Dr. Jo_ C. @l[in, Sr. P[stor

R_v. Bri[n Jon_s, Min. of Musi]

R_v. Bill W_st_r, Min. of E^u][tion

R_v. Justin G[rv_r, Min. to Stu^_nts

Mrs. Kristi N[lls, Dir. of F[mily Min.

R_v. Tom Riv_s, P[stor Em_ritus

5395 Ehrli]h R^.

T[mp[, Flori^[ * 33625 (813) 962-3214

www.][rrollwoo^\[ptist.org

From Pastor Joe December, 2015

Thank You

So many emotions have flooded our lives these past few weeks that it is hard to even

put them into words. We have moved to a new state and ministry, become first-time

grandparents, and have had to say goodbye to our youngest son, Caleb and all this in

the course of a week’s time! The outpouring of love that our Carrollwood Baptist

Church family has shown to us has been incredibly comforting. John said that when

we love each other, we are reflecting the unseen but very real God. “No one has ever

seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in

us” (1 Jn. 4:12). We have been loved on by so many people, and we’ve seen the face

of God in you through this tragic time. Thank you for your prayers, calls, texts, hugs

and visits at Caleb’s funeral, cards and letters and other generous expressions of love

that you have shown to our family. We have read some of the most heartfelt and

sweetest words these past few weeks. We’ve smiled, we’ve cried, and we’ve thanked

God for each of you and the love you have demonstrated. All of you are amazing!

Please continue to pray for us and especially Sierra and baby Gracie Mae.

Joe & Rhonda and Family

Getting Settled

It has been a surreal experience packing up our belongings, leaving our daughter and

home in Louisiana for the past 25 years, and entering a new time zone. At first it felt

very strange being in Florida since it’s not the Christmas season, about the only time

I’m ever in Florida. Rhonda says for sure I’ll now never make it to midnight on New

Year’s Eve (lol). Only central time zone people understand this. Once we arrived in

Florida, we were graciously greeted by some folks from our CBC family who helped

us unpack our stuff. We’re grateful for all the help getting settled at CBC and in the

Mission Home where we are currently living. Thank you for making us feel so

welcomed!

As I write this, we have experienced several Sundays of worship. I recently began a

new sermon series that I’m calling, “This Is Church!” I can think of no better way to

start off a ministry than to explore who we are as followers of Christ and what the

Lord is doing in and through His church, the Body of Christ. The text that serves as

the foundation for our series is Acts 2:42-47. I will be dealing with the four functions

of the church that we find in this passage over the next few weeks:

Worship, Evangelism, Discipleship, and Ministry. I usually post something online

each week to let you know where we are going. Each week you can check out the

Carrollwood Baptist Church’s Facebook page or my blog, “The Word for Today”

at http://pastorjoecbc.blogspot.com/. You can also listen to any sermon online that you

may have missed at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

Dr. Joe C. Alain

Pastor

“I thank my God every time I

remember you” Philippians 1:3

We recently celebrated the Thanksgiving season with our annual Thanksgiving

Banquet. This was our first time to experience this very special event. What a

blessing to enjoy the goodness of the Lord among friends! Our deacons did a

marvelous job of serving the church fellowship and made our evening special.

Thank you for your love and ministry to the Lord.

Each of the four Gospels provides a unique portrait of the life and ministry of Christ. Although

some events may be similar, each writer provides details that tell the story of Jesus from a

different point of view. The same is true when it comes to the Christmas story. In this series of

messages, we will look at the unique aspects that Matthew brings out in the Christmas story.

Following is a schedule of sermons in this series.

December 6 Matthew 1:1-17 “Your Family Tree”

December 13 Matthew 1:18-25 “Trusting God When You Don’t Understand”

December 20 Matthew 2:1-12 “Worship the King!”

December 27 Matthew 2:13-23 “The Grinch Who Almost Stole Christmas”

Advent and Christmas

The Christmas season is upon us and offers us a unique opportunity to share

Christ with our friends and neighbors. Many families are more open to the

Lord during the Christmas season and will participate in events and special

services if we will invite them. Others are struggling emotionally during the

Christmas season and we have the opportunity to share the hope that Christ’s

coming has brought.

The season of Advent (beginning Sunday, November 29th) is the preparation

for the Christmas season. Advent means “coming.” In Advent, we focus on the

coming of Christ into the world (past), in our hearts (present), and the “second

coming” (future). To help you and your family celebrate the Christmas season,

we are making available the Advent Devotional, “Fear Not!” You can pick up

a copy at the Connection Center. Consider giving copies to friends and inviting

them to share in the hope of Jesus Christ this Christmas season. “The people

living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of death a

light has dawned” (Matt. 4:16).

Kids’ News Kids’ News Kids’ News Kids’ News

Women On Mission All ladies are invited to attend this monthly meeting and luncheon on December 1 at 10am. Bring a covered dish to share and learn about various missionaries and their work here and all over the world.

Church Wide Christmas PartyChurch Wide Christmas PartyChurch Wide Christmas PartyChurch Wide Christmas Party Join us on Wednesday, December 16 from

5:00-6:30pm for dinner and a visit from someone

special! The children's choirs will perform in

the Life Center beginning at 6:30pm.

Children's Workers

Appreciation Breakfast We appreciate all of our volunteers and teachers We appreciate all of our volunteers and teachers We appreciate all of our volunteers and teachers We appreciate all of our volunteers and teachers

who work with our children at CBC and we would like who work with our children at CBC and we would like who work with our children at CBC and we would like who work with our children at CBC and we would like

to share breakfast with you on Sunday, December 6 to share breakfast with you on Sunday, December 6 to share breakfast with you on Sunday, December 6 to share breakfast with you on Sunday, December 6

at 8:45am in the Resource Room. at 8:45am in the Resource Room. at 8:45am in the Resource Room. at 8:45am in the Resource Room.

Please let Ms. Kay or Ms. Kristi know if you will be able to attend!Please let Ms. Kay or Ms. Kristi know if you will be able to attend!Please let Ms. Kay or Ms. Kristi know if you will be able to attend!Please let Ms. Kay or Ms. Kristi know if you will be able to attend!

Women’s Ministry OpportunitiesWomen’s Ministry OpportunitiesWomen’s Ministry OpportunitiesWomen’s Ministry Opportunities

Presented by Carrollwood Baptist Church

Children’s Choirs Wednesday, December 16th @ 6:30pm

2015

Important Dates

Wednesday November 25

No Church Activities

November 26 & 27

Offices Closed

Wednesdays December 2 & 9

Regular Rehearsals

Orch. - 6pm Choir - 7pm

Friday December 11

THRIVE @ 7:30pm

Sunday December 13

Tech Rehearsal 5-8pm

Wednesday December 16

Church Wide Christmas Party

5:00pm

and Kids Music at 6:30pm

Thursday December 17

Dress Rehearsal 6-8pm

December 19 & 20

Under a Starry Sky

Performance

6pm, Life Center

Presented by Carrollwood Baptist Church

Worship Arts Ministry December 19th & 20th at 6pm, Life Center

It is that time again to be thinking about Upward Basketball. There are still some areas where we could use some extra coaches. Please do me a favor and be praying about your involvement in this years program from being a coach, assistant coach, referee, or volunteering in another way. This is such a great opportunity to make an impact. We have such an amazing group of volunteers and we would love for you to join us. If you have any questions please let Pastor Justin know. Thank you.

Evaluations First Practice Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 29 First Game Saturday, December 5, 9:00 AM - Noon Saturday, January 9

Youth Christmas Party

Saturday Night, December 12, we

will be having our youth Christmas Party. If you want to be in the gift

exchange bring a gift to put in the pile. The twist is we are asking

that the gift be something you made or something you already have from your house. Don’t spend any

money for your gift. However, bring $5 for Vidya so we can help get her account more up to date. We will meet at the Youth house at 4:30 PM.

Join us Friday, December 11 for

a great night of worship and challenge from God’s Word led

by our college and young singles! Everything gets started at

7:30 PM in the Life Center.

Men! Join us on Saturday, December 12, from 7:30 - 8:30 A.M.

for a great time of prayer and fellowship in Carpenter Hall.

JOY FellowshipJOY FellowshipJOY FellowshipJOY Fellowship

Thursday, January 14, 2016Thursday, January 14, 2016Thursday, January 14, 2016Thursday, January 14, 2016 Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!Bring your favorite potluck dish to share!

5:305:305:305:30----8:00 P.M. in Carpenter Hall8:00 P.M. in Carpenter Hall8:00 P.M. in Carpenter Hall8:00 P.M. in Carpenter Hall

On Sunday, December 6, we will leave

following our A.M. Worship Service. We

will enjoy lunch together at Cheddars

then attend the Musical. Following the

Musical, we will share dessert together

at the home of Kay and Jerry Hall.

Please sign up to ride the bus or van at

the Connection Center for a great time

of fellowship. We will be back at the

Church around 8:30 P.M.

NEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERS By Statement: Ann Marie Avila, Ricky Romero, Dr. D. Thomas and Sandra Porter, Patricia Witmer

By Letter: Paul and Julie Witmer, Dr. Joe C. and Rhonda Alain

By Baptism: Jacob Swindle, Connor Keene, Michelle Abreu, John Bailey, J. R. Hill

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 4th Sunday4th Sunday4th Sunday4th Sunday

Volunteer NeededVolunteer NeededVolunteer NeededVolunteer Needed CoordinatorCoordinatorCoordinatorCoordinator

10:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am 10:30 am

Karina Houck Rebekah Ivey Steven Lutz

Beth Gonzalez Lauren Gonzalez Jennifer Rives Jaime Stathas

Wednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday Night

Julie Garver Valerie Layland

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 3rd Sunday3rd Sunday3rd Sunday3rd Sunday

Joyce Jones Joyce Jones Joyce Jones Joyce Jones CoordinatorCoordinatorCoordinatorCoordinator

10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am

Alisha Hyslop Dalia Betancourt Debbie Swindle Kaitlyn Swindle Joe Circhirillo Teri Circhirillo

Volunteer Needed

Wednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday Night Robin Singleton Valerie Layland

Nursery Volunteers & Children’s Church Workers

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 1st Sunday1st Sunday1st Sunday1st Sunday

Kim Koletic Kim Koletic Kim Koletic Kim Koletic Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator

10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am

Kim Bistany Natalie Boghich Nichole Swindle Becky Gordon Lucas Gordon Nick Gordon Mark Boghich

Grace Thornbury

Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Wednesday Night Melinda Palencia Valerie Layland

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 2nd Sunday2nd Sunday2nd Sunday2nd Sunday

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator

10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am10:30 am

Heidi Barlow Erica Charles Stephanie Ivey Jenna Barlow Dulce Agosto Carol Smith

Melinda Palencia

Wednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday NightWednesday Night Susan Wester Valerie Layland

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FROM OUR CHURCH FAMILYFROM OUR CHURCH FAMILYFROM OUR CHURCH FAMILYFROM OUR CHURCH FAMILY The Carrollwood Baptist Church staff and family would like to express their sincere Christian love and

sympathy to the McDonell family in the passing of Joe’s sister, Shirley Stinson; to the Fleming family in the loss

of Ray’s mom, Iris Fleming; to Pastor Joe, Rhonda and family in the sudden death of their son, Caleb; to the Lay

family in the passing of Tammy’s niece, Stacy Murray; and to Robert Rittenhouse and family in the passing of his

beloved wife, Josie.

“Thank You”

“I thank you all... Pastor Bill, the entire staff of Carrollwood Baptist Church, all of our friends

in the Bible Study, and Choir for your moral support, teaching, and caring.

Words cannot express my gratitude to each one of you. THANK ALL OF YOU.”

All My Love,

Bob Rittenhouse and Family

Our Church Goal: $10,000

Come and Join Us For Come and Join Us For Come and Join Us For Come and Join Us For

Carols, Communion

&

6:00 pm ~ Life Center