Volume 21 December 2015 Number 12

2015 LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERINGWEEK OF PRAYER FOR

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONSNovember 29–December 6

National Goal: $175 MillionChurch Goal: $2,500.00Given to Date: $115.00

We each have a part in fulfillling God’s commission to reach these people if we are faithful to live out our missionary identity, if we are faithul to pray, give, go, and send to plant churches around the world for the glory of God.100 percent of your gifts to the offering supports missionaries and their minis-tries. Your prayers and gifts make a difference.

“I am the vine, you are the branches” John 15:5

A Monthly Publication of Live Oak First Baptist ChurchPhone # 210-656-8200 FAX # 210-656-0848Web Site: http://www.liveoakfbc.org https://www.facebook.com/LiveOakFirstBaptistChurch

The BranchNewsLETTE

RDonald Valenta, PastorPaul Reavis, Minister of Music &

EducationRachel Dorchester, Secretary

Praise the Lord for These Decisions

Welcome New

Member

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Deacon of the WeekDecember 6 Danny O’NeilDecember 13 Mario WardDecember 20 Ken BeanDecember 27 Lalo Peña

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One Small ChildA Christmas Musical

Presented by the Choir of Live Oak First Baptist Church

December 13, 201510:50 a.m.

God has an eternal plan for the Christian believer which includes the blessings of God, the knowledge of God, and, the power of God demonstrated in Christ Jesus. The great blessings of God which He pours out upon those who trust His son Jesus Christ as their Savior can be summarized from Ephesians 1 as chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. God’s blessings are spiritual and heavenly, not material. When Christ was born to the virgin Mary, God began his plan to bless us spiritually. According to Ephesians 1:4, God has chosen us to be holy and blameless in Christ before the foundation of the world. The believer is to live “before Him in love” and realize we are adopted as God’s children out of the good pleasure of His will. God, through the death of His Son, has redeemed us, set us free, and forgiven us of our sins. God redeems man because of the riches of His grace. He loves man with an unbelievable love. God also gives us wisdom, understanding, and an inheritance which no one can take away from us. These blessings come to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Finally, God has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to the believer to give the believer perfect assurance of His salvation. We know that we are redeemed—that we are God’s cherished possession—by the Holy spirit who lives within us. God gives us the glorious guarantee of His wonderful presence so that His glory might be praised eternally. Let’s focus on praising God for the great blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. If you have been chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit, then let it be known through

From Our Pastor

Joined by Statement

November 8, 2015Ed Essary

Praise the Lord forThis Decision

your worship, witness, and lifestyle. Praise God!“Now unto him that is able to do exceed-ingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesions 3:20–21)

Your Pastor,Brother

Donald

December is the favorite month of many with the Christmas music, shopping, get-ting with family and celebrating the birth of the Christ Child.May I invite all of you to hear the choir present “One Small Child” on the morning of December 13. You will enjoy traditional carols, worship choruses and perhaps some new songs.Saturday, December 19 is our trip down-town to the river walk to sing carols on a barge. This annual event is always popular and seats are held for the first twenty folks who sign up. We will meet at the church at 5 p.m. to carpool. The cost is $7.50 per person, payable to yours truly.December 20 our handbell choir will play two songs that we have been working diligently on to have ready for your enjoyment.The Lively Oaks will have their Christmas luncheon on Thursday the 10th at 11:30 a.m. with the Judson High School top choir “Cantate” to sing for us. We always enjoy their singing and their personalities. We will provide the meat and there will be a signup sheet for veggies, salad, and desserts.

December 24 is a special time for our church family as we sing carols and light the candles in observance of Christmas Eve at 6:00 p.m. Plan to come worship with us and bring your family.Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Paul

From Our Minister of Music and Education

3 Alice Lee 18 Abby Valenta10 Katie Jo Ector 19 Eleanor De Vaughn14 DeLaney Lawson 20 Cole Lawson15 Joyce Smith 24 Joyce Taylor15 Nerissa Valenta 31 Priscilla O’Neil17 Shanon Lawson

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Our special mailbag for Christmas cards for church friends is located in the hall across from the choir room. Please consider donating the money you save on postage to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

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Randolph Area Chris-tian Assistance Program reaches out to those in need and provides a food basket so they can enjoy

a holiday meal. Please help RACAP fill their Christmas baskets. Items needed: chicken broth, flour, sugar (4 lb. bag), brown sugar (1 lb.), evaporated milk, stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, yams, fruit cocktail, cranberry sauce, corn and green beans. Donated funds will be used to purchase turkeys and perishable items for the baskets. Call 658-1613 for more infor-mation.

Food Baskets

December

Card Mailbag

Lottie Moon Christmas

Join us for our Christmas potluck lunch. The Lively Oaks are provid-ing the meat. Please signup to bring veggies, salad and desserts. The signup sheet is in the hallway across from the choir room. Bring plenty as we will be treating the Judson Choir to lunch. The Judson High School top choir “Cantate” will sing for us.

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Thank you for all of your contributions. We collected a

total of 45 shoe boxes and to date $190.00. Continue to pray for the children who will receive our gift of love and that they receive God’s greater gift—His Son.

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December 19We will meet at the church at 5 pm to carpool to downtown. There are seats for the first twenty who sign up. The cost is $7.50 per person payable to Paul Reavis.

Lively Oaks Meeting

Praise the

December 10th at 11:30 a.m.

Fellowship HallFor ages 50+

Carol on the River