PUMPKIN PATCH VOLUNTEERS We need your help in the Pumpkin Patch!

Now through October 31 More guests come to our church during October than the rest of the year

combined. This means we have a tremendous opportunity to reflect the love,

kindness, and generosity of Christ to our neighbors and community. God has

provided this opportunity but it is our task to plant seeds of hope to all we meet in the patch

because we never know how God will use the work we do in God’s name. So, say YES! to

pumpkins and say YES! to serving Christ in the pumpkin patch. Shifts are only three hours, all

volunteers get a free Pumpkin Patch t-shirt, and it’s a great way to meet new people. What if I

can’t serve the whole shift or want to serve more than three hours? No problem. Just let Daniel

know and we can work around your schedule. All proceeds support youth mission opportunities

and their goal is to work 375 hours. However, it takes our whole church family to show our

community the love of Christ. You can sign-up online or in the church foyer. Contact Daniel or

Julia with any questions.

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Saturday, October 26 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Get ready to welcome our neighbors of all ages to our annual

pumpkin festival! We will enjoy photos in the patch, Trunk-or-

Treat, hot dogs, sno-cones, popcorn, games, inflatables,

pumpkin sensory play for toddlers, and more!

Please donate candy for us to give away! You may place your donations in the bin

outside the church office. Please sign up with Julia or on the sign-up sheets placed in

your Sunday School boxes to help us provide this wonderful event for our community.

There are many other ways to volunteer; contact Julia Goldie Day for more information.

Volunteers need to arrive no later than 10:00 a.m. on that Saturday.

FALL FORMATION STUDY OFFERINGS During October we have two sessions remaining in the six-

week series on Christianity and World Religions. Even if you

have not been able to take part in any of the studies to now,

feel free to join in the discussions that will happen on

Wednesdays, October 2 and October 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the

Fellowship Hall. For those able to come early, a meal catered

by Bogie’s Deli is being served at 5:00 p.m. for $6 per person.

Come join in fellowship around the tables and learning

together more about other faith traditions in order that we

can be better Christian neighbors with our neighbors.

Inside: From the Pastor………….......2

Scatterings...…………………….3

Gatherings …………..…….......4

Pumpkins & Christmas?......5

Family Matters………………...6

Calendar…….……..……………..7

Important Dates……………..8

of community and mission.

4680 Walnut Grove Road

Memphis, TN

www.2ndmemphis.org

October 2019

Encountering God at the

Volume 30, Issue 10

PUMPKINS PROMPT EXTROVERSION A recent message landed in my inbox from a guest at our church. Included in this person’s

note was the line: “I cannot praise your congregation enough for the warmth, heartfelt

openness, and welcoming kindness.” That certainly speaks well of the spirit we try to embody

around here all year round, but perhaps that is never more pronounced than during the

month of October when we have more guests encountering Second Baptist than in all the

other months of the year combined

Our Pumpkin Patch is an offering to the community. It is a gift we give that allows us, as the

givers, to practice what our recent guest wrote about experiencing here: warmth, heartfelt

openness, and welcoming kindness.

Nine years ago, when I was preparing to be called as pastor here, someone advised me that

Second has a tendency toward introversion. While we all could certainly stand to do more by

way of relationship building and inviting our neighbors to not only know our church, but

more importantly, to know the Christ who is at the center of our life together, I would say that

the month of October is when we move past our tendencies to introversion. There is

something about all of those pumpkins that makes it so we suddenly become a congregation

of extroverts!

As we sign up for shifts to volunteer in the patch, as we work alongside neighbors who help

with unloads, and as we play host to those who come for our Pumpkin Festival this month, I

cannot help but wonder: what lessons do we need to learn about warmth, heartfelt

openness, and welcoming kindness that we share these days that can extend well past this

season?

After all, we gather to worship and scatter to serve in the name of the Christ who

himself embodied those traits and is calling us to follow in his way.

Grace and peace,

Stephen

WELCOME NEW STAFF TEAM MEMBERS! Last month we welcomed two new members to

our staff team at Second Baptist. We are thrilled

to have these gifted people serving with us and

getting to know our Second family and community.

Annabeth Barnes is our new Church Office Manager

and Communications Coordinator. Most recently Annabeth has been

serving as the shop manager at the Muddy’s Bake Shop location in East Memphis.

She has also worked as an admission recruiter and assistant director of public

relations at Blue Mountain College, and an office manager in a retail setting.

Annabeth brings strong experience in the areas of hospitality and service, strategic

planning, and project management.

Isaac Maldonado is our new Maintenance Supervisor. Most recently Isaac has been

serving as the maintenance supervisor with a pharmaceutical company’s site

operations and as an electrician helper. He has also worked as a facility manager

in corporate settings following 20 years of service in the United States Army. Isaac

brings a keen eye for detail, safety, and efficiency to our facility operations.

As you are around the church buildings during the week, please introduce

yourself and welcome Annabeth and Isaac to Second.

SERMON TOPICS

October 6

World Communion

Sunday

Title: Regifted

Text:

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

October 13

Title: A Good Way to

Love God

Text:

Galatians 5:13-14, 19-25

OT Lesson:

Psalm 77:1-2, 11-14

October 20:

Daniel Johnson preaching

October 27

Title: If You Want to Make

God Laugh

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

OT Lesson:

Deuteronomy 8:11-18

Page 2 Volume 30, Issue 10

FAMILY PROMISE PECANS Family Promise of Memphis (FPOM) keeps families together

by providing emergency shelter and food for families who

have lost their home. While much of the funding for this ministry

comes from individual donations and grants, FPOM must secure

additional support through fundraising projects. Their annual pecan sale begins this

October with pre-sell orders for delicious one pound bags of fresh-picked, shelled pecan

halves in plain ($13) and flavored ($14). These tasty pecans are perfect for holiday baking,

gifting, sharing, and snacking! To order pecans, see Pam Jenkins or contact her at

pjenkin1985@gmail.com. Pecans will be delivered in time for Thanksgiving baking and

your purchase helps FPOM continue to provide valuable care to some of God’s most

vulnerable children in our community.

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 6 Each year the first Sunday in October finds Christians around the globe

gathering at the Lord’s Table for the celebration of World Communion

Sunday. As is our custom at Second Baptist Church, whenever we share this

sacred meal we also collect a special offering to support the benevolence

ministries of our deacon body. Plan now to share – both at the table and

in this collection – as we remember the depths of God’s love for the world.

On behalf of the entire Thistle and Bee team, thank you so much for Second’s

gift of

we

I regard this gift as a gesture of support for Thistle and Bee's mission to help

who have survived prostitution and trafficking thrive. The work is

challenging, but it is indeed a privilege to walk alongside women who are

discovering a new world of possibilities. I hope some of you will come and

see what happens when communities work together to show God’s love in

the world. You will be most welcome.

Eyleen Farmer

THANK YOU JERALD!

We are thankful for the

musical offerings of Jerald

Walker in worship this fall.

Jerald is a violinist finishing

his studies at the University

of Memphis. He has

already shared his gifts on

two occasions over the

past few months, and will

be with us a few more

times between now and

Christmas. We are grateful

for the gifts, skill, and

creativity he is sharing

with us in worship!

Page 3

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS IN OCTOBER This month we have two congregational meetings scheduled that should be circled

on every church member’s calendar.

On Wednesday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall we will have our

fourth quarterly meeting of the year. This is the annual gathering where we hear

from several leadership groups making recommendations for the year ahead. Our

Nominating Committee will present its recommendations for ministry area

coordinators, committees, and trustees for 2020. Our Deacon Selection Committee

will share its recommendations for six new deacons – including some new deacons

to be ordained – whose three-year terms of service will begin in January. And, our

Finance Committee will share a detailed plan for financially supporting our ministry

commitments in the coming year.

Then, on Sunday, October 27 at 10:10 a.m. (please note the time!), the congregation

will gather in the sanctuary for a specially called meeting ahead of worship. The

purpose of this meeting is to vote, without further discussion, on the proposed

ministry budget that the Finance Committee presents on October 23.

Please plan to be present, to add your voice, and to take part in this important work

that we share together at Second!

SECOND SUNDAY LUNCHEON October 13 at 11:30 a.m.

in the Fellowship Hall Our monthly second Sunday lunch will take place on October 13 immediately

after worship in the Fellowship Hall. Please make your reservation no later

than Wednesday, October 9 by emailing Donna Taylor at

dtaylor@2ndmemphis.org or calling the church office at 682.3395.

INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR LEADS WORSHIP Sunday, November 10

This is an opportunity for our children, youth, and

adults to not only sing together, but to learn and grow

alongside each other through music. We will meet

each Sunday immediately after worship for 30 minutes,

beginning Sunday, October 20. No former singing or

training required! We hope to fill the loft with all ages

of singers!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR INTERFAITH COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 26 at

6:30 p.m. when we gather with our neighbors at

Temple Israel for a special evening of worship and

fellowship. Our annual Interfaith Community

Thanksgiving Service brings together members of

many Memphis houses of worship from Christian,

Jewish, and Muslim traditions. Watch the November issue of Crossroads

for more details.

Volume 30, Issue 10 Page 4

STEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOT

Take a peek at our generosity and

ministry costs through Sept. 22:

Year-to-Date Receipts $742,618

Year-to-Date Expenses $761,083

Net $ (18,465)

Remember that when it comes to

giving, we have several options for

sharing gifts with our church:

• Cash and Checks

• Text-to-Give: 901.401.9621

• Online at 2ndmemphis.org

• Click "Giving" and follow the

prompts

• Stock and Mutual Fund

Transfers

To learn more about any of these,

please contact our Financial

Administrator, Patti Calvert, at

pcalvert@2ndmemphis.org.

JOIN THE PUMPKIN PATCH UNLOADING FUN Saturday, October 12 Unloading a truck load of pumpkins is hard work. But

when we do it together, it can also be a great time of

fun and fellowship. Join the fun and invite some

friends to help restock the pumpkin panorama for our

Second Baptist Pumpkin Patch. Our second unload is

Saturday, October 12 at 9:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome

and we’ll even have donuts to help sustain us through the work! Childcare will be

available in Room 209 for ages 6 weeks-4 years. Whether you can lift the biggest

pumpkin, only the smallest pumpkin, or you can just come and encourage, we hope to

see you there.

PUMPKIN PATCH APPRECIATION LUNCHEON Sunday, November 3 at 11:30 a.m.

All pumpkin patch volunteers are invited to a lunch to

thank those who served and to celebrate all God has

done in and through us during the pumpkin season.

The success of our patch is not possible without the

support and encouragement of our entire church

community. Our annual hamburger lunch is just a

small way to thank everyone - youth, children and

adults - who make sacrifices to set up the patch,

unload pumpkins, work shifts, and offer prayers for the patch that lead to ministry

benefiting Memphis and beyond. Make your luncheon reservations online or by

contacting Tommy Sexton at tsexton@2ndmemphis.org or 682-3308 by

Wednesday, October 30.

SURROUNDED BY PUMPKINS, PLANNING FOR CHRISTMAS With pumpkins filling the front lawn of the church

this month, we are already looking ahead toward

Advent and Christmas. Last year we introduced a

new tradition in our worship space as we added

the Second Family Christmas Tree. We decorate

the tree during our annual Hanging of the Green

service that will take place this year on Sunday,

December 1.

If you are new to Second during the past year (or

if you were not able to participate last year), everyone is invited to create or

purchase an ornament that includes your family’s name on it. Your ornament

might show something about your family (hobbies, interests, etc.) or simply

express your joy during the season.

We saved the ornaments that were shared last year and will have those

available to hang on the tree on December 1. If you would like to add a

new ornament or participate for the first time, watch for more details as we

move closer to the season about when we will begin collecting these that

add to the beauty of our worship space during those sacred days.

Page 5

YOUTH OUT TO LUNCH Sunday, October 13 at 11:15 a.m. Youth will go out to lunch together at the Sear Shack located at 5101

Sanderlin Ave. We will leave during the last hymn of worship so that

youth can be picked up as families leave from Second Sunday lunch. Youth should bring

money for hamburgers, fries and shakes. Menu available at thesearshack.com. We need one

or two parent volunteers to drive.

PLAY IN THE PATCH Tuesday, October 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Children and families are invited to play in the Pumpkin Patch. Enjoy

hayrides, story time, pictures, fellowship, chalk, and fun with your faith

family. A pumpkin snack and juice will be served. Invite a friend who

might like to find out how wonderful pumpkin season is at Second

Baptist! Please, no drop-offs unless you have worked out supervision for

your child with another family.

YOUTH WINTER SUMMIT January 17-19, 2020

Youth will travel to First Baptist Church

Huntsville, Alabama for Youth Winter Summit sponsored by CBF of

Alabama. Cost for the summit is $80 and is due Sunday, October 27 with a 2020

Child and Youth Permission Form. Chaperones are needed and can attend at no

cost.

The 2020 theme is CONNECTED. Students will be encouraged by worship, music,

Bible study, and group discussion around the theme and key scripture from

Ephesians 4:4-6 (MSG):

“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction,

so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one

faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works

through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is

permeated with Oneness.”

Dr. Shaun King is our speaker and worship will be led by Sharon Irving. There

will be a special concert featuring Walker Burroughs, finalist from American Idol.

BASKETBALL REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN It is time to register for basketball leagues at Second Baptist! Registration is

open to boys and girls, ages 6-15 years. Practices begin in November and games

are played on Saturdays, December through February. All teams have an eight-

game schedule, Register online through the Recreation page of the church

website. Registration ends on November 1. For more information contact

Tommy Sexton at 682.3308 or by email at tsexton@2ndmemphis.org.

CROSSROADS Submissions: Material for

inclusion in the monthly

CrossRoads publication must

be submitted by the 15th day

of the month.

Digital Option: To receive an

electronic version only, please

contact Donna Taylor at

dtaylor@2ndmemphis.org.

Next publication date:

November 1, 2019

Second Look: Those signed up

to receive our communications

via email will also receive our

weekly Second Look.

Page 6 Volume 30, Issue 10

2ndBaptistMem

2ndMemphis

www.facebook.com/

SecondBaptistMemphis

Page 7

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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesdays, October 2 and 9

6:00 p.m. Christianity: World Religions

Sunday, October 6

10:15 a.m. World Communion Sunday

Saturday, October 12

9:00 a.m. Second Pumpkin Unload

Sunday, October 13

11:15 a.m. Youth Out-to-Lunch

11:30 a.m. Second Sunday Lunch

Tuesday, October 15

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Play in the Patch

Wednesday, October 23

6:00 p.m. Quarterly Business Meeting

Saturday, October 26

11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Pumpkin Festival

Sunday, October 27

10:10 a.m. Called Congregational Meeting

Youth Winter Summit payments due!

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 4680 Walnut Grove Rd.

Memphis, TN 38117

Office: 901.682.3395

STAFF

Dr. Stephen Cook Senior Pastor

Rev. Julia Goldie Day Associate Minister:

Families and

Congregational Care

Mr. Larry DenmanAssociate

Minister:

Music and Worship

Rev. Daniel Johnson Associate Minister:

Congregational

Formation and Missions

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.

CHRISTIAN FAMILY LIFE CENTER Phone: 901-682-3308 CLOSED SUNDAY tsexton@2ndmemphis.org

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.