FEBRUARY H ephzibah Baptist Times Volume 33 Issue 2 February 2015 From the desk of Dr. Gary C. Redding HOW TO BE MORE HELPFUL We all could use a little help every once in a while: maybe with a flat tire or a car that won’t start. Maybe it’s something a little more personal: maybe we just could use a little encouragement or appreciation. Maybe it would mean the world to us if someone missed us, and said so, or if someone would just pray for us and let us know. All around us are people who could use a little help today. Let me use this space to help you to become a more helpful person. First, be a person of prayer. Don’t just pray in a moment of crisis. Be one whose life is devoted to nurturing a relationship with God and lifting others to Him in concern and out of love. People of prayer are among the most loving and sensitive, compassionate and wise, insightful and helpful people I know. As you become a person of prayer, the Father will more and more place those who need encouragement on your heart. Never ignore the prompting of God where others are concern. Second, be a person of integrity and confidentiality. Proverbs 11:13 says, “a gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Remember this: a person shares a confidence with you for a reason – they trust you and have confidence in you. If they want someone else – or everyone else – to know their burden and their need, let them share it. It’s theirs to tell, not yours. The quickest and surest way to inflict more hurt is to “spread the news.” Just listen, and share it only with the Father. Third, be a person who is full of grace. Don’t try to be cute and thereby, diminish the other person’s need. Take them seriously. Be understanding and patient. Fourth, defer judgment. It’s difficult sometimes to listen to people’s burdens without judging them. Your friends need you to care, not criticize, to confront them lovingly with the truth, not to condemn them because of their failures. No one likes to be on the receiving end of a lecture, but everyone longs to be loved – genuinely, sincerely, deeply loved. One other thing: don’t be the kind of person who’s always trying to catch someone doing something wrong, always looking for sin in another’s life. Be devoted to the notion of “catching them” doing something praiseworthy – and spread praise around liberally! Fifth, just listen. James 1:19 says, “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” Most people just want someone to listen to them. If they want – truly want – your advice, they’ll likely ask for it. Sixth, avoid simple solutions. I’ve discovered throughout my ministry that there’s always a simple solution to practically every complicated problem…and it’s always wrong! Money problems aren’t usually just money problems. Problems at work aren’t always solved just by changing jobs. The easiest solution to worry is not just to get your mind on something else. The Apostle Paul notes that at their root, most troubles have a spiritual origin (Ephesians 6:10ff). Whatever the problem a friend is dealing with, it is always appropriate to pray with them. Seventh, be discreet. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into a compromising situation. Satan prowls around like a lion just looking for someone to devour. It’s always best if a man confides in another man and a lady confides in another lady. Period. There’s not much else that should be said about that. Finally, know your limits and also know that God has none! “Nothing is impossible with God!” Know it. Believe it. Count on it. Now, go and help someone who needs your help! God will bless you as you do. STUDENT MINISTRY CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Winter Jam February 12, 2015 At the James Brown Arena $10/ticket at the door CentriKid Summer Camp will be at Norman Park Conference Center in Norman Park, GA from June 8-12, 2015 Meet at HBC at 4:15pm, leaving at 4:30 sharp. Supper provided. Camp is for those completing 3rd—5th Grade. Parents will be contacted when the students are on the way back to the church. A $50 deposit is due on February 8, and the total cost of Camp is $303 DRIVERS ARE NEEDED to drive students from the church to the concert and back to the church. DEADLINE to sign up, Feb. 4. ______________________________________ FAMILY MINISTRY Discipleship Weekend March 6-8 $35 per student, Sign up by Feb. 18th CenterShot Archery is here! Centershot continues from 6:30--8:15pm, on Thursdays each week. There will be a tournament on Saturday, March 7, 2015! For further information please contact Rachel Andrews at [email protected] _________________________________________ COMING IN APRIL D-Now is a weekend of studying God’s word and creating a daily time with Christ. Attention Church: For this weekend to be a success we will need your participation. Host Homes are needed! Expectation of a host home: provide a place to sleep for 4-6 people and 3 meals, breakfast and lunch on Sat., breakfast on Sun.; transport the group to a mission project Sat. and to church on Sun. Please consider opening your home and help make DNOW 2015 a huge success! M-FUGE CAMP “Alive and Free” This is an experience for the whole family! Charleston Southern University, Charleston SC July 20-24 Total Cost $298 per person Chaperones are needed! Our weekend will be spent at the Myrtle Beach Christian Retreat Center, in North Myrtle Beach SC, from April 24-26. We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend for you and your family, as we spend time together in the adventure that is The Christian walk should be attractive and contagious so people Grace! see the difference Christ makes and want to experience it for themselves. The call upon believers in the book of James describes a life full of action and virtue. At MFUGE, you will jump into ministry Please stay tuned to future HBC Publications, emails, and with local communities and serve people in need. During the day announcements for further details. students will be challenged and stretched as individuals; in the evenings, they will have an opportunity to build group unity over dinner, worship, fellowship and church group devotions. Please see Dennis with any questions about any of the activities or events within the Children’s or Family Ministry [email protected] ~ 706.592.4501 If you have questions, please contact Jessica Yoder at [email protected] or 706.829.1832 2 MUSIC MINISTRY STUDENT MINISTRY STATE OF THE STUDENT MINISTRY It’s that time again! The Adult Choir will begin rehearsing for our Easter musical, “Because We Believe,” on Wednesday, February 4th, at 8:10pm. We welcome anyone to join the choir for this special event. In the absence of a paid youth worker, the youth ministry at HBC is still going strong! Thanks to a loyal and enthusiastic team of volunteers, we are seeing a steady attendance of 25-30 students each Wednesday night and are keeping them with challenging topics, intimate discussion groups, beautiful worship music, and several outings and events. The team consists of myself, Kim Edwards, Robbie and Jackie Stevens, Kristen Ranew, Sherry Oglesby, Jordan Perryman and Torey Flowers, who lead on Wednesday nights; and Skip and Dona Brown, Jackie Zarbeck and D.J. Gossett, who teach Sunday School. When you see any of these folks, take a minute to look them in the eyes and say, “Thank you.” Or better yet, ask how you can help us! We will not turn any volunteers away! We have a full calendar of events and plenty of opportunities to serve. Thank you for your continued support of the student ministry. MEN’S MINISTRY MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP STUDY Starting on Wednesday, February 4, a 4 Week Study of “Courageous Living Bible Study,” based on the movie, Courageous Jessica Yoder An informal gathering, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, beginning at 8:00pm, for 30 minutes, immediately following regular Wednesday activities, snacks will be provided, for the students, leaders, and parents, if they wish to attend. Join us Feb. 18th to experience AfterGlo! __________________________________________________________ Join us Sunday, January 4 for our next MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST WOMEN’S MINISTRY Beginning on February 10th, we will offer a Women's Bible Study, on Tuesday mornings at 9:00am, called "Your Legacy" by Dr. James Dobson. 2ND ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT! Daddies & Daughters of all ages! Saturday, February 14, 2015, 6-8pm You'll leave a spiritual legacy, but what kind will it be? In the HBC Fellowship Hall Dress is Sunday best. Sign up on the HBC bulletin board and indicate if you will need childcare. We would love to have a volunteer each week to provide childcare while the ladies meet. If you would like to participate in this study or volunteer for childcare, please contact Amanda Brookins as soon as possible so we can make arrangements. Supper provided, photo booth, fun memories! No childcare will be provided. Sign up on the HBC bulletin board by 2/5/15. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Contact Becky Fulcher (706.339.6335) to help with decorations/set up. There is a member book to accompany the videos, that can be purchased at Lifeway for $6.95. Contact Cindy Troxel (706.592.5044) to help with food prep/service. We’ll also need clean-up help at 8:15pm. Any and all help will be appreciated. If you are unable to purchase a book but would still like to be part of this study, please see Amanda Brookins. 3 Wednesday Menus for the Month of February Dinner begins at 5:50 pm. All meals include tea and coffee. $6—Adults, $3—Children, $6—Take Out $20 max. for immediate family. *To-Go” Plates will be prepared by the Kitchen Personnel after the serving line closes. We cannot guarantee “to-go” orders until all of our dine-in family members are served. As available, additional take out plates may be purchased at the regular price. 2/4 2/11 Taco Night Fried/Baked Chicken, Rice & Gravy, Green Beans, Rolls, Dessert 2/18 2/25 Soup, Chili, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Dessert Pork Loin, Roasted Potatoes, Cabbage, Green Beans, Rolls, Dessert  MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST: Sunday, Feb. 1, at 7:30am.  2ND ANNUAL DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT: Sat., Feb. 14, from 6:00pm-8:00pm, in the HBC Fellowship Hall.  YOUNG AT HEART LUNCHEON: Monday, Feb. 16, at 12noon.  AFTERGLO: Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 8:00pm, in the Youth House.  CENTERSHOT: Starting Thursday, January 15, at 6:30pm for 8 weeks, ending Thursday, March 15.  DEADLINE FOR MARCH NEWSLETTER: Wednesday, February 18.  TEAM MEETINGS IN FEBRUARY: Student Ministry Planning—Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:00pm. Building & Grounds—Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6:15pm. Missions Team—Monday, Feb. 9, at 6:00pm. Stewardship & Finance—Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6:00pm. Church Business Meeting—Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:00pm/ Deacons Meeting—Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2:00pm. Please remember that all children should be accompanied through the serving line by a parent or responsible adult. 2015 HBC BLOOD DRIVE SCHEDULE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! WEDNESDAYS, 5:30PM-8:00PM MARCH 25 JUNE 17 Please Note: All events, dates and times are subject to change. Please consult weekly publications for any changes. SEPTEMBER 2 DECEMBER 9 Membership Financial Report: Monthly Budget Needs: Weekly Budget Needs: General Offering Received as of 1/26/15 Year-to-Date Budget Needs: Year-to-Date Budget Received: Average S.S. attendance as of 1/26/15 Contemporary Service Average Attendance Traditional Service Average Attendance $34,149.00 $7881.00 $33,727.21 $170,745.00 $144,089.68 140 155 66 Please note change of date! Luncheon Join us Monday, February 16, at 12noon. Bring your favorite dish for the luncheon and stay for fellowship and to enjoy our program, Nathaniel Bruner, violinist from The Hill Baptist Church will be performing for us. Hephzibah Baptist Church ▬ 2527 Highway 88 ▬ Hephzibah, Georgia 30815 Telephone (706) 592-4501 ▬ Fax (706) 592-6937 www.hephzibahbaptist.org Church Staff Dennis Andrews, Minister to Children and Families ([email protected]) Amanda Brookins, Minister of Worship/Music ([email protected]) Sara Dillard, Administrative Assist./Finance ([email protected]) Jacob Jalbert, Custodian ([email protected]) Mary Murphy, Administrative Assist./Ministry ([email protected]) Dr. Gary C. Redding, Interim Pastor 4