IN THIS ISSUE Page 2

A Word from Our Pastor“Dave Says” by Dave Ramsey

Page 3 Worship/Music Ministry The Counselor’s Corner

Page 4Stewardship EmphasisCheergivers Ministry

Student/Activities Ministry Page 5 Senior Adult Ministry

Children’s Ministry Page 6

“In Touch with the Church Family”

Welcome, New Members Page 7 December Calendar

Ministry Weekend Rotation Page 8

Wednesday Night MealsGeneral Information

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“Becoming Great Commission Christians by Making Much of Jesus”

A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham

“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! ‘Tis easier to keep holidays than commandments.”

—Benjamin Franklin

December2011

Dear Dave, I’m saving up money to buy a house in the next couple of years. How should I invest this money before I actually buy something? Candace Dear Candace, The problem is that you’re not really investing; you’re just saving. Investing means you aren’t going to touch the money for five years or more. If you may use the cash to buy something within five years, you’re really just kind of “parking” the money for a little while. If it were me, I’d put it in a money market account. It’s basically just going to sit there and not earn much, but you won’t lose anything, either. If you’re lucky, you might see one percent interest in the short term, but that’s about all you can expect considering the low-interest rate environment we’re in these days. DaveDear Dave, My grandfather passed away a couple of months ago. I’m 32 and the only relative still living in town, so I

helped take care of him and his place so he wouldn’t have to go into an assisted living facility. In his will, he left his entire estate—the house and property plus about $270,000—to me. I’m debt-free except for my house, and now my family is acting weird and telling me I’m making excuses for them being left out of the will. Do you have advice? JasonDear Jason, Let me ask you something. Did you love your grandfather? It sure sounds to me like you did by taking care of

him and his stuff. It sounds like he loved you a lot, too. So my advice is to do what he wanted and accept this generous inheritance. And your family needs to just shut up! When you die, you can leave your belongings to whomever you choose. I mean, it was your grandfather’s stuff, so it was his decision. Period. He could have left it directly to his children, grandchildren, a friend or even his dog if he’d wanted. Let these family members with the problems contest the will. And you can spend the money grandfather left fighting them. The man left what he left, and there’s no more. It was his money, his house and his property. They’re not entitled to it just because they’re breathing! In the meantime, you need to learn how to be a wise investor and become debt-free, including the house! Start educating yourself on mutual funds and Roth IRAs. And don’t beat yourself up over this, Jason. You haven’t done anything wrong. Dave

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

“2 A Word From Our Pastor

The year 2011 is heading to a swift conclusion and Christmas is rapidly approaching. When I think of Christmas, my mind is flooded with happy memories. There are memories of growing up and celebrating the

birth of Christ with my mother and father, grandmothers and grandfathers, uncles and aunts — all of whom are now with the Lord. Then there are the sweet memories of Scotty and Jake and their excitement when we would put up a Christmas tree in the first house we lived in when we came to Pelham on Wilderness Road. This will be our thirty-third year in Pelham and now we celebrate differently with Jake and Sarah living in North Carolina and not being able to be with us due to work schedules, and Scotty, Kristy, Tanner and Lilly busy in their new home in Curry, Alabama. Christmas this year will be whenever and wherever the Shaw family can get together. Mary and I have come to realize it is not the day you celebrate, but the way you celebrate that is important.

It’s Christmas Again! From all the Shaw family to our precious church family, may God bless you and yours with the happiest and holiest Christmastide, and may the Lord Jesus Christ reign over you and your family not only in 2012, but forever and ever! Remember to give generously to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and to bring your tithes to the storehouse before December 31, 2011 so that the ministry may continue throughout the end of 2011 and on into 2012 to the honor and glory of God. I love you, I love you, I love you. God bless you and God bless America!

Bro. Mike

Dr. Mike ShawSenior Pastor

3 Worship and Music Ministry

The Counselor’s Corner

Christmas is rapidly approaching and the spirit of giving is in the air. Many special moments with family and friends will be highlighted by giving gifts to those we love. As we enjoy the Christ-mas season, let’s not forget God’s gift to us, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God.” As we rush about buying gifts for others, I challenge you to consider what

kind of present you will be giving God this year. Of course items normally found on a Christmas list won’t apply and you may find it impossible to ar-rive at an answer. Three items I would like to suggest are Time, Treasure, and Talents. God wants us to devote time in prayer, time to study His word, and time dedicated to doing His Will. Giving our tithes and offering with a cheerful heart is an expression of our love and obedi-ence to Him. God has made each of us a unique individual and has given all of us

special talents to use. At this special time of the year, let us all evaluate what we are giving back to God. Are we spending enough Time with God to have the relationship He desires? Will we give with a loving heart a portion of the Treasure He has blessed us with? Are we using our Talents to spread His word, to show love to others, and accomplish His will? What is your present to God this year? —James Roberts The HOPE Center — 663-2779

What is your present to God this year?

It’s that time of year again! Christmas is such a fun season of the year. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a blessing to be here with such a tre-mendous church family, serving the Lord together. It is hard to believe that our family has been here for over five years now. Time flies by! At Christmas time I always take time to stop and think back over the past year’s events as well as look to the future. This past year for our family has been filled with so many things. Back in mid-July, Liv and Brian were married and in the same weekend we sent Patrick off to war in Iraq. It is with mixed emotions that I en-ter this particular Christmas season, especially recog-nizing this will be our first Christmas without Patrick at home. I am so grateful to God that I have a wonder-ful husband who is my rock and lifelong partner in the ministry. The added blessing is that both of our children are growing to be godly adults and successful in serving out their purpose. 2012 looks to be an even more exciting year! Liv and Brian will be entering the mission field, serving full-time in Africa, through Anza Imani Rescue Foun-dation. They will be sharing the gospel and rescuing boys from poverty and homelessness. This is so near to the heart of God! The US Army plans to send Patrick home sometime in June/July of 2012 and he plans on marrying Erin Manus, the love of his life, in 2012.

The Kornegay family has never been boring or lacked for excitement, and it looks like 2012 will prove that once again! As I ponder what is ahead, I am reminded that through it all, Christ is our ever present strength. He is truly ALL we need. As you anticipate what’s ahead in your life, always remember to pause and thank God for His love, and also remember to worship Him in the beauty of His holiness, amidst whatever surrounds you. God is so good! We love you all very much and look forward to 2012! Barry, Paula, Liv, Brian, PatrickPatrick’s address: PFC Kornegay, George B CO, 115th BSB 1BCT 1CD Camp Buehring, Kuwait APO AE 09330

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Student/Activities Ministry

Summer Mission Trip June 23-29 Cost: $30.00 (covers t-shirts)

*All costs are approximate, and are subject to change.

Stewardship Emphasis

I’m a pretty reflective person. This year as I turned 50 (wow that hurts) and celebrated my 30th year in student ministry, I’ve been spending a lot of time remembering. I have been so blessed by God; I’ve had the opportunity to minister to incredible students in the six churches I have served. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really dedicated staff members and volunteers. My life has been shaped by family and church families my entire life. I have an incredible family at home. I adore Patti, Maegan and Mallory; they brighten every day by just being in it. As we approach CHRISTmas this year, as we begin to think of presents, shopping lists and parties, as we “remember the reason for the season”, let’s not overlook Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23 - you shall call His name Immanuel, which means “God with us”. As I remember churches, family and friends I realize they were special because God is with us. He indwells His people and we share a bond that lasts for all eternity. I accepted Jesus when I was six; I re-ceived God’s gift of salvation. It truly is the best gift ever, it has never worn out, I seem to grow into it a little more each year, and it never goes out of style. When God sent His Son into the world that first CHRISTmas He made available the greatest present anyone could ever hope for. Are your memories flooded with “God With Us” or just the stuff that comes with the season? When God saves us He promises heaven, but we also get Im-manuel, God with us, in our heart, in our church, in our brothers and sisters. I’m glad that was His plan. Merry CHRISTmas, Donnie Sisk

Cheergivers MinistryThe best gift ever was God’s gift to all, His Son.The best gift we can give Him is ourselves.Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.We give gifts to those we love at Christmas time.

Consider giving your time and your love to our “precious people” who cannot get out to celebrate — our homebound, nursing home and assisted living residents.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CHEERGIVERS

(no birthdays on our list this month except “Jesus”) Jeanette Owens 664-9700

Family Ski TripFebruary 17-19

Maggi Valley, N.C.Cost: $250.00

Deposit of $100 due January 15

Upcoming Opportunities!

Spring Break Mission Trip March 17-24 Domestic — Middle School, to Atlanta Cost $125.00 International — High School Cost to be determined

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Dear Senior Adults, Can you believe it is December already? I don’t know where this year has gone! However, we still have a lot to do in 2011. Remember to participate in our Christmas music on Sunday and Monday evenings, December 11 and 12. We should fill this church building to capacity for each of these services. Everyone in our community needs to get an invitation from our members to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Our Senior Adult Christmas Luncheon will be on December 13. Jim Minor has asked that the Senior Adult Choir meet at 10:30 for rehearsal, and then our Christmas celebration meal will be at 11:00. This time it will be a covered dish lunch. I know, seniors — the more desserts, the better. We will also be putting together those gift bags for the nursing home ministry. Then on Thursday, December 15, we will visit the nursing home to deliver those gifts. We will leave the upper church parking lot at 9:30 AM, make our visit, and then go out to eat lunch. Let’s determine to make the church year of 2012 greater than 2011 for God’s glory! It is not too early for you to begin praying for our spring mission trip. This year it will be on March 18-23. We will fill you in on the details when our plans are complete. I love you dearly! For His Glory, Bro. Paul

Senior Adult Ministry

Come and experience the night a King came to earth for you!

Sunday, December 18 For Preschool

9:15 AM - Light breakfast in Sunday School10:45 AM - The Wise Men visit Wigglin’ Worship

Children’s MinistrySunday

December 11 6 PM

Age K3-Kindergarten

2nd Floor Children’s Wing

This year as we approach the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, during the month of December, let’s concentrate on Him. Please make sure to set apart time to sit down with your children and examine the Christmas story. Take this opportunity to go deeper into the Word of God with your children. Be intentional; don’t let the busyness of the season distract you from the truth of God’s Word. Together as a family, study the greatest birth of all time. Don’t let another day slip by without setting time apart to study the Word of God together as a family. You will be blessed! Jonathan Williams

I brake for Christmas The bumper sticker caught my eye. Made me think. Even aroused some guilt. I was on the freeway as his car was pulling off. My day had been full and it was far from over. Stuffed in my pocket was a list; most of the items not yet purchased. A little panic rushed over the back roads of my mind as I divided up all the things yet to be bought in those few days left before Christmas. The guy didn’t seem in much of a hurry, which irritated me a bit, yet it told me his sign was for real. I began to study the words in my head. They started making sense. I BRAKE FOR CHRISTMAS. Easing up on the accelerator and releasing my frown, I began to calm down my inner motor with questions like: Why the hurry? What’s the rush? Could this explain the reason you’ve been unable to enjoy the spirit of the season? Psalm 46:10 drifted into my mind like the sound of a distant bell on a clear morning. “Be still and know that I am God …” —Charles R. Swindoll in Come Before Winter

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Our Newest Decisions

Congratulations …to Beth and Matt Marshall on the birth of Molly Ellis Marshall on October 29th, weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce. Proud big sister is Maggie.…to Nina and Jim Tuck on the birth of their grandchild, Braxton.

God loves nobodies And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Luke 2:9 A gospel group called The Williams Brothers had a hit with their song, “I’m Just a Nobody”. It was about a down-and-out man who lived on the streets and spent his days telling people about Jesus. He was laughed at and harassed by passersby, but that didn’t stop him. The chorus of the song was his life message: “I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody”. The shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem might have felt the same way when the angels from heaven appeared to them: “Why did God choose us, a bunch of nobodies, to be the first to hear of the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem?” They were just a bunch of nobodies who probably later told everybody about the Somebody in Bethlehem who could save anybody. Why did God reveal himself to shepherds instead of to important royal officials? Perhaps to signal the kind of king who was coming into the world: gentle and humble, a servant-Shepherd who came to tend to God’s flock. If you sometimes feel like a nobody, rejoice! God seems to gravitate to the nobodies of this world when He wants them to meet Somebody who can save everybody. —taken from Today’s Turning Point, Thursday, December 11, 2008 In Touch

…Leona Hand in the death of her brother, Charles Hosier..…Gary Cambron in the death of his moth-er, Loyce Cambron.

…Louis Latham in the death of his mother, Helen Latham.…Maurice Mercer in the death of his grand-father.…Bonnie Merryman in the death of her mother, Virginia Merryman.…Jeff Davis in the death of his mother, Jan Isbell.…Eugene Evans in the death of his brother, Burnice Evans.

Ella Salamyfor baptism

Elizabeth Colbertby letter

Bob Watkinsby letter

Celeste Littletonrededication

Erica Chambersrededication

Shelia and Bill Personsby letter

In Touch With the Church FamilyOur Lottie Moon Goal: $46,700 This amount supports an international missionary for one full year.2011

Church Family Giving(through 11-21-11)

General Fund given to date $ 2,034,117.97 Year to Date Expenses $ 2,007,105.76 Debt Retirement given in 2011 $ 56,847.84 Loan Balance as of 11/15/2011 $ 8,595,770.06

Karen Doyalby statement

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7December Schedule

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship4 PM Praisemakerz Kids Choir (for Elementary)5 PM Bible Drills (for Elementary) Faith Weavers (FW Friends for Preschool) Student and Adult Discipleship Training6 PM Creative Ministries Adult Discipleship Training

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 5 PM Wednesday Night Church Family Meals6 PM Prayer Meeting (Annex)6:30 Musicmakerz Choir (for Preschool) The C.R.E.W. (for Elementary) Refuge (Students) Celebration Choir Rehearsal Adult Discipleship Training

December Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital RotationDec. 3 & 4 - Ben Birdsong - 907-6623 Dec. 17 & 18 - Mike Shaw - Home 663-1788, Cell 283-4749Dec. 10 & 11 - Jonathan Williams - Home 663-4325, Cell 223-4277 Dec. 24 & 25 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475

Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 - Paul Moore - Home 663-0155, Cell 913-5129

9 AMJob Concerns

Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

9 AM Job Concerns

Ministry10 AM

Women on Mission

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

6 PMChristmas Musical

“Meet Me at the Manger”

9:30 AMMOPS

Kids Party(Quad Room)

11:00 AMSenior Adult ChristmasLuncheon

Scout Court of Honor

9 AMJob Concerns

Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

9:30 AMMOPS

(Gathering Area)

Final Discipleship Training Class

This Year6 PM

Upward Basketball (Annex)

No EveningActivities

6 PMPreschool Birthday

Party for Jesus

6 PMChristmas Musical

“Meet Me at the Manger”

6 PMUpward Basketball

(Annex)

6 PMUpward Basketball

(Annex)

Final Wednesday Night Meal for This

Year6 PM Business

Meeting

NO Choir Rehearsal

Shelby County Schools Get Out

at 1 PM

No EveningActivities

No EveningActivities

Church OfficesClosed

forChristmasHolidays

“Walking with theWise Men”

inPreschool

Sunday School and “Wigglin’ Worship”

9:30 AMSenior AdultsDeliver Gifts

to Nursing Home

4 PM CandlelightLord’s SupperService

(2-3 PM“Come & Go”)

Church OfficesClosed

forChristmasHolidays

MerryCHRISTmas

10 AMService Only

School of Fine ArtsRecital

School of Fine ArtsRecital

6-9 PMDress Rehearsal

for Musical

6:30-8 PMDress Rehearsal

for Musical

9 AM-NoonPraisemakerz

Dress Rehearsalfor Musical

6:30Deacon Banquet

Address Correction Requested

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Non-Profit Org.PERMIT NO. 7

Pelham, AL 35124

Dated Material

Pelham Vision is published one time per month. Items for publication are accepted on a space-available basis and are subject to Post Office regulations for our class of mail. Please submit in writing or email pat@fbcpelham.org. No phone submissions, please. Pelham Vision exists to inform and to show the Good News in action. Check out all our activities and read us online at www.fbcpelham.org. Editor: Pat MacKay

CHURCH STAFFDr. Mike Shaw, PastorDr. Paul Moore, Assoc. Pastor: Ministry/Senior AdultsRev. Donnie Sisk, Pastor to Students/ActivitiesRev. Jonathan Williams, Preschool/Children’s DirectorPaula Kornegay, Worship LeaderLinda Kennemore, Administrator

GENERAL INFORMATIONOffice Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00Church Office Phone: 664-0237Children’s Offices: 216-0028Fax: 621-2351HOPE Center: 663-2779School of Fine Arts: 664-2466Sunday School Annex: 664-0237, ext. 5020 (All phones are area code 205)Web Site - www.fbcpelham.org

2867 Pelham ParkwayPelham, Alabama 35124-1728

Monthly publications are subject to change. Please check www.fbcpelham.org for the latest information.

Wednesday Night MealsChurch Family Meal at 5 p.m.Prayer at 6 p.m.

Please check the First Baptist Church of Pelham web site and/or your Sunday bulletinfor current menus.

Prices: Adults - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 5.00 Children (12 and under) - $ 3.50 Family maximum (one household) $18.00Reservations: Before noon on Monday (no exceptions, please) Standing reservations payable in advance monthlyServing time: 5:00-5:45 PMThis is a volunteer, self-supporting ministry (non-profit) from our church cook team. (Complimentary dinner for 1st time visitors by reservation.)

Manger HeartGod came to earthIn the Christmas birthOf a tiny baby boy,Whose life and deathAre redeeming us yetWith blessings, grace and joy.

Our minds may know this history,But stand in awe at the mystery.So faith becomes the wayTo make our hearts like “manger hearts”Where Christ can dwell and God impartsHis wondrous love each day. —Peggy Ferrell