Bethalto Christian Church

Ministry News
Making Heaven a Crowded Place

December 2012
Special Points of interest from last month Average attendance: 186 Average Offering: $4,766.33 Amount Budgeted for weekly Expenses: $6281.00

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Merry Christmas!

What an incredible year 2012 has been! Truly a great year of change in our church body. We have experienced some growing pains and changes that I believe would be difficult for most churches to handle. Colleen and Steve both have taken different directions with their ministries and continue to be a vital part of this church body. The Elders have been very clear on going beyond making mission and vision statements to leading us in the fulfillment of them. I have seen more and more people taking up the task of leading out in ministry and reaching out beyond our own doors. Most of all, I sense that our community and beyond has seen and felt the love of Christ as we strive to stretch our faith beyond our own comfort zone. Our mission: To become like Jesus and make Disciples is guided by our vision to be a passionate people, obeying Gods Word, actively loving others and giving of ones self. Our mission and vision is not only a biblical mandate, it is the governing principle by which we will operate in 2013. Christmas season itself is a great time to celebrate Gods mission and vision for His creation. He became one of us to enable us to see what the original blueprint for each our lives was before the curse of sin changed the world. He was full of passion for others being the Word in flesh and lovingly giving of Himself for each one of us. We, as His followers, are now the ones to take this awesome message of living hope, lasting peace and limitless grace to all others. I pray that as you celebrate with joy the great traditions of Christmas you will be inspired to share these truly Glad Tidings with all you meet.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Calendar of Events

Adult Discipleship

Best Years

Womens Mnistry

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I would just like to take this space to say a HUG Please make this year's Christmas Program awithinof your family celebranew role part our body I want to share with yo tion. Our Christmas Program is going be held during our Sunday Morning worship onin 1987, eral years. I began ministry full-time December 16th. All the Children will be leadinghavingChristmas Carols andSteve will be is a of us in a servant's heart. they was and practicing on each Sunday leading up to this day. Please plan to attend andisn't a your humility from Steve, humility bring personal st entire Family to celebrate at 10:30 am for our "Family Christmas Together" a faithful co-wo better leader. Steve has been Program. It promises to be inspiring and encouraging for all! and creating youth ministries fo seeing, staffing The Blackmores

Parents N.O.W.

Youth Ministry

Upcoming Events

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to thank Steve most, it is as a father. My two ple to them as a man that loves the Lord and lov continue to worship with us and grow with this b P.S. On December 9th, we will be praying about, hearing testimonies and revealing Steve fo during this change in ministry. Thanks the results of our Faith Promise Pledges for 2013. So please plan on being a part of this to me personally. God bless brother! year's congregational meeting starting at 6pm.

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December Events!
Dec 1st & 2nd High School Youth to Inner City Mission Dec.8th High School Christmas Party, TBA Dec 12th Wm. Ministry Christmas Party, 6pm8pm. Dec 16th Childrens Christmas Program 10:30 am

December 2012
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EVERY WEEK

TUESDAYSWeight Watchers, KidsZone 9:30am-10:30 am and 6-7pm; Archery in Gym, 6:30 pm

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Wednesday Meal & Classes will resume on January 9, 2013

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THURSDAYSWorship Team Practice in Gym, 7 pm

FRIDAYS - WM Bible Study, Rm 114, 9-11:30 am

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CEAD: Christian Education

and

Adult Discipleship

SUNDAY MORNING

Taking Root and Bearing Fruit

Study of the Minor Prophets (Jumper)

"All in: finding true life on the path to total surrender"

(Jackson) Respectable Sins (Blackmore) Crazy Love (Folmnsbee)

See d'VINE Connections for full descriptions and information

HOME GROUPSSUNDAY PM

Bethalto / Epps Bethalto / H. Bloodworth East Alton / Jones Holiday Shores / Miner

OTHER STUDIES
Friday AM (Ladies)

Life of PaulBeth Moore Series (Rebecca Herman)

Contact Tony Jackson if you need further information or suggestions for future studies. csfsiue@yahoo.com

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR OUR BEST YEARS GROUP!! PLEASE JOIN US ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14TH FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT JULIAS BANQUET CENTER. MEET AT JULIAS ~ 6 PM. PLEASE BRING A WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT. SEE HEIDI TODD FOR COST OF MEAL AND FURTHER DETAILS.

Wondering how to find out about Womens Ministry at BCC and get the details about events & ministry opportunities?. NOW, you can get the information you need using any of these methods:

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Womens Ministry Events

Womens Ministry Christmas Party

Save the Date

12-12-12
6pm 8pm
BRING FOOD item to share (sign-up for food category)

GIFT to exchange (12 of something $10 limit)

Optional DONATION for Parents NOW (candy for gifts)

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Womens Ministry
Throughout the year, well come together for large, themed events where well let our hair down, pamper ourselves, try something new, or just have fun. You can also join shared-interest groups to pursue that special interest or talent. Join us and well connect you with other women with similar passions.

We exist...
to equip and encourage women to experience joy and growth THROUGH Christ in their daily lives

These interest groups are for women of all ages!

Gamin Gals

...for women who enjoy gabbing while playing board or card games!

NOT meeting until after the New Year...date pending.

Enjoy your holiday festivities and time with family.

Sassy Scrappers & Crafty Ladies

Will resume in January 17, 2013 ..for women who creatively share Rm. 114 memories, ideas and life through Bring your craft project of choice and join with other ladies scrapbooking! AND...for women who to start, work on, or complete your projectand have fun like cross-stitch, quilting, crochet & while you work! knitting or other craft projects and enjoy chatting with others who share similar hobbies!

PLEASE email wm.bfcc@gmail.com if you plan to attend any of these events !

2013 is around the corner and we have some exciting events & opportunities planned for you. Watch for dates and details This is ONLY a Sample!

Mens Bake-off and Womens Ministry Fundraiser Cozy Cabin Retreat Mother-Other Gathering Living Proof Live / Springfield, IL Christmas Party

Parents NOW is an outreach support ministry for teenage parents which provides mentoring by women and men past their teen years who share insights on parenthood, child-rearing, relationships and other topics of interest to teen parents. Parents N.O.W. is a place of encouragement, where parenthood is valued and teen parents are special no matter what their status, education, or personal issues.
Points are earned by participating in group discussions, keeping a job, bringing a friend, good grades, baby wellness checkups, etc. These points can be used in the Parents N.O.W. shop for diapers, wipes, childrens clothing, bottles, cups, etc. as well as items for the mom. Parents N.O.W. meets the second Friday evening of every month and provides a free meal and childcare.

Next Parents N.O.W. Gathering: December 14th

You can support this ministry by volunteering for the meal, childcare, or working with the teens. OR, you can donate diapers, wipes, or $5 gas cards to the Parents N.O.W. shop. Thank you for your assistance!! For more information, please contact Kristi Doering, Jamie Jumper, or Tara Trent through BCC office at 377-9259 or wm.bfcc@gmail.com

New Sunday School Class Starting December 30, 2012 Running On Empty: Life Lessons to Refuel Your Faith
We live in an age that prizes busyness. We have watercooler debates over whos the busiest. But just because our days are busy doesnt mean that our lives are full. When we stop long enough to think about it, its painfully clear that for all our activity, we havent gotten very far. Truth iswere Running on Empty. Aaron Chambers show[s] (through twenty-one elements in the gospel of John) how you can stop your busyness and live the outrageously abundant life Jess promised! Its time to ask yourself, Am I truly living?* If your answer is no, this class is for you. Study Facilitator: Colleen Jumper Location: Room 207 *(copied from book cover) Womens Devotional

If I Can Do All Things Through Christ...Why cant I find My Car Keys

52 Devotions for Busy Women Who Need a Moment With God Errands. Work. E-mails. Phone calls. Friendships. Family. Our lives are busy! Its challenging to find some quiet with God, but most of us realize its necessary just to maintain our sanity! This devotional has weekly bite-sized devotions, one for each week of the year. The perfect resource for women on-the-go who need those quiet tieswhen we need a minute to catch our breath! Written by women for women, this book gives you:

A years worth of weekly devotions for even the busiest of women Life lessons what help you better understand how God is working in your life Personal stories that will encourage you.

Take time for some fun and reflection that fits your schedule and uplifts your spirit!
(copied from book cover)

Colleen Jumper is one of the contributing authors and has copies for purchase ($8). Great Christmas gift idea.

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BCC Youth
Our Childrens Christmas Program will be held during the 10:30 am Service on Sunday, December 16th. Please contact Dave Wilkerson or Amy Jones for further details.

High School Youth

Dec 1 & 2 Youth to Inner City Mission 8:30 am on Sat. Will return at 3 pm Sunday. Each person to bring sleeping bag, toiletries, work clothes, change of clothes for Sunday (blue jeans are okay). Coat, gloves, and hats. Bible and money for 2 trips to McDonalds. Dec 8 Christmas Party at Braziers more details to follow. Each person to bring a white elephant gift to exchange. Arrive by 6 pm. Adults may come by at 8 pm to tell Sam & Hazen goodbye. Dec 16 High School Youth will be participating in Christmas Program at 10:30 am Service. Dec 31 Lock-in at Church for High School Youth. More details to follow. ** Wednesday Night meetings for High School Youth during the month of December are being discussed. There are no regular Wednesday night meals or classes until 1/9/13, but the Youth may want to continue to meet on Wednesday nights. We would like feedback from Parents. Please call Dave Wilkerson (#660-8803) or Caine Kelso (#488-7012) with your thoughts on this. ** We appreciate your input. Thanks so much! Junior High Youth Please check Youth board or see Amy Jones for further details on upcoming events for the month of December.

Bethalto Christian Church

seeks to

Bethalto Christian Church

724 E. Bethalto Blvd Bethalto, IL 62010

MAKE HEAVEN A CROWDED PLACE through

Phone: (618) 377-9259 Fax: (618) 377-9350 Email: Office.bfcc@gmail.com

Accepting people where they are Connecting people to God and others, & Supporting people to develop Christs character

The ministry groups of BCC will fulfill this mission as we work togethereach paying a part of the whole. Each ministry group endeavors to use a variety of methods and means to individually address their specific area of impact.

www.crowdedheaven.org

May Christ be glorified in this church body as we combine our gifts, talents, and abilities to do the work of ministry in:

Making Heaven a Crowded Place

RESPONDING to the various needs of this congregation, and in REACHING OUT to others in Christian love and service.

The staff of BCC wishes each and everyone of you a very blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year in 2013! Upcoming events to mark on your Calendar for January 2013 Wednesday Night Meal & Classes resume on 1/9/13. Hope to see you there! New Youth Activities being planned for January please watch for further details!