CrossRoads December 2014

Encountering God at the
of community and mission.
Volume 25, Issue 11
December 2014
ADVENT EVENTS AT SECOND
Our annual season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas begins on Sunday, November 30, the
first Sunday of Advent. Please take note of the special events, opportunities, and occasions for worship
that we have on the horizon as we anticipate Christ’s coming!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
The First Sunday of Advent
Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam
study begins during Sunday school at 9:00 a.m.
The Hanging of the Green as we worship in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Piano vs. Poverty free concert in Memory of Frank Huffman
in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
The Second Sunday of Advent
Younger and Older Children’s Choirs sing in worship at 10:15 a.m.
The Grove Music Academy Strings at Christmas Concert
in the sanctuary at 5:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
M&M Kids’ Christmas Presentation in the sanctuary at 6:00 p.m.
Inside:
Love Moves In……...………......2
Giving Opportunities ….....…..3
Member Matters…....……......….4
Pumpkin Patch Produce...........5
Intergenerational
Opportunities……………………....6
Calendar…...………………..…....…..7
Important Dates..……….…..…...8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
The Third Sunday of Advent
The Adult Choir and orchestra presents
“Give God Praise through Music”
in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
Members of Second Baptist deliver Christmas Baskets to neighbors
in our community beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Sharing and Caroling at Trezevant Manor at 10:00 a.m.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Light Shining in Darkness: A Service of Hope for those Coping with Grief
during the holidays in the sanctuary at 4:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion Service
in the sanctuary at 5:00 p.m.
Memphis, TN
www.2ndmemphis.org
Page 2
Volume 25, Issue 11
LOVE MOVES IN
“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the
neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). That is one way of translating
what all of this that we are anticipating at Christmas is ultimately about.
The Word – the creative, life-giving, hope-inducing, world-changing Word – the Word of God
became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
By the time Jesus was born that fateful night in Bethlehem, God already had quite the track record
of ways to get in on the happenings of life. When, on that not-so-silent night so long ago, Mary
brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, the
promise of Emmanuel was fulfilled. God was with us, even as God is now.
All of the ways God had come calling before – through law and prophets, in sacred places and holy
dreams – all of that came into its fullness when a baby came. God took center stage and showed us
what it looks like when love moves into the neighborhood.
SERMON
TOPICS
For those in search of something more glitzy, more glamorous, a little more over-the-top, God
coming in via the backdoor of the barnyard out behind the inn was easy enough to miss. Hardly
anyone noticed what happened that evening. The angels in heaven might have been hollering
hallelujahs, but save for a few poor shepherds out in the fields – ones who were of so little value that
the Romans didn’t even think them worthy of counting in their census – only an unwed adolescent
mother and her anxious husband-to-be got the word. The Word moved into the neighborhood.
And the revolution of love that was begun then, when love came down at Christmas, is the
revolution that has not stopped since.
December 7:
Second Sunday of
Advent
Title: Not Quite a Savior:
A Lesson from the Baptizer
Text: Mark 1:1-8
OT Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
As we undertake our annual Advent pilgrimage we are being called back to remember the way
and the place where the Word made flesh moved in among the bedlam of life in this world. As
these days of remembrance and sacred celebration approach, I sincerely hope that we will keep
a close watch at how we order our days and set our priorities. Jesus never asked us for the
over-the-top Christmases we create. He asked for something much more sacred, much
more dear: he moved into the neighborhood and asked us to come along with him.
December 14:
Third Sunday of Advent
Adult Choir Christmas Music
December 21:
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Title: Facing the Unexpected: A
Lesson from a Pregnant Teen
Text: Luke 1:26-38
OT Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
December 24:
Christmas Eve Communion &
Candlelight
Title: Everything Changes: A
Lesson from a Baby
Text: Luke 2:1-14
December 28:
First Sunday of Christmas
Title: To Us a Child is Born: A
Lesson from the Elders
Text: Luke 2:22-40
OT Lesson: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Perhaps that will serve as a sufficient focus for us all through Advent and beyond.
Grace and peace,
Stephen
FINDING BETHLEHEM IN THE MIDST OF BEDLAM STUDY
During the season of Advent and the first Sunday of Christmas, our
congregation is embarking on an intergenerational spiritual journey
together. All of our children, youth, and adult Sunday school classes are
studying James W. Moore’s book, Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of
Bedlam. These age-appropriate sessions afford groups opportunities
for discussion and shared learning while also giving individuals
opportunities to enjoy daily devotional and journaling experiences.
If you are not regularly participating in a Sunday school group now
would be a terrific time to join others who are praying, focusing, and
committing themselves to less bedlam and more of what Christ brings to bear on our
lives and in our world. Come and take part beginning Sunday, November 30 and for the
Sundays in December!
END OF YEAR GIVING REMINDER
Please note that the last day the church office will be open for 2014 is Tuesday,
December 30. As you plan your end of year giving please be sure to deliver offerings
to the church by this date. If you choose to mail your contributions please note that
they must be postmarked no later than December 31 in order to be counted for the
year 2014.
CrossRoads
Page 3
OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP FAMILY PROMISE
Help Restock the Family Promise Resource Closet
Below is a list of items needed for the Family Promise closet at Second
Baptist. Please drop your donations in the collection box located outside the main church office.
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Deodorant
Hair brushes
Nail clippers
Nail files/emery boards
Razors
Boxes of Kleenex
Recent issues of magazines
such as "O" and "People"
 Boys' clothing from size 4 to 16/18
 Girls' clothing in sizes 3T and up
 Ladies' clothing in sizes 10-20
(please no petite sizes)
 Men’s gently-used jeans, sweats,
casual pants, polos and t-shirts
 Gently used shoes and belts for men,
women, boys and girls
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Blankets and quilts
Gently used bedding
Bed pillows
Alarm clocks
Suitcases
Duffle bags
Over-sized shopping
or beach bags
Poverty vs. Piano Concert
Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Piano vs. Poverty, founded by Carter Cook, will
present a concert in memory of Frank Huffman to
benefit Family Promise of Memphis here at Second
Baptist Church. There is no admission fee but
donations will be accepted. CDs will also be
available for sale with proceeds going to support
Family Promise.
Family Promise Dates for 2015
Second Baptist has scheduled several weeks when we will have the privilege of hosting families
through our partnership with Family Promise. Go ahead and mark your calendars now so that
you will be available to help express the love and hospitality of Christ to our guests. As
always we will need volunteers to provide meals and stay overnight. The dates for 2015 are:
 February 22-March 1
 May 24-31
 September 13-20
TOGETHER FOR HOPE ARKANSAS
It's Christmas Book time again! Time to dream about what can happen if you give a child a
book. This year, Together for Hope Arkansas is partnering with KIPP Delta Public Schools
Pre-K, the Helena-West Helena School District, ASU ABC, and Head Start to provide a
brand new book for Christmas to each of the 225 children served by the Stories on
Wheels preschool program.
You can help! Shop our Amazon Wishlist for your favorite books for young learners, and
send them to:
Together For Hope Arkansas
276 Richmond Hill
West Helena, AR 73290
Make sure you check the box that says "This is a gift" so we'll know the books came from
you! You can find the wish list at this link: http://amzn.com/w/1WS8MUWH71Y8A.
SECOND BAPTIST
CHURCH
FINANCIAL
POSITION UPDATE
as of
November 17, 2014
Total 2014 Ministry Budget
$1,021,269
Total Ministry Receipts
through 11/17/14
$756,401
Total Ministry Expenses
through 11/17/14
$836,706
Surplus/(Deficit)
$(80,305)
Volume 25, Issue 11
Page 4
MINISTER ON CALL
Please make note of our holiday schedule during the coming season. Should you have an urgent
pastoral care need during times the church office is closed one of our ministers will always be available
by phone at 901.604.6686.
2015 MINISTRY BUDGET COMMITMENTS
Thank you to everyone who has submitted a personal plan for giving as
part of your commitment to the ministries of Second Baptist Church in the
year ahead. As of Sunday, November 16 we have received commitment
cards pledging $558,399 for the 2015 Ministry Budget. Thank you for your generosity!
SPECIALLY CALLED BUSINESS MEETING
Wednesday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Members of our Personnel Committee presented a proposal to the congregation on November 19 that
reflect months of prayer, discernment, and collaborative planning with our staff and other lay leaders.
The Personnel proposal details a plan for the structure of our staff and our minsters’ responsibilities
within that framework.
On Wednesday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall the congregation will gather for a
specially called business meeting to discuss and vote on the proposal. Please make plans to be
present for this important evening of conversation and decision making in our life together.
OUR SENIOR SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON:
Zula Young
1522 Hayne Rd.
Memphis, TN 38119
CROSSROADS
Submissions: Material
for inclusion in the
monthly CrossRoads
publication must be
submitted by the 15th day of
the month.
Digital Option: Send an email
to Cindy Sloan at
[email protected] to
receive electronic versions
only.
Next publication date:
December 19, 2014
Our senior spotlight for November shines on Zula Young whose birthday is on
December 16. Please send her a card to celebrate this special day.
SECOND’S SENIORS
Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Mark you calendars now and plan to join us for a special
Christmas concert featuring piano and violin. Julia Pilgrim
will direct and introduce the program. You won’t want to
miss this holiday celebration. Coffee is at 10:30 a.m.,
followed by the concert and lunch at 12:00 p.m.
Second Look: Those signed up
to receive our communications
via email will also receive our
weekly Second Look.
www.youtube.com/
SecondMemphis
www.flickr.com/
Secondmemphis
www.facebook.com/
SecondBaptistMemphis
YOUR GIFT IS GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGED
BY SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
General Budget Fund
In memory of Dorothy Robertson
from Scott Robertson
Children’s Ministry
In memory of Dorothy Robertson
from Katharine Huffman
Page 5
CrossRoads
PUMPKIN PATCH 2014
What the pumpkin patch produced …
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Total number of logged volunteers who served in the patch : 133
Total number of logged volunteer hours served: 977 hours
Total volunteer hours served by the youth: 321 hours
Total Gross Income $50,007.55 (4.4% increase over 2013)
Total Gross Pumpkins sales $44,475.55 (6.0% increase over 2013)
Net funds raised to support Student Ministry and Missions from pumpkin sales: $17,789.82
Total funds raised to support Student Ministry and Missions: $19,884.82
Total number of Story Times: 10
What grew in the pumpkin patch ….
Intergenerational relationships
Creative ways to express God’s love and invite others to do the same
Community relationships and support
One marriage proposal
Opportunities for kindness
Chances for families to connect and play together
Youth leadership
Celebration and appreciation
Visits by angels: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people
have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2.
 The light of the world: “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16.
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BRINKLEY HEIGHTS
Updated
Volunteer Needs
Brinkley Heights is now looking
for a screener for the third and
fourth Tuesdays of the month and
a grocery sacker for the first
Thursday of each month. If you
are interested, would like more
information or would like to come
for a tour of Brinkley Heights to
get a better understanding of
the ministry and the volunteer
positions, contact Ken
Hardin at 833-4206.
Page 6
CrossRoads
INTERGENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
PRISON MINISTRY CHRISTMAS CARD COLLECTIONS
Second Baptist is now collecting packages of new Christmas cards for the Prison
Ministry. These cards will allow inmates to send Christmas wishes to their own
families. Please put your card donations in the box on the table outside the
church office. We will be collecting cards through December 7.
BRINKLEY HEIGHTS TOY STORE
December 8-12 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Brinkley Heights Ministries offers families in the 38108, 38112 and 38122 zip
codes an opportunity to receive emergency help with their children’s Christmas.
All toys are NEW and donated by loving individuals and churches. Each family
receiving assistance visits with a spiritual counselor and discusses their needs
and their personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Each year family
members who would otherwise endure another Christ-less Christmas receive the greatest Christmas gift
ever - salvation through Jesus Christ. If you would like to donate funds, please do so by
November 28. Toy donations are due by December 5. This will allow us to continue
current ministries until as close to Toy Store time as possible. THANK YOU for
your help in this and your continued partnership with us in reaching this
community for Christ. For a list of items needed for the store, please check out
the Missions Board or grab a copy off of the table outside the main office.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 PM
You are invited to attend the play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Millington
Playhouse 51 Auditorium. Tanya Mabry will play the part of “Mrs. Armstrong” who has broken
her leg and is directing this hilarious play from the hospital! It’s a delightful way to spend the
afternoon with family and friends of all ages! Tickets for school age children to adults are
only $5.00 and available in the church office.
CHRISTMAS BASKET DELIVERY
Saturday, December 20 at 8:00 a.m.
If you would like to submit names for someone in need of Christmas
baskets full of food, or would like to volunteer to help assemble
these baskets, please contact Lani Harris at [email protected]
or at 682-3395 by December 1. For each basket requested, please
provide recipient name(s), complete address and phone number(s).
Baskets will be assembled on Friday, December 19 and delivered on
Saturday, December 20.
SHARING AND CAROLING
Saturday, December 20 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
After the food baskets are delivered, join your 2BC friends of all ages
in the CFLC and enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies! Amy Cook
will accompany us on her violin as we ‘warm up our voices’ in
preparation to travel to the Trezevant Manor to share Jesus’s birth
through song with the residents. Wear your favorite Christmas
apparel and invite some friends as we share God’s love with
others! Sheet music will be provided.
Page 7
CrossRoads
MONDAY
TUESDAY
2
Weight Watchers
11:30 am
9
AARP
9:00 am-1:00 pm
SUNDAY
1
Margaret Ware
Bible Study 9:30 am
8
Margaret Ware Bible
Study 9:30 am
Boy Scouts 7:00 pm
7
Worship Service with M&M Kids
10:15 am
Boy Scouts 7:00 pm
WEDNESDAY
3
Fellowship Meal 4:45 pm
Properties Committee Meeting 5:00 pm
Called Business Meeting 6:00 pm
M&M Kids 6:00 pm
Youth 6:00 pm
Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm
FAMILY PROMISE WEEK
10
AARP 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Fellowship Meal 4:45 pm
M&M Kids Christmas Program 6:00 pm
Youth 6:00 pm
Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm
Girl Scouts 3:00 pm
23
Weight Watchers
11:30 am
NO OTHER
WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
24
Christmas Eve Candlelight and
Communion Service 5:00 pm
17
NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
30
Weight Watchers
11:30 am
16
Weight Watchers
11:30 am
Girl Scouts 3:00 pm
Weight Watchers
11:30 am
29
Margaret Ware Bible
Study 9:30 am
22
Margaret Ware Bible
Study 9:30 am
Boy Scouts 7:00 pm
Finance Committee
Meeting 6:00 pm
15
Margaret Ware Bible
Study 9:30 am
Grove Academy Piano Recital
2:00 pm
Strings at Christmas 5:00 pm
FAMILY PROMISE WEEK
14
Worship Service - Adult Choir
Christmas Program - “Give God
Praise Through Music”
10:15 am
Adult 7 Christmas Party
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
21
Worship Service 10:15 am
Light Shining in Darkness Grief /
Service of the Longest Night
4:00 pm
28
Worship Service 10:15 am
31
NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
CHURCH OFFICES AND
CFLC CLOSED
THURSDAY
4
Weight Watchers
6:00 pm
11
Weight Watchers
6:00 pm
18
Second’s Seniors
Christmas Concert
10:30 am
Weight Watchers
6:00 pm
25
CHURCH OFFICES
AND CFLC CLOSED
FRIDAY
5
12
19
26
CHURCH
OFFICES AND
CFLC CLOSED
SATURDAY
6
Weight Watchers
9:00 am and 10:30 am
Piano vs Poverty
4:00 pm
13
Weight Watchers
9:00 am and 10:30 am
Adult Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am
20
Christmas Basket
Delivery 8:00 am
Caroling at Trezevant
Manor 10:00 am
Weight Watchers
9:00 am and 10:30 am
27
CFLC CLOSED
DECEMBER 2014
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
HANGING OF THE GREEN
Sunday, November 30 at 10:15 a.m.
SHARING AND CAROLING
Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m.
PIANO vs POVERTY CONCERT
Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.
LIGHT SHINING IN DARKNESS
GRIEF SERVICE
Sunday, December 21 at 4:00 p.m.
GROVE ACADEMY
OPEN HOUSE/PIANO CONCERT
Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
STRINGS AT CHRISTMAS
Sunday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m.
GIVE GOD PRAISE THROUGH MUSIC
Adult Choir and Orchestra Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 14 at 10:15 a.m.
CHRISTMAS BASKET DELIVERY
Saturday, December 20 at 8:00 a.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE LORD’S SUPPER
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
(No other Wednesday night activities)
Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m.
CHURCH OFFICES / CFLC CLOSED
Thursday, December 25 and
Friday, December 26
NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
Wednesdays, December 17, 24 and 31
Dr. Stephen Cook
Senior Pastor
Rev. Daniel Johnson
Associate Minister
Students & Missions
Mrs. Tanya Mabry
Interim Children’s Director
Interim Choral Director
Rev. Linda Serino
CLOSED SUNDAY
[email protected]
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Associate Minister
Congregational Care
CROSS ROADS (USPS 0005-206) is published
monthly by Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut
Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38117-2599. Periodical
Postage Paid at Memphis, TN.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CROSS
ROADS, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN
38117.
Phone: 901-682-3308
STAFF
Rev. Dennis McDuffie
CFLC CLOSED
Saturdays, December 20 and December 27
CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIFE CENTER
4680 Walnut Grove Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
Office: 682-3395
Fax: 683-8771

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