E-Encourager

North Grand River Baptist Association

The Encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Volume 36, Number 12 December, 2012

“Churches working together to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.”“Churches working together to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.”“Churches working together to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.”“Churches working together to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission.” Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18Matthew 28:18----20202020

In This Issue DOM Report 2 WMU Report 2 Bookstore Sales 3,8-9 Financial Report 7 Church Reports 5-6 Birthday & Anniversary 3 Men’s Breakfast 3 Celebrate Recovery 4 Executive Board 3 MBC Evangelism Conf. 4

Director of Mission’s E.J. Barnes

Ministry Assistant Debbie Dickinson

BSU Director Diann Barnes

Assistant BSU Director

Gene Schreffler

North Grand River Baptist Association’s Purpose- “To mutually and prayerfully support, encourage and challenge one another as churches to exalt Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, to edify and equip His disciples to serve him and one another, and to evangelize those who have yet to come to know Him personally.” Matthew 28:19-20

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas And a joyous

New Year as we Celebrate the Miracle of Jesus Birth

From the staff at North Grand River Baptist Association

E.J. & Diann Barnes Debbie Dickinson

Gene & Ann Schreffler Mike Dennis

Christina Boatright

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Romans 15:13

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“Come Celebrate the Lottie Moon Emphasis With Us!” Bill and Carol Bowers, retired missionaries from Durban, South Africa’ will be our guest speakers at our De-cember 18th Christmas Celebration at Tenth Street at 10:30 am. Our focus will be on the Lottie Moon Christ-mas Offering. A covered dish luncheon will follow. Come join us for an exciting time with the Bowers; and invite a friend! We had 25 at the November 5th program. Let’s have even more to welcome the Bowers!

The Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer Program on November 5th was a very special program and prayer time for Baptist Women around the world. Doris Provorse, our Missionary Ministries Director, assisted by two of her WOM ladies from Edinburg, did an outstanding job with the program. Thanks to all three of you, and especially to Doris for all the planning and hard work! Ladies, I’m sorry I’m late with this, but thanks to all of you who made cookies or served at the Missions Center during the Missouri Days Parade. And a special thanks to those who were there early to set up and to Louis and Emma Bankson for taking the rest of the cookies out to the Missions Booth and ministering so Bro. EJ could take a lunch break. Our January 15th New Year’s Celebration will be at the Mission Center at 11:30 am instead of 10:30 am. Please note the time change! Let’s have a soup and chili luncheon! It’s not too early to start planning for WMU Focus Week in February! Let’s make this really special in our age-level groups and churches. Have a joyous Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior!

Bev Martin WMU Director

From My Heart to YoursFrom My Heart to YoursFrom My Heart to YoursFrom My Heart to Yours “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2

What made these ‘wise men” wise? Let me share with you six reasons I believe they were wiseD

1. They were Special because they were alive Spiritually! (V1) They were good and holy men who sought for the truth.

2. They were Sensitive to God-given revelational Signs! (V2) They obviously were acquainted with Scripture and were attentive to God’s supernatural work in nature.

3. They were Seekers of God’s Kingly ordained Son! (Matthew 2:2-8) They acted on the light revealed to them. They asked for answers concerning Christ’s birth. They accepted the truth revealed in God’s Word.

4. They were Sharers of what they had Seen! (Matthew 2:2, 9-10) They conveyed their experiences with each other and others publicly.

5. They humbly Saw themselves as Christ’s Servants! (Matthew 2:11) They humbled themselves. They wor shipped Him. They gave Him gifts that befitted Who He was.

6. They were Submissive to God’s Safeguards. (Matthew 2:12) They helped protect Jesus’ life.

Le us be wise also this Christmas time as we worship Jesus Christ unashamedly and live for Him faithfully!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

E.J. Barnes

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Bookstore Open House Friday, December 7th

Stop by for Cookies & Punch Open till 8:00 pm

10% off everything in store from 5 to 8 pm

Boxed Christmas Cards 15% off December 7th

BOOKSTORE OPEN TIL 6 PM ON THURSDAYS– DEC. 6, 13 & 20

See flyer for many other specials

“Last Ounce of Courage” DVD Available on December 4th

Church Supplies we can order-

Weekly Bulletins Offering Envelopes

Communion Bread & Cups Welcome Visitor Cards Baptism Certificates

Sunday School Record Books

Accompaniment CD’s Keyboard & Guitar Music

Karaoke CD’s

Trenton First Baptist

Saturday, 8:00 am

December 15th, 2012

All Men Invited!

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 3 Lewis Rogers 6 Linda Niffen 10 Christina Boatright

Associational Youth CarolingAssociational Youth CarolingAssociational Youth CarolingAssociational Youth Caroling

Tenth StreetTenth StreetTenth StreetTenth Street---- 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm 4 pm

December 16thDecember 16thDecember 16thDecember 16th

Bring your youth or encourage them to attend

this time of caroling. Joy Stotts– Associational Youth Director

December Events 3 Youth Leader Meeting– 6:30 pm All youth leaders of the Association are invited to come and help plan 8 Pastor & Staff Christmas Dinner– noon Bring two dishes– meat provided 11 Pastor Prayer Time at Pizza Hut 18 Ladies Christmas Prayer Luncheon 24-25 Mission Center Closed 31 Mission Center Closed Jan. 1 Mission Center Closed

Please note that the 800 line to the association has been discontinued as a

budget cutting decision.

Pastors Prayer & Fellowship Time at Pizza Hut

December 11th, 2012 2nd Monday

of each month

North Grand River Association

Executive Board Meeting January 21, 2013

On the agenda will be the decision for the date of the NGR 2013 Annual Meeting.

The date submitted was Saturday, September 29th. If you prefer a Sunday afternoon or an-other time please let your pastor or Board Rep-resentative know what you prefer.

Alpha Edinburg* Gallatin* Galt Jameson Jamesport Laredo Lineville Medicine Valley Mercer Modena Princeton* Ravanna* Rural Dale Salem Shelburne* Spickard Tenth Street Trenton First Union

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Celebrate Recovery is an effective outreach ministry in our area that is changing lives for Christ. Anyone with a hurt, hangup or habit that seems impossible to shake loose from can find help in

the weekly meetings of Celebrate Recovery. It is de-signed to be a caring community of people helping one another through the love and grace of Jesus Christ to find freedom at last.

Anyone is welcome to join us in our journey each Satur-day evening at 6:00 p.m. at Tenth Street Baptist Church for a time of worship, small group sharing and study, that is followed by a meal in our Solid Rock Cafe. Peo-ple from many churches, as well as many from no church at all, participate each week. Come to visit and help us spread the word that help is available. You may call the church, 359-5544 or Mike at 635-0977 for more information

Please note– we will no longer be doing the church monthly averages in the Encourager. Please put in your church news any baptisms, children’s events, new mem-bers, etc.

State Evangelism/Discipleship Conference

February 28—March 1, 2013

““““ReReReReFRESHFRESHFRESHFRESH””””

for those who thirst for revival

First Baptist Church Branson 400 S Sunshine St. Branson, MO 65616

Speakers

Michael Catt– Senior. Pastor– Sherwood BC, Albany, Georgia

Tom Eliff– President of IMB

Ken Jenkins– Photographer & Naturalist

Ronnie Floyd– Sr. Pastor, Cross Church Northwest, Arkansas

Daniel Simmions– Sr. Pastor, Mt. Zion, Albany, Georgia

Mark Willard, Sr. Associate Pastor of Worship,- Sherwood BC, Albany, Georgia

There is no charge (Provided by CP funds) but you have to register– open to Pastors & Church leaders now at

mobaptist.org

Priscilla Shirer Live at First Baptist Church, Raytown

March 1-2, 2013

A moving Bible Study and Worship Experience. Wor-ship led by Anthony Evans. Price starts at $39.

Festivals of Marriage

March 8-10, 2013 Branson, Missouri

Featuring Les & Leslie Parrott

Brandon & Jen Hatmaker and Ken Davis Worship by Carl Cartree

If you can help do inventory For the Bookstore on

Thursday Evening, December 27th- Please let Debbie know.

359-3897

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Edinburg- The children’s church had their Fall Festival Hayride and neighborhood trick or treat night on Sunday, October 28. The children enjoyed a hayride, followed by visiting the neighborhood for treats, and returning to the church for worship, a pizza party and trunk or treat by other members of the church. They had approximately 24 children and 8 adults in attendance. The church is getting boxes ready for the Christmas Shoe Box Ministry. The WOM directs the filling and sending of these boxes. Hallelujah! We met our goal and beyond for the Rueben L. South Mission Offering. The joint Thanksgiving Service for Shelburne, Dockery, and Edinburg Churches was held on November 16, with 62 in attendance. The service included special music from all three churches and a message from Rev. Doug Franklin. It was a spiritual time of worship and thanksgiving. We held our regular

Thanksgiving dinner with 57 in attendance, on Nov. 18th. I’m sure no one went home hungry, but truly a time to remem-ber what we are thankful for. May we not forget in months to come those blessings that we remember now? Our church services are Sunday at 11:00 with Sunday School at 10:00. Sunday night services at 6:00 and Wednesday night ser-vices at 7:00. Stop in and visit anytime. You are sure to receive a blessing.

Gallatin- Our Youth Minister Dakota and Tiffany Darby announce the birth of a son, Tripp Shae Darby, born at 11:37 p.m. on Nov 5, 2012.

The choir is looking forward to presenting "We Have Our Savior" during morning worship Sunday, December 16. This musical includes familiar songs of Christmas in concert with new seasonal modern worship songs. We are once again using a DVD accompaniment which adds a beautiful visual experience to the music. I think this one is extra special so I hope you will invite family and friends to worship with us.

The Pre-School and Children Choir’s Christmas Program “The Christmas Shoe Tree” written by Jeff Slaughter will be presented on Sunday Evening, December 16 at 6 p.m. The program is centered around sharing the love of Christ by sharing shoes to those who may not have a pair of shoes. The program is centered around sharing shoes and the choirs have joined with Soles4Souls in collecting shoes for those in need.

Our deacons will administer the observance of The Lord’s Supper on Christmas Eve from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The only lighting will be candlelight in the worship center and soft Christmas music will be playing in the background. You may sit wherever you want to meditate and pray for as long as you desire. When you are ready, you may move to the front of the worship center where you will be served the elements of the Lord’s Supper by a deacon. This truly a beautiful service in observance of Jesus birth.

Medicine Valley Ministry- A Thanksgiving/Christmas Dinner is scheduled for Sunday December 2, at the Baptist Chapel at Newtown following the morning services.

A Wild Game Carry-In Dinner and Christmas Sing-Along, with specials by the children, is scheduled for 6:00 o’clock Sat-urday evening December 15 at the Community Building in Humphreys. Members of support churches are cordially in-vited to attend.

On Thursday, December 20 we will be distributing “Christmas Food Boxes” to some 100 households. Volunteer workers will be needed that day at Newtown from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and at Humphreys’ from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Food boxes are to be filled on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 18 and 19 at Newtown. Volunteer workers are needed there both days from 9:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon.

In November food was distributed to 279 individuals in 82 households. We were extremely short of workers on Wednes-day to fill boxes and again on Thursday to distribute food at Newtown. At Humphreys we had somewhat fewer workers than usual to assist with distribution.

Much food is also needed, particularly canned peas, corn, green beans, pork and beans, tomatoes and pasta products, spaghetti, macaroni, noodles & ramen noodles. Financial con-tributions are also very welcome and needed for the food pan-try and for Medicine Valley Community Ministry.

We continue to minister through Celebrate Recovery on Friday nights, through our regular Sunday services at Newtown, and through Tuesday night Bible Studies at our home in Hum-phreys.

Greatly appreciated are the prayers, financial contributions and hands on assistance of all who give of themselves in sup-

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Princeton– We had our Harvest Trunk ‘n’ Treat Festival on October 31st. We served hot dogs, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. It was enjoyed by all.

December 8 - Men's Breakfast @ 7:00 A.M.

December 23rd will be the Children's Christmas Program “The Light Has Come” on Sunday morning.

Salem- November 18th we had the Sunnyview services. On November 18th we had our annual Thanksgiving Harvest supper followed by everyone sharing what they are thankful for. A harvest offering was taken. December 2nd- Salem will have a bowling party. On Sunday evenings the Missions Friends will meet at 6 pm. Our church took part in the Samari-tan's Purse through the WMU. Twyla Johnson is our WMU Director. It was a fun project and we all enjoyed it.

Trenton First- Our emphasis for the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for our IMB missionaries has began with video presentations of missions. December 9th will be our international flag presentation during the morning worship service. December 2nd will be emphasis on prayer for our missionaries.

Our church collected 159 boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Ministry. Several from our church are going to Minneapolis, Minnesota to help at the shoe box distribution center there.

The “Frazzled” females are studying the book “Brave”. They meet every Thursday at 7 pm.

We will be hosting the annual THS Vesper Service on December 2 at 4 pm. Also the Grand River Valley Choir and Or-chestra will be presenting a Christmas Concert on December 8th at 3:00 pm at First Baptist.

Union- “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (Amplified Bible)

Christmas is my favorite time of year. Jesus is the Reason for the Season. His birth is cause for Celebration. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

This month activities include church cleaning on December 8th, call Pastor Doug & Dianna for details. Business meeting is the third Sunday, December 16th at 6:00 pm. Christmas program and Candlelight Service will be December 23rd at regular schedule evening service. December 30th is Youth Sunday with Christmas Potluck Dinner after Sunday morning service.

Every Wednesday night is supper at 6:00 pm with Bible Study at 7:00 pm. Call Ryan Hughs for rides from Brimson at 654-0435 or Mike & Sherry Knapp for rides from Trenton at 789-3841 or Doug & Dianna Crawford at 35-3094. Sunday School at 9:30 am with Morning Worship at 11:00 am & Sunday Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm with Worship at 6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Merry Christmas from Coon Creek and have a Blessed new Year! Remember to celebrate Jesus.

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North Grand River Baptist Association 1108 N Main Director of Missions Trenton, MO 64683 Rev. E.J. Barnes Fax: 660.359.0200 Ministry Assistant E-Mail: ngrmission@sbcglobal.net Debbie Dickinson BSU Telephone– 660.654.0785 BSU Director DOM’s Office– 660.359.3365 Telephone – 660.359.3897 Diann Barnes Web Page– www.northgrandriverbaptist.com

October 2012

Reports Monthly Inc.

BSU Inc. SS MW EW

DT/ Wed WMU

Bapt. Men

Youth Kids

Ministry Bapt. Ltr/ Other

Alpha $ 228.80 $ 25.00 15 23 9

Edinburg $ 682.61 $ 75.85 45 61 35 26

Gallatin $ 811.51 $ 50.00 101 129 38 12

Galt $ 170.00 $ 25.00

Jameson

Jamesport $ 25.00 $ 25.00 33 64 33

Laredo $ 367.00

Lineville $ 329.38 $ 109.79

M. Valley $ 40.78 $ 25.00 7 8 9

Mercer $ 237.00 $ 25.00 66 17

Modena $ 140.32 $ 200.00 6 14 6

Princeton $ 604.48 $ 50.00 90 115 36 27 22 20 41

Ravanna $ 79.81 $ 37.20

Rural Dale $ 778.03 $ 75.00

Salem $ 195.09

Shelburne $ 501.57 $ 75.00

Spickard $ 60.00

Tenth St. $ 692.32 $ 115.39

Trenton FB $ 873.97 $ 194.21 127 171 45 15 14 128 3

Union $ 385.24 $ 100.00

Total $ 7,202.91 $1,207.44

Chilli, FBC $ 45.00

MBC $ 460.00

Harrison $ 500.00 October 2012 NGR Account

Beginning Balance $3,571.68 Income $17.837.80 Total $21,409.48 Expenses $18,509.80 Ending Balance $2,899.68

Line Items in General Checking Designated Funds $2,899.68 General Fund $0 Checking Balance Total $2,899.68

NGR October– October 2012 (Does not include designated funds)

Income $12,162.54 Expenses $11,949.33 Difference $213.21

Seminary Checking $455.21 Seminary Savings $2,062.38 Benevolent Savings $742.44

NGR Savings $432.62

BSU– June– Income to Expense Beginning Balance $4,976.30 Income $2,435.33 Total $7,411.63 Expenses $3,518.00 Ending Balance $3,893.63 General BSU Fund $3,291.98 Designated BSU Fund $601.65

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December 2012 Sparrow Ministry Phone 660-359-3467 - Cell Phone 573-301-9736 - e-mail earlnance@sbcglobal.net

Evangelist Earl Nance - PO Box 457 - Trenton, MO 64683

As time allows, I am available for mission conferences, presentations, or pulpit supply

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednes- Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Ravanna, MO 10:00-12:00 AM -------------------

3 4 5 Shreveport, LA

Shreveport

Bossier Rescue

Miss.

6:00-7:00 PM

6 Dallas, TX Dal-

las Life Mission

6:00-7:00 PM

7 Longview, TX Hwy. 80 Mis-sion 7:00-8:00 PM

8 Topeka, KS

Topeka Rescue

Mission

7:30-8:30 PM

9 Ravanna, MO 10:00-12:00 AM -------------------

10 Columba, MO V. A. 7:00 AM & 2:00 PM

11 Peoria IL Peoria Rescue Mission 7:30-8:30 PM

12 Galesburg, IL

Galesburg Res-

cue Mission

7:00-8:00 PM

13 Chicago, IL Pacific Garden Mission 12:00-12:45 Available PM

14 Chicago, IL Pacific Garden Available AM

& 12:00-12:45

15 Ft. Dodge, IA Beacon of Hope Shelter 7:00-8:00 PM

16 Ravanna, MO 10:00-12:00 AM -------------------

17 Tulsa, OK

John 3:16 Mis-

sion

6:00-6:30 PM

18 KC, MO

City Union Mis-

sion

7:00-7:45 PM

19 Joplin MO

Souls Harbor

6:30-7:30 PM

20 21 22

23 Ravanna, MO 10:00-12:00 AM ------------------- Salina, KS Sa-

lina Rescue

Mission

6:00-6:45 PM

24 Wichita, KS

Union Rescue

Mission

7:00-7:45 PM

25 Tulsa, OK

John 3:16 Mis-

sion

6:00-6:30 PM

26 Omaha, NE

Open Door Mis-

sion

6:30-7:30 PM

27 28 29

30 Ravanna, MO 10:00-12:00 AM -------------------

31 Denver, CO

Denver Rescue

Miss.

6:30-7:00 PM

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Christmas Table of Gift items Snowmen, Angels, Manger Nails, Pencils, Bookmarks & more

December

Christmas

North Grand River Christian

Bibles Starting at $6.00

Bible Covers

Cardinal Ornaments

$1.00 Each

Special Purchase Several Children’s Books

“Baby Jesus is Born” Board Book- $3.00

“The Beginner’s Bible” With Case- $14.40

1108 N Main– Trenton, MO 64683 660-359-3897

Hours– Monday through Friday– 8:30—4:30 (Closed 12-1pm)

OPEN TILL 6 pm ON THURSDAYS NOVEMBER 29TH THROUGH DECEMBER 20TH

Open House– December 7th

Cookies & Punch 15% off

Christmas Cards

5-8 pm 10% off Everything

Several items already discounted 30% or more off!

Place your special orders

Early to arrive on time.

Check out the $5.00 Items–

“12 Ways of Christmas” By David Jeremiah

Hermie’s “Fruitcake Christmas” DVD,

God’s Girl Cross Necklace

• Bibles • Novels • Biographies • Spiritual Growth Books • Children’s Books • Children’s Trinkets • Jewelry • Devotional Books • DVD’s and CD’s • Accompaniment CD’s • Leanin’ Tree Cards

Christian Ball Caps- $8.50

Including Women’s

“Christmas with a Capital C”

DVD Sale- $9.50

Daily Light Devotional Gift Book

By Anne Graham Lotz $17.70

SRP- $24.99

ALL SALE ITEMS ARE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Don’t miss out- shop early.

4 CD Christmas Tin- $5 SRP- $9.99

Eagle Figurine- $37.50

10 Commandments- $7.50 Serenity Prayer $7

Glass Angel Magnets- $1.75 Each

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This cute 14" Teddy Bear recites the Biblical Christmas story while mov-ing its mouth. Includes batteries.

SRP- $29.99 Sale- $14.00

Chris Shea Pageant Chris Shea Angel Musical Shepherd Holy Family- SRP $28.00 SRP- $17.50 SRP- $9.50 SRP- $17.00 Sale- $6.00 Sale– $7.00 Sale- $4.00 Sale- $8.00

Nativity Joy Lighted Figurine Nativity Peace Lighted Figurine Plush Snowman SRP- $25.00 SRP- $28.00 SRP- $7.00- $15.00 Musical Snowman Choir Sale- $12.50 Sale- $14.00 Sale $3.00-$7.00 SRP- $27.00 $13.50

Nativity Cross Candle Cardinal 3 Plates Sno-man 3 Plates Platter SRP- $9.00 SRP- $18.00 SRP- $18.00 SRP- $18.00

Sale- $2.75 Sale- $12.00 Sale- $12.00 Sale- $12.00

Snoel Blessings– JOY Poinsettia Cross Angel Footprints in Snow SRP- $13.00 SRP- $20.00 SRP- $18/.00 SRP- $8.00 Sale- $5.50 Sale- $12.00 Sale- $5.00 Sale- $5.50

Fisher Price Little People Christmas Story SALE- $35.00

MANY MORE ITEMS DISCOUNTED AT NORTH GRAND RIVER CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE!!