful and effective it is and has been. “Aaron and I have really enjoyed being involved in children’s ministry on Wednesday nights. It has been a blessing to see our First Baptist children grow in their relationships with Christ as well as getting the opportunity to further explore our faith with them. We have enjoyed developing relationships with these kids and the fun-loving attitudes and spirits they bring to Wednesday nights. Children’s ministry has also given us a place to serve and grow closer with our church family. We are excited for this upcoming year and look forward to exploring the Bible further and seeing God work in the lives of these kids.”

We have been learning a few new songs in Sunday school, Rock the Boat seems to be a new favorite! Our preschoolers learned about all the things God made and are also bringing home a paper every week so that you can see what they have learned as well as do the activities on it together as a family. We don’t only want what we are teaching your children to stay in the classrooms, but to come into your homes and cultivate a family experience where you can learn, grow and seek Jesus together! So we highly encourage you to take a few minutes to talk with your children about what they’re learning.

I am excited for our next church family event. It will be held on November 19 at 3:30PM. We will gather at the church in the Fellowship Hall and pack food bags. We will then distribute them to the families that live in the church’s neighborhood. To finish the night, we will meet back at the church for a good ol’ fashioned potluck dinner. We will be purchasing most of our food for the bags from the Food Bank of the Rockies.

To that end, I will need people willing to give three hours of their time to volunteer at Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies. For every three hours volunteered in our church’s name, we are able to purchase food at an extremely reasonable price. If you are interested, please contact me or the call the church. It is my desire to let the people in our neighbor know that they are loved. If you would like, you may bring non-perishable items to the church anytime between now and November 19th to add to this project.

Blessings, Diane Shaffer

FBC Financial Report

Sept. 4 $11,831.12

Sept. 11 $ 7,214.00

Sept. 18 $ 4,009.00

Sept. 25 $ 6,368.00

We are excited to announce the creation of a new

position on our church staff and we are calling it a

Ministry Coordinator.

We have asked Charity Harkins to take on the

role of this new position. What this role entails is

connecting different areas primarily through

communication and encouragement. It involves

overseeing the small groups as well as the events

surrounding the different types of small groups. It

is also being an encouraging presence with the

different serve teams in our church as well. Most

of this type of needed ministry fell onto Pastor

John but as we have

grown the need for

someone to specifically

have this role has become

more apparent. So we are

thrilled to have Charity join

us on the church staff to

meet this need.

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