Memorial Baptist Connections
January 2016 Newsletter
From the Pastor's Desk
It is always a strange feeling when the Christmas decorations are taken down. The trees and the tinsel are gone, wreaths disappear from doors, candles are placed back in storage and we return to ordinary winter days looking forward to the hint of spring. I have heard someone call this time the winter blahs and was not surprised to read in Psychology Today that studies have found that people’s moods dip during January. These studies suggest it is because of a lack of light. Morton Harmatz, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, states that “Light seems to function as a natural antidepressant, though scientists aren't exactly sure how.”
Christmas is often called the season of lights, for obvious reasons, but now that this season is over how do we keep the spirit of joy and celebration alive in our hearts when we are faced with the miserable, mid-winter, melancholy blues? After all, as a new year begins so do new responsibilities. This is often one of the busiest times of the year in the secular world as new visions for the future are put into place. After the holiday season, often all we want to do is take a little time and rest.
Yet, we cannot forget about Epiphany, or the celebration of God’s manifestation to the world. In the stories of the Wise Men, Jesus’ Baptism, the calling of the Disciples, and the Transfiguration we study the life and ministry of Jesus on earth hearing again of the light and life Christ provides to all people. We must realize that just as Jesus grew and developed over these years our faith must change and increase in the season ahead. We cannot remain static for without growth we become dry, brittle, and lifeless with no spiritual fruit to nourish others or ourselves.
Through the model of Jesus’ life, we can see that these spiritual changes are necessary and should celebrate the exciting possibilities that we find as we worship our Lord and Savior. We must let the light of Christ shine in our hearts so we can chase away the winter blahs and make this a time of spiritual growth and renewal.
Remember, God’s will for us is good, we must do the rest!
Blessings,
Rev. Scott Murphy
The ROCK news
The ROCK meets on Sundays from 11:45-1:30pm. If you are in 7th - 12th grade plan to join us and invite a friend! On Sundays lunch is provided for the students. If you are able to help provide lunch for them or to donate items or money to stock the cabinets & freezer please contact Crystal Miller. Her email is cmiller.mbc@gmail.com. Your help with this ministry is appreciated!
Also, mark your calendar for January 24th! This will be children and youth Sunday. Caleb Pettit will be speaking and our children and youth will be leading the worship service. Everyone is invited to come to worship and support our children and youth!
Ladies Retreat
Feb 5th & 6th is our Ladies' Retreat at the Artist Colony in Nashville, IN. Full payment was due by Dec 18th. However, if you are still interested in going please see Marcia Trinkle by Sunday Jan. 3rd to sign up and pay. This is the last day!
Zelda Bate Mission Circle
Men's Breakfast
Flatrock Association of American Baptist Men
The Flatrock Association of American Baptist Men will meet at Mt Gilead on January 12 for a great meal of grilled pork chops and all of the trimmings. There will be more information on the program available later on. We will leave the Church at 5:15. All men are invited.
Outreach Event
Sunday, Jan 31, 2016, 06:00 PM
Memorial Baptist Church, 2320 7th St, Columbus, IN, United States
Flat Screen TV
We have Comcast TV capabilities in the fellowship hall. If you would like to donate money for a 70 inch flat screen TV, please mark your donation "flat screen" and give it to Marcia Trinkle or Pastor Scott. This can be used for Super Bowl parties along with a wide range of community outreach and service project ideas. However, we ask that this be above and beyond your giving to the church.
Wednesday Night Live Resumes January 13th!
Wednesday Night Live
Adult Class Options:
Young Adult Small Group – led by Travis Miller------Class will be a topical discussion, interactive experiences, time for fellowship and friendship. Class is geared for Married, Single & Divorced adult's in their 20's - 40's.
Adult Class - This adult class will begin a in-depth study on the Book of Matthew.
Children’s Ministry:
Invites children and the adults to experience the wonder and mystery of God through a unique storytelling format and multi-sensory materials ---- Volunteers are still needed!
Youth Ministry:
Student led weekly with adult supervision ---- Volunteers are still needed!
Nursery (JAM – Jesus and Me) will be available thru age 3 with a newly designed curriculum
Meals:
SUGGESTED PRICING - $5 per adult and $3 per child
MAX $20 per family --- Payment on honor system – basket on table --- still come even if you can’t pay!
One family per week will prepare the meal; sign-up sheet in Welcome Center each Sunday prior with the nightly menu. We need volunteers to sign-up to prepare meals for Wednesday nights – Sign-up in the Welcome Center
Our program will follow the BCSC calendar. When school is not in session there will be
NO Wednesday evening services.
Ladies Craft and Hobby Day
Saturday, Jan 23, 2016, 09:00 AM
Memorial Baptist Church, 2320 7th St, Columbus, IN, United States
Prayer Concerns
Unspoken
Jean (breast and brain cancer) from Tammy Hollen
Ruth Burton (terminal cancer) Fay Fawbush’s sister
Richard Poole
Mary Hughes (pancreatic cancer) friend of Darlene Carmichael
Josh Speidel (now home)
Karen Bray (colon cancer - stage 3 - chemo) from Jim & Becki Miller
Pat Tackett (breast cancer) from Clara Jackman
Rachael Watkins (throat cancer) from Clara Jackman
Norris Krall (broke hip) Ryan Martin’s Grandpa
Betty Graves (chronic back pain)
Charlie McCleary
Jim Miller’s Cousin
Betty Graves’ great granddaughter
Dorothy Green
Jim Hook ( tests on liver) Brother of Clara Jackman
Jeff Fawbush (knee surgery) Fay’s son
Cameron Fathauer (brain injury/ home now)
Serving in the Military
Brian Hempstead, Jr.
Darrel Martin
Trevor Wylie
Crystal Hempstead
Jake Haymaker
Shut-Ins and Assisted Living
Don Denny
Silver Oaks
2011 Chapa Dr., #112
Columbus, IN. 47203
Letty Caldwell
Miller’s Merry Manor
7440 N. 825 E.
Hope, IN. 47246
Clete Smith
Hickory Creek Columbus
5480 - 25th St.
Columbus, IN. 47203
Mr. & Mrs. John Rich
2125 Home Ave.,
Columbus, IN. 47201
Ella Newland
2301 Fairington Ct. #208
Columbus, IN. 47203
Alice Truax
Kindred Health Care
2100 Midway
Columbus, IN. 47201
Katie Garvey
Parkside Retirement
3660 N. Central
Columbus IN. 47203
Celebrating Birthdays and Anniversaries
January Birthdays
5 - Mike Miller
6 - Megan Walters
13 - Kaitlyne Bunch
17 - Carolyn Williams
23 - Luke McCleary
24 - Scott Murphy
28 - Kristie Murphy
31- John Hall
January Aniversaries
5 - J.B. Scott & Katherine Tachau
8 - Jim & Julie Humphrey
10 - Ben & Helen Beasley
15 - Ken & Kay Miller
15 - Hugh & Connie Daugherty
21 - Don & Janie Hardesty
General Fund
GENERAL FUND
Memorial’s 2015 Ministry Budget $204,664.60
Avg. Wkly Giving Needed to meet Budget $3,935.86
Current Avg. Wkly Giving $3,994.05
Current Wkly Shortage -$58.19
Current YTD Shortage (52wk) $3,025.88
December Statistics
December 6
Attendance 123
Offering $7,523.12
December 13
Attendance 126
Offering $6031.25
December 20
Attendance 138
Offering $7,269.00
December 27
Attendance 104
Offering $2,806.40
Special Services
December 16 Wednesday Evening Play
Attendance 107
December 20 Sunday Evening Play
Attendance 131
December 24 Christmas Eve Service
Attendance 132
Sunday Morning
Worship Service 9:30 am
Sunday School 10:45 am
After Sunday School
Youth Group 11:45 - 1:30 pm
Usher Schedule
January Ushers
Jan. 3: Bob Hollen, Regan Medaris, Lexia Wilcox, and Taylor Hollen
Jan 10: Gene Moore, Caleb Pettit, Aerial Pettit, and Ellen Pettit
Jan 17: Steve Huffman, Parker Newsom, Tyler Sharpe, and Sarah McCleary
Jan 24: Steve Pool, Lexia Wilcox, Bill Witkemper, and Regan Medaris
Jan 31: Parker Newsom, Ellen pettit, Aerial Pettit, and Caleb Pettit