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belong | believe | becomeSecond Baptist Church

NOVEMBER2015

Blessed to be a blessing

Page 3Thanksgiving Dinner

Page 4Churchwide Events

Page 5Wednesday Night Sanctuary

Page 6Churchwide Events

Page 7Men | Senior Adults | Students | College

Pages 8-9Calendar

Page 10-11Christmas Store

Page 12Equipping Update

Page 13Opportunities to Serve

Pages 14Holidays at 2BC

Page 15“HUB Nub” Quick Tip

Page 16Requiem for the Living

NovemberTable of Contents

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At some point this month, you and I will be invited to engage in a cycle of well-being and transformation. Most likely, this cycle will be initiated by a loved one. They’ll gaze across a table full of smoked bird, cranberries, and sweet potato casserole, they’ll invite the grazing community to lower their voices

and pay attention, and then they’ll ask the all-important question: “What are you thankful for?” Your answer could spark a revolution.

Recent studies have shown that generosity and gratitude go hand in hand both at a psychological and neurobiological level. Generosity and gratitude are symbiotic. Together, small acts of generosity and gratitude kick start a neurological feedback loop and an upward spiral of well-being. Simply put, speaking gratitude and sharing generously will enrich your life in tangible ways. Speaking gratitude and sharing generously will also enrich the lives of those around as well.

With that in mind, may our entrance into November bring us all deeper into the cycle of generosity and gratitude. November marks the midpoint in our Catalyst 2.0 ministry plan so we’ll spend some time this month offering words of gratitude for the impact your generosity has made through the ministries of our church. From children’s ministry, to student ministry, to discipleship, to music, to all of our various care ministries, to ministry space improvements, to mission work around our world, we have so much to be thankful for. And, as we look toward the future, there is so much more we could be thankful for.

How else might God bring well-being and transformation into our world through our individual and collective generosity? God knows. What steps might each of us take though so that we and the world around us might begin to know as well? How might you participate more deeply in the revolution of God this month? How might your acts of generosity serve as catalysts for God’s dreams to come true here and around world now and for years to come?

May God show us all as we move through this month of Thanksgiving…

With Gratitude,

Jason EdwardsSenior Pastor

A Note From Pastor Jason

Catalyst 2.0

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Gather Here with Grateful HeartsSunday, Nov. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. (Doors open at 5p)

Note the day change from WednesdayHeritage Hall, 117 W. Kansas in Liberty

Each year, we gather as a church family to enjoy a meal together and give thanks for our many blessings. There will be childrens' crafts, special music and time to reflect with gratitude to God.

Tickets Purchase in the Welcome Center Sunday mornings (9:30-12:30) or Wednesday nights or during weekly office hours.

$9 for adults (13 and up)$5 for ages 3-12 and college studentsChildren under age 3 eat free$25 per family maximum

Menu (gluten-free substitutes available) Prepared by award-winning Executive Chef Jim Tinkham and his wife, Stacey.Garlic rosemary roasted turkey breast Creamy roasted turkey gravy17-spice and fresh chive mashed potatoes with smoked sweet paprikaGreen bean casserole topped with onion strawsAssorted rolls with butterJellied cranberry sauce

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coming up at 2bc . . .

Women on MissionTuesday, Oct. 6 | 9:30 a.m. | Assembly Room (302) All 2BC women with a heart for missions are invited to attend the next meeting of Women on Mission. The program is as follows:

9:30 am Study Group: Eleanor Speaker - CBF10:30 am Refreshments: 11:00 am Program: Lucy Praisewater - Yemen Mission Project: Items for Christmas Shoe Boxes Bring your Extra Christmas Cards

2BCin the loopKeeping You

Be A Youth Mentor at Schumacher ElementaryThen he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.” Matthew 25:45 (NRSV)The School Connections Team invites you to impact a child’s life by serving as a Youth Mentor. Adults spend one hour per week with a child at Schumacher Elementary to inspire them to succeed and challenge them to do their best. These volunteers not only help the children, they help the teachers and schools reach their goals in serving the educational needs of their students.Mentors can choose from a number of in-school activities to enrich a child’s life. You might have lunch with a student, tutor, share special talents or interests, read, or simply be a good friend who listens. This can be done one-on-one or in a small group of children.If you’d like to serve, request an application from Debbie Lane at debbielane71861@gmail.com or from the program’s coordinator, Colleen Jones, at cjones@liberty.k12.mo.us. Applicants attend an interview and a short training session, and a background check will be conducted.

Deacon Nominations 2015Nominate by Nov. 8Each fall, the congregation is asked to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider those in our church that exemplify the role of a servant leader and submit their names as potential Deacons. Nominees should be at least 21 years of age and members of 2BC for at least three years. You may submit up to five names using the Deacon Nomination forms available throughout the church or online at 2bcliberty.org/deacons. Nominations must be submitted by Nov. 8. A list of previously ordained Deacons is available at the Welcome Desk and on the webpage.

Advent Flowers OpportunityOn each Sunday of Advent one or two large fresh flower arrangements (number based on requests) will be provided to honor or remember our loved ones. If you wish to help us fill the sanctuary with flowers for Advent the cost to have your loved ones name(s) added to the dedication in the Sunday bulletin is a donation of at least $10.00. A member of the Arts and Environment Committee will be available in the Welcome Center on Sundays, Nov. 8, 15 and 22 for you to fill out a form a make your donation, or you may turn forms and donations in at the Welcome Center desk. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, Nov. 22. If you have questions, please contact Patsy Triplett at pdtrip@kc.rr.com.

Wednesday, November 18

6:30 p.m.Chapel

An Outreach of the

A Service of Worship and Hope to Begin the Holiday Season

Serviceof

Hope5

Second Servings MEAL & FELLOWSHIP | 5:45*-6:30 p.m. | Make Reservations by Monday Before the Meal at NoonTo sign up, call the church office or visit 2bcliberty.org/sanctuary.

*Starts at 5:30 in the event of a World Series 7th game)

Meal Cost$5: adults | Age 4-12 : $3 | Birth-3: Free | $15/family maximum

Nov. 11 | Panel Discussion: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni6:30 p.m.Come to Wednesday evening Nov. 11 for the panel discussion of Patrick Lencioni’s The Advantage. His expertise in writing for organizations can be easily translated into helps for a church. Several of our groups and leaders are currently reading this book and will lead the forum that evening. A key focus is on the health of organizations.

Second Sessions:Nov. 4 | Panel Discussion: Know Your “Why”6:30 p.m. (Will start at 6:15 in case of a World Series game that night.)

Nov. 18 | Service of Hope

churchwide

Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care for You!We all go through times in our life when we could benefit from a little extra care and attention. That’s what Stephen Ministers do. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who have been

trained to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are going through a difficult time. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and provide weekly support for you as long as your need persists. If you would like to learn more about Stephen Ministry, please contact Mike Lassiter at 816-781-2824 or Carol Kingery at 816-916-8407.

Music Students to Play Christmas EveChildren taking piano or other instrumental music lessons and who would like to play the gathering music for Christmas Eve should begin preparing their pieces now. Contact Ann Posey at poseyannphil2@sbcglobal.net for further information.

New Prayer Walk OpportunityMeet at 2BC Fridays at 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.A note from Cathy Baker, Deacon Chairperson:As a member of the Deacon body at 2BC, prayer is a huge element in everything we do. But most of the time, our corporate prayer takes place during our meetings. God has placed it on my heart to begin a Friday Prayer Walk group, and I would love for you to join me. This walk will focus mainly on our church and congregation, so we’ll begin in the sanctuary and walk around the entire church, inside and out, praying for God’s will, wis-dom and direction, all those that come and go through the doors throughout the week, our staff and volunteers, the building and its safety, our friends and neighbors, and whatever and wherever else the Spirit leads us. We’ll let God shape us and mold us into His vision for the group!

Financial Report: Week of Oct. 25, 2015To help keep our church family informed of our finances, we’ll list the total receipts from the past week in the Loop. If you have questions, contact Linda Jones at 816-781-2824 or ljones@2bcliberty.org.

Our receipts for the week of Oct. 25, 2015 totaled $25,685.01.

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students

senior adults

Senior Adult Coffee & Conversation Our Senior Adult Ministry hosts a twice-monthly Coffee & Conversation in the Social Room open to all. No reservations needed! The first Monday of each month features donuts (bring a dollar if you’d like some); the third Monday homemade treats are shared.

Monday, Nov. 2 | 10:00 a.m.Monday, Nov. 16 | 1:00 p.m.

Student Fun Night: All Church GamesFriday, Nov. 6 | 6-10 p.m. | 2BC (All of It) | Free!We’re going to have a night filled with as many All Church Games (or ACGs) as you can handle! We’ll roam the church playing Romans and Christians, go crazy playing Psycho, and may even throw in a few that you haven’t played before! Meet in the Welcome Center at 2BC. Feel free to bring friends as these games will be open to anyone and everyone!

Small Group Discussions Start TonightBeginning tonight (Nov. 1), we are going to extend our Innermission time to 8:00 p.m. to incorporate Small Group discussions. During these times, we will divide into Middle and High School groups. This will allow us to focus our conversations and help facilitate spiritual growth in a more relevant and applicable way. Charles will lead the Middle School group while Tom Lankford has agreed to continue leading the High School discussion group.

Share Your College Student's Mailing Address By Today2BC wants to send a Fall Finals care package to your student to let them know we're thinking about them. Leave your student’s address in the church office by Nov. 1 to be sure your student is included.

college

No Shave November at 2BCThis is a challenge with a purpose. While “No Shave November” is best known for prostate cancer awareness, which is important for men to pay attention to, we are expanding the idea. We are inviting men to grow a moustache, sideburns or beard for the month of November and reconnect to or gain more insight into their own journey of faith. Understanding your own faith journey adds to your power of purpose and can offer you determination and courage you didn’t know you had. It helps your focus be laser-like and helps you tap all of your potential.

In November, we invite men to get in touch with their faith journey, to spend time in scripture, get together with someone or a small group for coffee and raise questions or talk about their relationship with God. Be intentional in reconnecting to your faith in God.Become familiar with a cause or injustice and overlay scripture and how the kingdom of God speaks into the situation. If something bothers you, it might be God’s way of asking you to be involved in righting a wrong or speaking into an injustice. Make your relationship with God and the life of Jesus your reason, and let others know.

For more information or to begin a connection, contact Associate Pastor Mike Lassiter at 816-781-2824 ext. 307 or mlassiter@2bcliberty.org.

MEN

BEFORE AFTER?!?

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calendarchurch-wide

Sunday, Nov. 1 | All Saints’ Day / Food Share Sunday Student Handbell Rehearsal | 8:45 a.m. | Music Suite Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 402 Personnel Committee Meeting | 12:30 p.m. | Rm 303 Requiem for the Living | 4:00 p.m. | Sanctuary Student Innermission | 6:00 p.m. | Student Ministry Room

monday, Nov. 2 Senior Adults Coffee & Conversation | 10:00 a.m. | Social Room School Connections Team meeting | 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Center

Tuesday, nov. 3 Women on Mission | 9:30 a.m. | Assembly Room

Wednesday, Nov. 4 | Sanctuary Regular Wednesday Night Sanctuary Activities for Children and Students (see box below) Adult option: Know Your “Why” | 6:30 p.m. | Assembly Room

Thursday, Nov. 5 Hands On 2.0 Community Group | 6:45 p.m. | Welcome Center

Friday, Nov. 6 Student Fun Night: All-Church Games | 6:00 p.m. | Meet at 2BC

Sunday, Nov. 8 Student Handbell Rehearsal | 8:45 a.m. | Music Suite Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 402 Leadership Development Committee meeting | 3:30 p.m. | Rm 303 Stephen Ministry meeting | 5:00 p.m. | Library (Rm 312) Student Choir Rehearsal | 5:00 p.m. | Music Suite (Rm 501) Student Innermission | 6:00 p.m. | Student Ministry Room Deacons Meeting | 6:30 p.m. | Social Room

Tuesday, Nov. 10 MomsNext meeting | 9:00 a.m. | Oak Room

Second Servings Food & Fellowship | 5:45 p.m. | Social RoomBeginning Handbells (Grades 4-5) | 6:00 p.m. | Rm 502Student Formation (Grades 6-8) | 6:15 p.m. | Student Area Sanctuary Handbells Rehearsal | 6:15 p.m. (Starts Sept. 9)Second Sessions (Adults) | 6:30 p.m.Missions Groups (Pre-K-Grade 5) | 6:30 p.m.Student Watershed (Grades 9-12) | 6:30 p.m. | Missionary House (429 Wilson)Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal | 7:15 p.m. | Choir Room (Rm 501)

Weekly Wednesday Night Activities

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calendar novemberWednesday, Nov. 11 | Sanctuary

Regular Wednesday Night Sanctuary Activities for Children and Students (see box at left) Adult option: Panel Discussion of “The Advantage” | 6:30 p.m. | Assembly Room

Friday, Nov. 13 MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) | 9:30 a.m. | Social Room

Sunday, Nov. 15 Student Handbell Rehearsal | 8:45 a.m. | Music Suite Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 402 Personnel Committee meeting | 5:00 p.m. | Rm 303 Stephen Ministry Meeting | 5:00 p.m. | Library (Rm 312) All-Church Thanksgiving Dinner | 5:30 p.m. | Heritage Hall, Liberty

Monday, Nov. 16 Senior Adult Coffee & Conversation | 1:00 p.m. | Social Room

Wednesday, Nov. 18 | Sanctuary Regular Wednesday Night Sanctuary Activities for Children and Students (see box at left) Adult option: Service of Hope | 6:30 p.m. | Chapel

Thursday, Nov. 19 Hands On 2.0 Community Group | 6:45 p.m. | Welcome Center

Saturday, Nov. 21 Men’s Breakfast | 9:30 a.m. | Social Room

Sunday, Nov. 22 Team SERVE Coaches Meeting | 8:30 a.m. | Oak room Student Handbell Rehearsal | 8:45 a.m. | Music Suite Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 402 Personnel Committee meeting | 5:00 p.m. | Rm 303 Stephen Ministry Meeting | 5:00 p.m. | Library (Rm 312) Student Choir Rehearsal | 5:00 p.m. | Music Suite (Rm 501) Student Innermission | 6:00 p.m. | Student Ministry Room Church Council | 6:30 p.m. Room 505

Wednesday, Nov. 25 No Wednesday Night Sanctuary Activities | Church office closes at noon

Thursday/Friday, Nov. 25/26 Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Sunday, Nov. 29 Student Handbell Rehearsal | 8:45 a.m. | Music Suite Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 402 Advent Featured Study : Not a silent night study | 9:45 a.m. | Social Room

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TurnChristmasupside DOWN

The Christmas Store at 2BC Friday, Dec. 4 | 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

At Christmas, there are many families who do not have adequate resources to purchase gifts for their children and find themselves struggling just to “make ends

meet” with the necessities of life. The Christmas Store allows them to shop for gifts at a reduced price, empowering them to make their own choices and purchase affordable

gifts for their own family. It protects the sense of pride and dignity parents have in being able to provide for their children.

All of it is made possible through donations and volunteers. Prayerfully consider how you might help families in need during this special time of year. See details below.

Who benefits from the store?Families from the community are referred to the Christmas Store by elementary, middle and high school counselors and social workers, In As Much Ministries, Love Inc. and other organizations in the community with ties to Second Baptist Church. They will refer parents or guardians with children birth through High School.

What Happens at the Store?Each client registers and reserves an appointment time When they arrive, they will be greeted by volunteers and treated to holiday music, decorations and refreshments. Free child care is provided, and the children will enjoy crafts, snacks, games and a Christmas movie.

The parents have an opportunity to select two gifts and fill a stocking for each child. When they have finished shopping, the gifts will be wrapped.

How is the Christmas Store stocked?Gifts come largely from members of Second Baptist Church. Donated gifts should be brand new and in the box (no used gifts will be accepted). The suggested price range for donated gift is $10-40. The families will purchase the gifts at 90% off. They will get to choose one gift in the $1-$2 range (value $10-$20) and one gift in the $3-$4 range (value $30-$40).

How many people will this year’s store serve?Based on last year’s store totals, the 2015 Christmas Store will serve roughly 90+ children from 30+ families. That means that the store will need to stock a minimum of 200 gifts plus stocking stuffers. Participant reservations must be made by Monday, Nov. 30 at 2BC or by phone at 816-781-2824.

How can YOU help?

1. Stock the StoreDonate toys by Dec. 2: You may pick tags from the Christmas Tree in the Welcome Center at 2BC starting Nov. 1. Pur-chase a gift for that gender and age child in the chosen price range. Then, bring it back to the church (unwrapped) by Wednesday, Dec. 2.

If you shop online for gifts, double your impact by shopping through Living Zoe (see info at right). A percentage of your purchase will benefit the 2BC Missions Fund and be used to purchase more gifts!Donate funds: We will also gladly accept cash donations to buy additional items for the store.

2. Volunteer at the Christmas StoreSign up at 2bcliberty.org/christmasstore or email Karri George at 2bcchristmasstore@gmail.comEach volunteer is provided with orientation and a brief training at the beginning of each shift.Each volunteer area has specific minimum age requirements for children volunteering without an adult. Children 12 years old or older can volunteer with a parent or guardian immediately alongside them in the same area at the same time.Volunteer Shifts:Thursday, Dec. 3 | 7-9 p.m. | Store SetupFriday, Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Store Setup 2:45-5:30pm; 5:15-8pm | Various roles including childcare, greeter, personal shopper and more 7 p.m. | Shoppers: inventory the store and buy additional items for the Saturday store 9 p.m. | Store stockers Saturday, Dec. 5 | 8 am Setup, 8:30-10:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m-12:30 p.m. | Various roles as listed above 12:30 | Cleanup

If you are having financial difficulty and would like to find out more about shopping at The Christmas Store, contact 2BC at 816-781-2824.

2bcliberty.org/christmasstore

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For more information, please contact:

Kim Halfhill2BC Volunteer Director of Equippingkhalfhill@2bcliberty.org

My little girl’s elementary school has begun using a new science curriculum that emphasizes hands-on investigations and discovery. Now when I ask her about the best part of her day, instead of hearing about recess or lunch, I hear about science! The difference – discovery. Instead of just talking about volume and vibrations, she is building an “instrument” and testing it out for herself. There is something uniquely gratifying about making a discovery, a brief sensation that the greatest secret in the universe is now yours.

What if we could each discover our distinctive gifts and discern how those gifts could be used in the kingdom of God? 2BC is in the

discover | [dih-skuhv-er] (v) to see, get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gain sight or knowledge of (something previously unseen or unknown)

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

Ephesians 1:11-12 (MSG)

very early stages of implementing a gifts and skills assessment solution that will aid us in our discovery process. This tool will allow us to keep an updated and searchable database of the spiritual gifts, skills, and leadership styles within our congregation so that volunteers can be matched to service opportunities. Adopting this assessment is a giant step forward in shaping the equipping culture of 2BC.

Join me in praying that God will prepare our hearts for a season of discovery.

equipping update

serve

Serve During Extended SessionExtended session is the time when loving childcare providers care for our youngest 2BC members during the 11:00 a.m. service. Ideally, extended session is a service that youth and adults can sign up for two or three times a year. If every parent of a preschooler will take his/her turn, we can make that possible!

For more information about extended session, or to sign up to serve, contact Gwen Phillips at gphillips@2bcliberty.org.

Student Fall Semester Meal Providers NeededEach Sunday, we like to provide a light breakfast and "snack supper" for the students at church, and we'd like to invite anyone in our church family to help! We have two spots to fill for each meal each week, so everyone will have a partner to team up with for each meal.

As we are preparing meals, we do need to be conscious of food allergies. We avoid using nuts of any kind in our food preparation and we try to provide some alternative options (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) when possible.

To sign up to provide Sunday breakfast or Sunday night snack supper, contact Charles Smith at csmith@2bcliberty.org or 781-2824.

Coffee Bar help needed Be a welcoming face at our Coffee Bar! Three Sunday shifts are available: Set Up beginning at 8:15 Coffee Hosts starting at 9:15Clean Up after coffee service is finished.Contact Larry Jones at ldjones611@hotmail.com for more information or to sign up.

School Connections TeamDiscern ways to assist our local schools.First meeting: Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at 2BC.

Serve as a youth mentor at Schumacher Elementary (see page 4 for details).

Visit 2bcliberty.org/serveat2bc for more information and sign up links.

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COME TO CHRISTMASGather in the Sanctuary as we start the season of Advent by singing the songs of the season, hearing the prophecies of the coming Christ, and listening to our children’s choirs sing. Then we’ll move to the Social Room for fellowship with warm treats, fun songs of the season.

Dec. 6 | 6:00 p.m.

Cometo

Our advent devotional book will be available Sunday, November 29 in print and via daily emails!

November 29 | First Sunday of AdventPractice Hope

December 6 | Second Sunday of AdventPractice Peace

December 13 | Third Sunday of AdventPractice Joy

December 20 | Fourth Sunday of AdventPractice Love

December 24 | Christmas EvePractice the Presence

December 27 | First Sunday After ChristmasPracticing Your Faith

Advent 2015 Preview: Practicing Christmas

Practicing Christmas

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The HUB Quick Tip #1: Finding A Church Friend’s AddressIt’s 6pm. The church office is closed and you can’t find your 2BC Church Directory. How are you going to find Eleanor Speaker’s phone number or Blaine Baker’s email address? And, what about sending a card to that new member who joined our fellowship last Sunday? Well, here is a little tip:

The HUB is an excellent source of contact information for those within our church community. From the 2bcliberty.org website, click the box that says “TheHUB3” near the top right corner of your screen. Log in to our HUB system. A user name and password are required so that our church member information stays secure from nosey interlopers. If you have never received a sign-on or don’t remember your sign-on, click either “Sign up”, or the “Forgot . . .” phrase, then follow the directions. The church office staff will get you fixed up as soon as possible.

When you first login to the HUB, you will be on the “Home” screen. Down the left side of the screen, under “Menu”, are four words: Home, Group, People, and Serve. Click “People”, and a PEOPLE SEARCH screen will pop up. Up near the top of the screen is a box that says “Start typing the person’s name”. That is all you need to do: start typing the name you are looking for. You can even enter the first few letter of the first name and the first few letters of the last name, which will narrow the search even further. For example, enter “el gr” and you will find Ellen Gregory. Take a little time, play around with this feature, and await another HUB Nub.

If you have questions about this or other facets of the HUB, contact Ellen Gregory at 816-781-2824 or egregory@2bcliberty.org.

Do you like to be the first to know?

Did you know you can preview Sunday’s Loop Newsletter and Worship Guide on

Fridays at the 2BC website?

Visit 2bcliberty.org/newsletters or2bcliberty.org/worshipguides

Sign up for the eWeekly email newsletter on our homepage to get a link to the latest

publications every Friday.

Connect via Social Media info@2bcliberty.org

300 E. Kansas | Liberty, MO 64068

816-781-2824Follow @2bcliberty

Second Baptist Church

Requiemfor the

An All Saints Music Experience

Today, November 1 4:00 p.m.

In the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest.

Childcare is available for birth through kindergarten. Contact Gwen Phillips to sign up.

The recognition and remembrance of those we have lost can be challenging, and a 2BC Stephen Minister could help. Ministers will be present at the service.