First Baptist Church – Norris

February 16 will be Focus on wMu joint meeting. We have an exciting event planned and a catered meal. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

wMu has an informative evening planned regarding our critical issue Project Help: Human Exploitation. Youth girls need to have a permission form signed. Sign-up sheet and permission forms are in the vestibule. Come learn how you can help with this issue.

Finance Team meeting at 4:00 pm in the Young Married Classroom

Deacon meeting today at 5:00 pm.

Today is the last day to sign up for the Archival copy of the “resolutions.” The cost is $9.95. Please give your money to the Pastor. We will sign them next Sunday during the evening service. It is not too late to participate.

Today at 4:00 pm, we will be showing the movie “Courageous” in the auditorium. If you haven’t seen the movie, invite a friend to come with you!!

Souper Bowl Sunday: We will be receiving food supplies for the food pantry today on Super Bowl Sunday. Don’t forget to bring your food tonight for our first food give away on February 23. We will be giving out boxes of food from 10 am until 12 noon. God has so richly blessed our church, so let’s give back to our friends who are so much in need. Suggested items to bring are can goods; tuna, beef stew, soup and also boxed mac and cheese. We will also accept donations next Sunday if you forget yours today.

Today, youth will meet in the Spares and Pairs room for discipleship at 6 pm.

The YAH Valentine party will be in the fellowship hall on Saturday, February 11th at 5 pm. Today is the last day to sign up.

Sunday, February 12, the youth will be getting together in the Family Life Center after the PM Service until 9:30 pm. Each student that comes is asked to bring a snack. Drinks will be provided.

On Feb 15th the youth revolution group meeting will be moved to Flat Rock Baptist Church for a youth rally that begins at 6:30 pm.

The College and Careers will go on a retreat on March 30 and 31. We invite any of the students to help us plan it on February 12 at 5 pm in the College and Careers room.

Kerry Avery will be having a Concealed Weapons class on February 18th from 8:00 am until noon. Talk with Kerry if you are interested in taking this class.

We received $504 for Hannah Washburn Robb’s medical mission trip. The money will buy medical supplies.

Remember that on February 18 from 1:00 pm until 6:30 pm, the youth will be having an ice skating event.

Let’s gather in the family life center for a soup supper and birthday cake after the evening service February 19th to celebrate Bro. Royce’s 60th birthday. The meal will be provided.

Our church family is growing up, again! So, it is time for a new church directory. We will be having new portraits made in the fellowship hall on February 23-26. The directory won’t be the same without you. Please sign up in the vestibule. There will be appointment reminder cards for you. As well as receiving a free 8×10 and a free directory for participating, you will have the opportunity to purchase additional photos. If you wish to have multi-generational photos made, please schedule your families in back-to-back time slots. Last day for sign up is February 19.

We will do a four session study on “Courageous Living” on Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 am in the Family Life Center. We will have light refreshments. Sign-up in the vestibule so books can be bought.

Summer seems so far away, but the time is coming for RA’s, GA’s and Mission Friends. We are still looking for teachers for Mission Friends ages 2-3 and 4-5. Think about grabbing a buddy and co-teach a class. If interested, please contact Michelle or Becky. Also need RA leaders.

It’s time to start thinking of summertime fun. There will be a sign-up sheet for Camp Marietta on the vestibule table. We need to know the number of children who are interested in going. We are also inviting any of the youth who want to go. As of right now, the tentative dates for children ages 6-12 are; June 25-29; July 9-13 and July 23-27. The date for youth is July 16-20.; see Olivia with any questions.

Men, I encourage you to be in the evening service, wearing your best and joining other men in making a public commitment to the Lord Jesus to be the spiritual leader in your home, to be the man God is calling you to be! Bro. Royce

Blood pressure check after both morning worship services.

If you did not remember to bring your items for the food give away last Sunday, we are collecting them today also.

Hey Choir! We’re learning new songs in practice. We’ll sing these during the week of Revival. So listen to your CD’s, put March 4-7 on your calendar and I’ll see you in practice. John

Today, youth will meet in the Spares and Pairs room for discipleship at 6 pm.

The youth will be getting together in the Family Life Center after worship service tonight until 9:30 pm. Each student that comes is asked to bring a snack. Drinks will be provided.

On Feb 15th, the youth revolution group meeting will be moved to Flat Rock Baptist Church for a youth rally from 6:30-8:00. At FBC Norris, a van will leave to transport students to Flat Rock at 6:15 pm and will return at 8:15 pm.

Wednesday night, we will continue our study in Ecclesiastes, “The Pursuit”, chasing answers to life’s questions. Ron Humphries will be teaching.

February 16 will be Focus on wMu joint meeting in the Family Life Center from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. We have an exciting event planned and a catered meal. This is an informative meeting regarding our critical issue Project Help: Human Exploitation. Youth girls need to have a permission form signed. Sign-up sheet and permission forms are in the vestibule. Come learn how you can help with this critical issue.

Next Sunday at 5 pm, Austin will be having a special meeting in the sanctuary with any parents that wish to come. He will be presenting some terrific resources to help parents cultivate sexual purity in their children.

There will be a called-church conference next Sunday to approve the budget.

We will do a four session study on “Courageous Living” on Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 am in the Family Life Center. We will have light refreshments. Sign-up in the vestibule so books can be bought.

Concealed Weapons class on February 18th from 8:00 am until noon in the fellowship building. Talk with Kerry if you are interested in taking this class.

Remember that on February 18 from 1:00 pm until 6:30 pm, the youth will be having an ice skating event.

Let’s gather in the family life center for a soup supper and birthday cake after the evening service February 19th to celebrate Bro. Royce’s 60th birthday. The meal will be provided.

Our church family is growing up, again! So, it is time for a new church directory. We will be having new portraits made in the fellowship hall on February 23-26. The directory won’t be the same without you. Please sign up in the vestibule. There will be appointment reminder cards for you. As well as receiving a free 8×10 and a free directory for participating, you will have the opportunity to purchase additional photos. If you wish to have multi-generational photos made, please schedule your families in back-to-back time slots. Last day for sign up is February 19.

The College and Careers will go on a retreat on March 30 and 31. We invite any of the students to help us plan it on February 12 at 5 pm in the College and Careers room.

It’s time to start thinking of summertime fun. There will be a sign-up sheet for Camp Marietta on the vestibule table. We need to know the number of children who are interested in going. We are also inviting any of the youth who want to go. As of right now, the tentative dates for children ages 6-12 are; June 25-29; July 9-13 and July 23-27. The date for youth is July 16-20; see Olivia with any questions.

Dr. and Mrs. Addis and the entire church family extend Christian love and sympathy to Bessie Banks and family in the death of Bessie’s step-father, Chester McCade.

The Young at Heart Valentine party that was to have been on Saturday, February 11th was postponed. We will decide a new scheduled time as soon as possible and will put it in the bulletin.

Blood Pressure check after both morning worship services.

We will have our combined Bible Study fellowship today at 10:00 am in the fellowship building. All adult classes are invited.

Church Council meets today at 5:00 pm in the Spares and Pairs Bible Study Classroom.

Staff Recognition Team will meet today in the College and Career Classroom at 5:00 pm.

Alice Johnson group meets January 10 at 7:00 pm in the Family Life Center’s Fireside Room. Jeri Cook is hosting.

Attention women (and men): 2012 is a great time for a Better You. We will resume our twice a week workouts beginning Tuesday January 10 at 6 pm and Thursday, January 12 at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend. We will meet in the fellowship building. Any questions, see Faith Hudgins.

Youth and parents of youth, plan to come to the Revolution Parent Bash Friday night, January 13, at 6 pm, in the FLC. Will be a night of fun and worship. The youth ministry will present its plans for the New Year. Sign up at the front of the church if you plan to attend.

Students going to Centrifuge must pay to the church their $50 deposit by January 15. You can give the money to Austin. Centrifuge will be at North Greenville University on July 23-28.

On January 15, we will observe the Ordinance of Baptism in the evening service. If you need to follow the Lord in baptism, please see the Pastor.

Sherry Kelley group will be meeting in the fellowship building on Thursday, January 19th at 6:30 pm.

Calling all men: January 22 is Baptist Men’s Day. We will have an all-men’s choir that morning, and we need to practice! Meet in the choir room on January 15th at 6:00 pm. This practice is very important!

There are copies of the January newsletter in both vestibules and downstairs on the table near the choir room.

The American Family Association has called for the boycott of Home Depot for its overwhelming support and participation of the Gay Agenda. There are copies of this petition on the table in the vestibule if you would like to sign it.

This year’s Winter Bible study is “The Pursuit” studies in Ecclesiastes. If you would like to teach one Wednesday night, there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. You do not have to be a regular teacher to teach.

The Young Married Bible Study Class will be following the course “The Secret to the Marriage You Want” during the Spring Quarter. This study is by relationship experts, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. Any couples interested in participating should let Raymond or Melinda Zeigler know by February 1, 2012, so that materials may be purchased for the class.

Rev. and Mrs. Addis and the entire church family extend Christian love and sympathy to Mike Kendrick and family in the death of his aunt, Gerry Edwards.

Students going to Centrifuge, your $50 is due today. You can give the money to Austin. Centrifuge will be at North Greenville University on July 23-28.

We will observe the Ordinance of Baptism at the beginning of the evening service. Candidates need to meet the Pastor in his study at 6:30 pm.

Sherry Kelley group will be meeting in the fellowship building on Thursday, January 19th at 6:30 pm.

Calling all men: January 22 on Baptist Men’s Day, we will have an all-men’s choir that morning, and we need to practice! Meet in the choir room tonight at 6:00 pm. This practice is very important!

Baptist Men’s Breakfast, Saturday at 8:00 am in the Family Life Center. All men are invited to come for a good breakfast and fellowship. It will not last long. Please sign up in the vestibule so we will know how much food to prepare.

Next Sunday is Baptist Men’s Day. Rev. David Kay will be bringing the morning message, and Rev. Scott Willis and his team members will be sharing with us about associational mission trips to Costa Rica.

The American Family Association has called for the boycott of Home Depot for its overwhelming support and participation of the Gay Agenda. There are copies of this petition on the table in the vestibule if you would like to sign it.

This year’s Winter Bible study is “The Pursuit” studies in Ecclesiastes. If you would like to teach one Wednesday night, there are still opportunities available; there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. You do not have to be a regular teacher to teach.

Hannah Washburn Robb will be going on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua in May. God has already provided for her expenses, but the team will need medical supplies. On Sunday, January 29th after the AM Service, the ushers will be at the doors to receive your contributions. Pray and ask God what He wants you to give!

2011 Contribution Statements are in the vestibule.

February 16 will be Focus on wMu joint meeting. We have an exciting event planned and a catered meal. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. More details to follow.

The Young Married Bible Study Class will be following the course “The Secret to the Marriage You Want” during the Spring Quarter. This study is by relationship experts, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. Any couples interested in participating should let Raymond or Melinda Zeigler know by February 1, 2012, so that materials may be purchased for the class.

We will be having revival March 4-7, 2012. Dr. Mack Tester will be leading in the services.

United Christian Ministries has experienced an increase in requests for food since the start of winter (75-100 families per week). As a result, we currently have a critical need for the following food items: beans (dry), Jiffy Mix, saltine crackers, juice and jelly. We appreciate any help your congregation can provide. Thank you so much. Serving together in Christ, Pat Case, Assistant Director

There will be a Young at Heart Valentine party in the fellowship hall on Saturday, February 11th at 5:00 pm. We will be having chili beans, corn bread, dessert and drinks. You will not want to miss this fun time. The cost per person is $5 which will be paid at the door. Sign-up sheet is on the Young at Heart bulleting board.

If you saw the movie “Courageous” and picked up a copy of the Resolution, we are planning to have a public signing of our Resolution on February 12th in the evening service. Lifeway Book Store sells a copy suitable for framing at a cost of $9.95. If we purchase 25 copies, we can save $2 per copy. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule if you want one. Give your money to the Pastor. Some have asked us to show the movie again because they were unable to be here at the previous showings. We will show the movie on Sunday, February 5th at 4:00 pm in the auditorium.

Summer seems so far away, but the time is coming for RA’s, GA’s and Mission Friends. We are still looking for teachers for Mission Friends ages 2-3 and 4-5. Think about grabbing a buddy and co-teach a class. If interested, please contact Michelle or Becky. Also need RA leaders.

Deacon meeting today at 5:00 pm.

We will be showing the movie “Courageous” again tonight at 7:00 pm. This would be a great time to invite your neighbors and family members who don’t go to church to come with you.

There will be no Discipleship Training Class for youth tonight.

The youth will be back from the Big God conference around 6 pm tonight. We encourage them to stay and watch “Courageous.”

AWANA starts back Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.

Revolution Youth group will start back this Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.

We will have our combined Bible Study fellowship next Sunday at 10:00 am in the fellowship building. All adult classes are invited.

Church Council meets next Sunday at 5:00 pm in the Spares and Pairs Bible Study Classroom.

Staff Recognition Team will meet Sunday, January 8th in the College and Career Classroom at 5:00 pm.

Alice Johnson group meets January 10 at 7:00 pm in the Family Life Center’s Fireside Room.

We have received $5,801.35 for our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, exceeding our $5500 goal. Praise the Lord! Thank you for loving the lost and our missionaries.

Youth and parents of youth, plan to come to the Revolution Parent Bash Friday night, January 13, at 6 pm, in the FLC. Will be a night of fun and worship. The youth ministry will present its plans for the New Year. Sign up at the front of the church if you plan to attend.

Students going to Centrifuge must pay to the church their $50 deposit by January 15. You can give the money to Austin. Centrifuge will be at North Greenville University on July 23-28.

On January 15, we will observe the Ordinance of Baptism in the evening service. If you need to follow the Lord in baptism, please see the Pastor.

There are copies of the January newsletter in both vestibules and downstairs on the table near the choir room.

The American Family Association has called for the boycott of Home Depot for its overwhelming support and participation of the Gay Agenda. There are copies of this petition on the table in the vestibule if you would like to sign it.

This year’s Winter Bible study is “The Pursuit” studies in Ecclesiastes. If you would like to teach one Wednesday night, there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. You do not have to be a regular teacher to teach.

The Young Married Bible Study Class will be following the course “The Secret to the Marriage You Want” during the Spring Quarter. This study is by relationship experts, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. Any couples interested in participating should let Raymond or Melinda Zeigler know by February 1, 2012, so that materials may be purchased for the class.

Thanks to the church for all the gifts, prayers, support and Christmas cheer. We love you. Austin, Meryl and Phoebe

No service tonight!

Students and chaperones going on the Big God Conference need to complete paper work from Austin and be at the fellowship building before 9 am on Dec. 30 to leave.

Youth and parents of youth, plan to come to the Revolution Parent Bash Friday night at 6 pm, Jan 13th in the FLC. Will be a night of fun and worship. The youth ministry will present its plans for the New Year. Sign up at the front of the church if you plan to attend.

Students going to Centrifuge must pay to the church their $50 deposit by jan 15. You can give the money to Austin.

Saturday, December 31st at 7 pm, we will be showing the movie, “Courageous,” in the auditorium. It is a great time to invite your friends from other churches to see the movie. We will show it again on Sunday night at 7 pm. This would be a great time to invite your neighbors and family members who don’t go to church to come to church with you to see the movie. There are tickets in the vestibule to invite people; just write date, place and time on the back.

Regular Deacon meeting next Sunday at 5:00 pm.

AWANA will start back January 4, 2012.

Staff Recognition Team will meet Sunday, January 8th in the College and Career Classroom at 5:00 pm.

The newsletter for January will be done on December 27th. Please have all of your information in the church office by December 26th. Thanks

This year’s Winter Bible study is “The Pursuit” Studies in Ecclesiastes Sign up sheet is in the vestibule.

We have received $4,349.25 plus $452.10 from the Christmas cards bringing our total for Lottie Moon Offering to $4,801.35. We still need $698.65 to reach our $5500 goal. Pray and give!

Congratulations to Kirk and Tracy Albertson on the birth of their daughter, Emily Rose. She was born December 21, 2011 in Greenville Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds 5 ounces.

Dare to Hope

If you’ve ever given up on a dream, then you have something in common with Zechariah. When an angel brought news that Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, would soon have a son, Zechariah had trouble believing it (Luke 1:13-18).

How long had it been since Zechariah first prayed for a son? More to the point, how long had it been since he’d given up praying for a son? With the couple’s childbearing years long past, Zechariah likely felt compelled to emphasize the impossibility of the angel’s proclamation.

Perhaps you know what it’s like to lose hope. Zechariah’s story reminds us that God’s plans cannot be hampered, even when the laws of nature stand in the way. Hold on to your hope because God works miracles.

We serve a miracle working God! The greatest proof of that is when God changes a sin-darkened heart into a heart that is whiter than snow! A new person is born!

Living for Jesus, Bro. Royce

Miracle Hill

Miracle Hill Ministries is recruiting Christian foster parents to care for foster children of all ages on a full-time basis, as well as respite basis. Any adult (single or married) who has a heart for working with needy children are welcome to apply. Miracle Hill works with DSS to place the children from the Upstate in foster homes throughout the community. Background checks, training classes, paperwork and a home study are required. You may contact Brenda Mansel or Sharon Betts at 864-878-9987 to begin the licensing process or for additional information.

Scheduled Meetings and events

for the month of December, 2011

December 3: Food give away to the needy in the community in the Family Life Center from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon

December 4: Second Sunday of Advent

December 4: Receiving of Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions-Goal $5500

December 4: Deacon meeting at 5:00 pm

December 5: J.W. Smith Class Christmas party in the fellowship building at 6:00 pm.

December 6: Alice Johnson Group meeting/Christmas dinner at Hunter’s Glen Clubhouse at 6:00 pm.

December 10: Brotherhood mission project-will be roofing a house for one of our senior adults; will begin at 8:00 am. Sign-up sheet is in the vestibule.

December 10: Young at Heart Christmas Party at 5:00 pm in the fellowship building. Cost is $5 per person and sign-up sheet is on the YAH bulletin board. Please pay your $5 to Kat Albertson by December 4th.

December 11: Third Sunday of Advent

December 12: Flora Ann Group will meet in the home of Cindy Washburn at 7:00 pm.

December 18: Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18: Children’s musical at 7:00 pm

December 21: We will not have any activities at the church. We will go caroling to our home bound members. We will have light refreshments afterward. Come be a blessing!

December 25: Christmas Day! We will have one service at 4:00 pm. It will be a regular service. We will not have Bible Study Fellowship or Discipleship Training this day.

Choir Practice

We will not have choir practice December 4th, but we will have practice Sunday night, December 11th at 6:00 pm. Please make every effort to be here for this practice as we will be going over our special Christmas song.

Lottie Moon Offering for International

Lottie Moon: a life of radical obedience

Lottie Moon was appointed a missionary to China July 7, 1873. She was a bold woman of action and radical obedience who shared Christ with her beloved Chinese to the end. Lottie died December 24, 1912, leaving a legacy that lives on. Her influence led to the establishment of the Woman’s Missionary Union and inspired other missions pioneers to join her on the field. Her passionate letter writing led to the offering that bears her name today—Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

The 2011 theme is “His voice, His hands—I am Southern Baptist missions.” It reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we, the church, are called to be the body of Christ. We are His heart, His hands and His voice in the midst of a world filled with unreached peoples. We are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission. And although we Southern Baptists have been praying, giving and going for 160 years, the task is far from finished. First Baptist of Norris has a goal of $5500.00. Won’t you please pray and give as your heart and your Lord lead you to do so?

*Note: As in past years, we will not be having the walk offering for the building fund this month of December due to our receiving of the Lottie Moon Offering.

Christmas Cards

Drop your Christmas cards in the Lottie Moon Christmas Mail Box by the pastor’s office, December 4-18. We ask that you donate 20 cents per card. It would be helpful if you put your cards in alphabetical order. The money raised will go to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering.

Students on Mission

God is calling college students to the mission field. Brenna O’Donald, Austin’s sister, will be leaving for China on December 17th for two weeks to teach English classes, build relationships and to share the true meaning of Christmas. Also, Will Hendricks will be leaving on December 10th as a part of a team of 31 students on a mission trip to Guatemala for a week. They will be helping with construction of a boy’s home and sharing the gospel. We will be receiving a love offering for them on December 4th in the evening service. Your investment will yield eternal results. Pray for them.

Box Tops for Education

Remember to save your Box Tops for Education. There is a collection box in the old church vestibule marked for these box tops. The Nestlé’s Pure Life water bottle labels are not being collected this year because the company has discontinued the program. Thank you

Thank You

Sweet friends,

Thank you for all you did during the sickness and death of our dear Pete. The generous meal and every act of kindness was much a blessing. Family of Don “Pete” McCall

Church Members of Norris 1st Baptist,

Thank you for your prayers, calls, cards; your support and love during the loss of my father mean so much. Love in Christ, Michelle Stancil and family

Thank you for supporting our team! We would like to thank you for the post-game meal that Norris First Baptist provided for our team on November 4th. Your support is greatly appreciated by us all! Coach Stewart and the Red Devil Team

Tonight we will have a Hanging of the Greens Service! Let’s come and prepare our minds and hearts so we can remain focused on Christ. We can share His love with our right attitudes and actions.

After the Hanging of the Greens Service tonight, the youth will have some fellowship time and snacks around a campfire in the Family Life Center.

The sign-up sheet for the Young at Heart Christmas party is on the YAH bulletin board. The party will be on Saturday evening, December 10th at 5:00 pm in the fellowship hall. The cost is $5 per person. We are taking the money up in advance, so give the money to Kat Albertson when you sign up. (I need the money by Sunday, December 4th). Come and enjoy a delicious dinner with entertainment to follow. The YAH players will present a skit entitled “How Santa Became a Saint.” You don’t want to miss this.

On December 3rd, we will once again be giving away food to our community. Gold Harvest Food Bank will be delivering. Plan on helping that day and be blessed.

The Brotherhood will sponsor a mission project on Saturday, December 10th. We will be roofing a house for one of our senior adults.

Newsletter for December will be done on Monday, November 28th. December will be a busy and eventful month. If you have meetings, parties or any other announcements that you need to add to the newsletter, please have them in the church office by Monday morning, November 28th. Thank you

God is calling college students to the mission field. Brenna O’Donald, Austin’s sister, will be leaving for China on December 17th for two weeks to teach English classes, build relationships and to share the true meaning of Christmas. Also, Will Hendricks will be leaving on December 10th as a part of a team of 31 students on a mission trip to Guatemala for a week. They will be helping with construction of a boy’s home and sharing the gospel. We will be receiving a love offering for them on December 4th in the evening service. Your investment will yield eternal results. Pray for them.

The Alice Johnson Group will be having their meeting/Christmas dinner on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:00 pm at Hunter’s Glen Clubhouse.

2011 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering: The 2011 theme is “His voice, His hands—I am Southern Baptist missions.” It reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we, the church, are called to be the body of Christ. We are His heart, His hands and His voice in the midst of a world filled with unreached peoples. We are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission. And although we Southern Baptists have been praying, giving and going for 160 years, the task is far from finished. First Baptist of Norris has a goal of $5500.00. Won’t you please pray and give as your heart and your Lord leads you to do so?

Drop your Christmas cards in the Lottie Moon Christmas Mail Box by the pastor’s office, December 4-18. We ask that you donate around 20 cents per card. It would be helpful if you put your cards in alphabetical order. The money raised will go to the Lottie Moon Mission Offering.

Rev. and Mrs. Addis and the entire church family extend Christian love and sympathy to Michelle Stancil in the death of her father, Ceil Mullikin.