A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

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October-November-December 2013

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TThhee AAbboouunnddiinngg WWoorrdd

“““OOOnnneee HHHeeeaaarrrttt ,,, OOOnnneee SSSooouuulll ,,,

UUUnnniiittteeeddd iiinnn CCChhhrrriiisssttt JJJeeesssuuusss!!!”””

AAALLLLLL AAARRREEE WWWEEELLLCCCOOOMMMEEE !!!

INSIDE

HOLIDAY TIPS FROM OUR

SECURITY DEPARTMENT

FIRST ANNUAL “SHOW ME (MO)

CITY RIDE OF PRIDE”

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

NOTES OF INTEREST

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER EVENTS

(COLLAGE)

SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATES

TEACHERS

USHERS/GREETERS ATTEND

SCCW IN WACO, TEXAS

YOUNG AT HEART ANNUAL DAY

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

THE URGENCY OF PRAYER

(AN EDITORIAL)

THE G.I.F.T. ACADEMY

PRAISE, PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY

Abiding Faith Baptist Church 15376 Fondren Road

Missouri City, TX 77489

www.abidingfaithbc.org Bobby R. Morgan

Pastor Horace Price, Sr., Assistant Pastor

and Youth Pastor

WEEKLY WORSHIP

Sunday

9:00 A.M. – Sunday School

10:30 A.M. – Worship Service

Tuesday

9:00 A.M. – Intercessory Prayer

Wednesday

6:30 P.M. – Teacher’s Meeting

7:30 P.M. – Praise & Prayer

7:30 P.M. – Youth Bible Study

8:00 P.M. – Adult Bible Study

21st Year Annual Church Theme: “GREATER THINGS ARE COMING! “THE JUST Shall live

by Faith!”

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in ma will do the same works I have done, and

even greater works, because I am going to be with the father.” John 14:12 (NLT)

Pastor Morgan and First Lady Sylvia Morgan and Pastor and Sister Theodore Deaver are shown at

Abiding Faith’s 21st Anniversary celebration in October. The 21st Church Anniversary was a

blessed and glorious occasion. During the (PM) Anniversary Celebration, the Deacons invited the

Spirit of the Lord in along with, the Choir, the drill team, praise dancers. Mime, Dahmon

Thomas, had everyone on their feet in one accord. We allowed the Spirit of The Lord to have His

way as we praised and magnified God for this celebration of gratitude! Pastor Morgan introduced

our theme for the year: “GREATER THINGS ARE COMING, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” (John

14:12). He admonished us to prepare our hearts because our course has been prepared that we

might receive all that the Lord has for us this year. We must “ready our minds to leave the barn

for the harvest fields”, he concluded, because “truly the harvest is great and the fields are ready

for us to reap”. We must push forward and get ready for –Greater Things are Coming!” We look

forward to growing deeper in His Spirit, Word, and His Love as we go to a higher level of

Worship. Special thanks to each of you, Abiding Faith, because each of us played our parts to

make this anniversary a grand celebration. We especially thank the Food Service Committee,

Dorothy Johnson, Rose Gibson, Sylvia Harian, Debbie Allen, Yvette Logeman, Leona Thompson,

Margaret Jones, Jacqueline King, Beulah Hart, Mamie Collins, Deloris Woodard, who worked

tirelessly and made a most significant contribution to the success of our celebration. For 21 years

the Lord had led us and prospered us for His glory. As we “push forward” we do so with renewed

determination and revived faith that we will reach those whom God has ordained us to reach. Contributing journalist, Florida Dixson, Coordinator, 21st Anniversary Committee

A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

Page 2 October-November-December, 2013

WWeellccoommee NNeeww LLeeaaddeerrss!!

Welcome and Congratulations to the new leaders for 2014-

2016! Young Adults-Robert Morgan, President; Women of Faith-

Iris Petitt, President; Gospel Choir-Deborah Knotts, President;

Marketing-Billy Polk, Coordinator; Decorations-Ashley Bender,

Coordinator; Ushers & Greeters-Dimple Fisher, President; Prayer

Ministry-Minnie Chambers, Coordinator. With every new leader,

come new and exciting possibilities for forward movement-- new

vision and new ideas--for the betterment and prospering of the

ministry. Ministries/leaders functioning to the glory of God bring

Abiding Faith closer to realizing our purpose to “reach” the lost

with the Word of God’s everlasting love, grace and salvation for

all! New leaders will be installed in January. Contributing Journalist Vernice Shelton

FFiirrsstt AAnnnnuuaall ““SShhooww MMee CCiittyy RRiiddee ooff

PPrriiddee””

Continuing its commitment to quality community programs,

Missouri City, in partnership with State Senator Rodney Ellis,

is set to host its First Annual “Show Me City Ride of Pride” on

Sunday, Dec. 1 from 7 a.m. to noon. Stretching from

Cartwright Road in the north and reaching Lake Olympia

Parkway in the south, the bike ride will feature 75 cyclists.

The “Ride of Pride” is open to area residents who are 16 and

older and the entry fee is a toy donation that will be used as

part of the City’s annual toy drive in support of Toys for Tots.

To ensure public safety regulations are met during the ride, the

event will only include 75 bicyclists. All participants will

receive a free T-shirt, gift bag and refreshments from “Ride of

Pride” sponsors. For more information and updates, like us on

Facebook, follow us on Twitter—@MissouriCityTX, and

watch the City’s website: www.missouricitytx.gov and

Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on

AT&T U-verse).

HHoolliiddaayy SSaaffeettyy TTiippss ffrroomm oouurr

SSaaffeettyy OOffffiicceerrss

The following are a few Holiday Safety Tips to contribute to

your safety and security during the holiday season. The holiday

season is a time when busy people become careless and

vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be

too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this

information with family, friends and neighbors.

Avoid driving alone or at night.

Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or

out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.

If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.

Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or

cars with tinted windows.

Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice

of where you parked.

Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or

with children inside.

Do not leave your mail (with your address), packages or

valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation

for thieves, especially if your garage door opener is also in

plain sight. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in

the trunk or put it out of sight.

Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.

Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do

not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the

door.

When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your

surroundings.

Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people

in the area.

Be aware and be safer!

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the

government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”.

(Isaiah 9:6) NASB

Notes of Interest Our annual Ministry Fair is held to generate awareness,

enthusiasm, and involvement among members. It can also serve to

showcase the ministry (and ministries) of Abiding Faith to the

community. Consequently, our Ministry Fair is being restructured

to include the community and will be held later in the year. More

information is forthcoming from the BTU Department.

Also: The AFEAT Ministry will again minister to the homeless in

2014. Please expect upcoming information on this important

outreach and plan to take an active part in our efforts to minister to

God’s people.

““SSttaattee ooff tthhee CChhuurrcchh”” The Abiding Faith family meets annually in October to hear about and

discuss church affairs and to fellowship. This year members were

pleased to hear good news from the Trustees and Elders that the “state

of the church” is good! Members joined in with Elder Patrick Harper

as we praised God in song (literally) and thanked Him for His

wondrous care of Abiding Faith. Our “faith” budget for 2014 was

approved and we were encouraged and grateful to the Lord that He

continues to honor our faithful efforts as we bless Him and the Church

by using what He has given us to glorify Him. Pastor Morgan

encouraged us to continue to be responsible stewards of God’s

provision(s) and He will continue to be faithful to us!

A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

October/November Events

October and November are very busy months at Abiding Faith. Most events are represented in this collage. Note: np=

“not pictured”). They were: BTU Workshop (np); Sunday School Workshop, Prayer Conference (September), Men of

Faith Musical and Annual Day, Women of Faith Meet & Greet, 21st Anniversary Events— Family & Friend’s Day and

Anniversary Day; Usher and Greeter’s Annual Day, Door-to-Door (np), Annual Church Meeting (np), Sunday School

Teacher’s Appreciation and Clergy Appreciation and the Veteran’s Day Dinner (np). We praise and thank God for His

work in the life of our Abiding Faith Family!

A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

Sunday School Celebrates our Teachers!

Ushers and Greeter’s attend the SCCW in Waco,

Texas

The Ushers and Greeters traveled to Waco, Texas on July 31, 2013,

for the annual State Congress of Christian Workers (SCCW).

Twelve members, three of whom were youth, attended. Kathy Green

reported that they received ministry updates to help them become

better servants for the Lord. One of the annual highlights is the

“grand march” where participants from congregations across the

state can elect to join in celebration and dedication to the work of

the ministry in a spirited march. Sister Green was Abiding Faith’s

representative. The youth attended sessions especially designed for

them to enhance their skills.

Right: The youth ushers during a

session break in a nearby park:

Samantha and Briana,

Blackshire, Tairah Johnson &

Dorian Lewis take a break at the

Brazos River. Contributing Journalist, Kathy

Green

The Sunday School celebrated our Sunday School teachers during the month of November with special activities that culminated with

the Award’s Day on November 24, 2013. Our Kickoff to the celebration included “Apples from the Teacher”. Each class was given a

basket of apples from their teacher. Awards were presented to the class with the most High Attendance and High Giving Banners from

January-November 2013; the Teacher that attended the most Teacher’s meetings, Mamie Collins, and awards of special thanks were

also given. Pictured below are the classes that were awarded for the most High Attendance and Most High Giving for the year.

Women of Faith 2, Class # 11 was awarded 1st place in both. Teachers for this class are Sandra Word-Winzer, Stella Spencer and

Minnie Chambers. Men of Faith 1, Class # 6, Men #1’s teachers Deacons Henry Daniels and Patrick Harper followed closely. Youth

Class for both banners is the Junior/Joyful Seekers (Teens), Linda Daniels, teacher. Special recognition was given to Norma English,

Primaries/Beginners, for her very special efforts with the Youth Sunday School lessons, tailoring them to fit her age group and Sister

Daniels was recognized for her working alone with both the Juniors and Teens for most of the year. All of our teachers were honored

and most gratefully acknowledged for their diligence, commitment, dedication and hard work on behalf of the Sunday School and

Abiding Faith as a whole. AFBC Blessed of God Sunday School Teachers, WE CELEBRATE YOU!!

Women of Faith 2-Class # 11

Joyful Seekers/Juniors Classes 3& 4

Men of Faith 1 – Class # 6

****SSuunnddaayy SScchhooooll TTeeaacchheerr NNeeeeddeedd ffoorr tthhee

JJuunniioorr//JJooyyffuull SSeeeekkeerrss ((TTeeeenn)) BBooyyss****

If you have a desire to minister through teaching to our young

men in this age group, please see one of our Superintendents,

Brenda White, MelBo Green or dee banks-scott. You will be

required to attend our Teacher’s Meeting on Wednesday

evening at 6:30 P.M.

A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

TThhee UUrrggeennccyy ooff PPrraayyeerr

As we witness the spiritual, physical and emotional maladies of our families, our churches, communities and our world, we cannot

help but agree that there is a desperate and urgent need for prayer within the Body of Christ—within the Abiding Faith body of

believers. Abiding Faith’s theme for this year is “Greater Things are Coming-“The Just Shall Live by Faith.” Abiding Faith, my

beloved Sisters and Brothers, if we are to realize these “greater things”, we dare not sit idle. We must take our rightful places in

cooperation with God to realize this beautiful and challenging theme that the Lord has placed in the heart of our dear Pastor Morgan.

As leaders, first, and then as followers—in our home, our church and our community—we must take literally and receive earnestly:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn It has been said that this

passage wasn't written to “modern day Christians”, that it was actually a response from God to Solomon's request concerning

provisions for the people when they sinned. However, while this is not a promise specifically to our country, we do believe it is a

promise to God's people. Israel belonged to God. We belong to God and we believe it applies to us as individuals, as a church, and as

a nation.

This “cooperation” involves humility, commitment, obedience, prayer, true repentance, and steadfastness in our responsibilities to our

family, our church, our community and to our world-at-large. We must honor our commitments with a holy passion; standing on the

promises of God, one of which assures us of His continued presence and empowerment. We must faithfully, in faith, partner with

Him as we reach out into the community, sharing the love and salvation of Jesus Christ; praying for each other and for our sisters and

brothers who live in constant fear of death and in depravation as they share God’s message of love in far countries in perilous

conditions.

Listed under our Church Purpose, one of Abiding Faith’s “Supportive Concerns” is Prayer. (Paraphrased):“Prayer is imperative! It is

vital that each member develop a spirit of intercessory prayer and call for revival and evangelization on behalf of our community and

the world-at-large. In order to accomplish this there must be a concentrated effort to pray. This effort must be shared throughout the

Abiding Faith family of believers. We must work as a team through participation and cooperation as we move forward in faith,

performing our duties and living up to our responsibilities”. As we do this, we cooperate with God in great expectancy of those

“greater things to come”! Because prayer is a priority at Abiding Faith, we have specific times when we come together as a family to

pray— on Sunday mornings (special prayer during Worship hour); on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 A.M., and Wednesdays at 7:30 P.M.

You are prayerfully invited and strongly encouraged to make one of these, or if possible, all of them a priority on your schedule. We

trust, believe that as we pray and make Him first in our lives, these “greater things” will be manifested in our Church, our lives and

our Community as God reveals Himself in unimaginable ways. Through our dedicated work and prayers we will see God’s glory

shining in, around and through Abiding Faith Baptist Church in Missouri City, Texas!! To God be the Glory for the things He has

done, is doing and for the things (already done) that He has jet to reveal!!

~~ Editor

YYYooouuunnnggg aaattt HHHeeeaaarrrttt AAAnnnnnnuuuaaalll DDDaaayyy

Added attraction on Young at Heart Annual Day were the Young at Heart

Choraliers; left to right: Elray Thompson, Lewis Johnson, James Madison,

Jr., Deacon William Moore, B, Rutherford, and John Norman, conductor. Contributing Journalist-John Norman

WWeellccoommee NNeeww MMeemmbbeerrss!!

Kentrell Arceneaux

Tony Chavis

Lavant Davis

Janice Harris (Rejoined)

Julius Gregory

Joni Hiley

Jayden Johnson

Jacinta Robinson

Ora Payne (Rejoined)

Jacqueline Shaw

Richard Smith

Areta Southward

Thelma Wilkerson

Christine Wiley

A Publication of the Abiding Faith Baptist Church—Missouri City, Texas

Abiding Faith Baptist

Church

15376 Fondren Road Missouri City, TX 77489 PHONE: 281.437.9595

FAX: 281. 437.4597

E-MAIL

newsletter@abidingfaithbc.org

Newsletter Team

Senior Editor/Advisor Pastor Bobby R. Morgan

Editor & Producer delores banks-scott

Proofreaders

Rhonda Brown Earnestine Stewart

Contributing Photographers

Hamilton Mayberry Debbie Harper Crystal Odom

Robert Hart

We’re on the Web! www.abidingfaithbc.org

ABIDING FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH

15376 Fondren Road Missouri City, TX 77489

City, ST 78269

Page 4 July-August-September 2013

December

8 – Communion

14 – 10:00 am – Elderly Ministry

15 – 10:30 am – Youth Christmas Program

21 – 9:30 am – Door-to-Door

24 – 7:30 pm – Christmas Eve Service

25 – Merry Christmas

31 – New Year’s Eve Watch Service

January

1 – New Year’s Day

10 & 11 – Leader’s Retreat

12 – New Member’s Fellowship

February

1 – WOF Love Tea

8 – Pre-Anniversary Breakfast

9 – Pastor and Wife’s Anniversary

16 – Black History

17 – President’s Day

20 – Martin Luther King Day

March

8 – International Women’s Day

9 - Communion

9 – Daylight Saving Time begins

11 – Church Council Meeting

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U. S. POSTAGE

PA I D

MISSOURI CITY, TX

77489

PERMIT No. 21

Praise, Prayer and Bible Study!! Please join us in prayer each Wednesday night

beginning at 7:30 P.M., as we testify to the

amazing grace of a Mighty God and then worship

and praise Him through prayer and the study of

His Word!!

The G.I.F.T. Academy began offering homework

assistance on September 3, 2013. Assistance is

available upon request every Tuesday & Thursday

from 6:00-& 7:00. If you desire assistance please call

the church office (281-437-9595) at least 24 hours in

advance. When calling, please leave your name,

phone number, your child’s name, grade and subject

area of concern. If you need to cancel, please call by

5:00 on the day of service. You are strongly

encouraged to take advantage of this service offered

through the selfless giving on the part of individuals

who are concerned about the success of our

children’s future.

The G.I.F.T. Academy