DECEMBER 17, 2017

SUNDAY GROUPS

9:00 am 55+ Adults (Munoz) Rm. 3104 55+ Adults (Cowan) Rm. 3105/06

10:30 am 20s-30s With Kids Rm. 2104 20s-40s Without Kids Rm. 3102

45+ Adults Rm. 310450+ Adults Rm. 3105/06

5:00 pm fuel (6-12th Grades) Fl. 1 + 2

6:00 pm 60+ Adults Rm. 3105/06

The Bible Center AppUse the free app to look up or register for an event, submit a prayer request, or

let us know you visited. Download it from your usual app store or go to BibleCenterChurch.com/app.

Weekly NewsletterIf you'd like updates on what's going on at Bible Center, go to BibleCenterChurch.com and enter your email address at the bottom of the page.

@biblecenter@pastormattbcc

Welcome toBIBLE CENTER!

Matt Friend, Senior Pastor

Questions &Registrations:

Call (304) 346-0431 Register on the Bible Center appSubmit a Connection Card Go to BibleCenterChurch.com/registerEmail a staffer at (username)@BibleCenterChurch.com

Dear Friends,

Thanks for spending your Sunday morning with us! On behalf of our pastors and staff, it’s great having you here!

Would you describe yourself as a confident person? Are you confident in your faith, in your abilities, in your value?

Psychology Today describes confidence as the belief in your ability to succeed. Striking a healthy balance can be challenging for all of us. Too much of it and we come off as cocky and arrogant; however, having too little can prevent us from taking risks and seizing opportunities—in school, at work, in our social lives, and beyond.

Confident men and women do what’s right, even when it’s not popular. They are willing to take risks and go the extra mile to achieve better things, even if there’s a high chance of failure. Truly confident people don’t brag on their own accomplishments, for they find their security somewhere other than recognition.

In today’s message, I’ll tell the true story about a guy who learned a valuable lesson about confidence. At the beginning of the narrative, we find him timid, doubtful, second-guessing himself (and God!). However, God uses the Christmas story to infuse confidence in his soul.

That’s my prayer for you today... that Christmas will strengthen your heart and make you a more confident believer. According to today’s main character, we need not serve the Lord out of fear. Christmas makes us confident in Christ!

For the city,

Bible Center in 5After today's service, Jane Jackson will take 5 minutes to share our church's vision and mission. If you’re new, you're invited to meet at the front right of the Worship Center.

Christmas Eve NurseriesVolunteers are needed to serve in the nurseries for our 10 AM and 3 PM services. If you are interested and can help, please contact Michelle Thompson (mthompson).

New Member ApplicantsThe Board of Elders is pleased to present the following people to the church family: William Bias & Lisa Heaton and Jack & Suzie Russell.

Bible Center School Christmas Program: Christmas County Spelling BeeTuesday, Dec. 19 • 6:30 PM • Bible Center Church Worship Center • Presented by grades 3-5 accompanied by the Middle School Honor Choir. Everyone is invited!

A Fireside GatheringWednesday, Dec. 20 • 6:30 PM • Join us in front of the fireplace for an evening of Christmas music and celebration. In addition to a devotional from Pastor Matt, we'll enjoy familiar carols, and delicious cookies and hot chocolate.

Christmas Card OfferingAs we minister more intentionally to families of children with special needs, we will outfit a designated classroom with equipment and safety items. There are a number of ways you can give to this ministry:

1. Through the Bible Center app;2. On BibleCenterChurch.com/give;3. By placing your gift in the offering basket

during services; or by4. Mailing a Christmas card with your

donation. Be sure to specify "Christmas Card Offering" on your gift. Funds given beyond what's needed will be used to build an accessible playground on the South lawn.

Offering EnvelopesPersonalized offering envelopes are now in the Gathering Space. If you would like a set, contact Kim Alvis (kalvis).

Fitness with FriendsJan. 9-Feb. 15 • 6-7 PM • Bible Center School RAM Center • This women's exercise class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6 weeks. Cost: $25. Come get fit with friends! Registration required.

Men’s Breakfast at Shoney'sTuesday, Jan. 2 • 7:30 AM • Shoney’s • Dutch treat • Guest speaker: Pastor Matt Friend. All men are invited!Save the Date: Dude NightFriday evening on January 12 • All men are invited to Dude Night. Details to come.

Beach Camp (6th-12th Grades)June 18-22 • Myrtle Beach, SC • We are part-nering with Student Life Beach Camp for four days of worship and Bible study in the sand and surf! Experience a combination of God’s beautiful creation and an unforgettable time in Christian community. Anyone interested should attend our parent meeting on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4 PM in the Worship Center. Register on the app or go to our website.

Hope Totes for the HolidaysThe Women's Ministry is continuing this crucial ministry to children in foster care by supplying a first-night bag to help them transition into a new home. See the website or check the Bible Center Women Facebook page for the list of items that need to be placed in the bag. This is a great way to share God's love at Christmas. Totes can be delivered to the Info Desk.

Notes of Sympathy• To Brenda Ghosh, whose brother, Jerry

"Bear" Walker, passed away.• To Gwen Lovett, whose mother, Marion

Jackson, passed away.• To Gary & Sharon Spencer, whose son,

James Sherwood Spencer, passed away.Mr. Spencer was also brother to KimberlyWarner.

Night of Worship: Bible Center Choir & Orchestra w/ the Children's ChoirJoin us tonight at 6 PM for a special evening as we celebrate the birth of Christ!

NEXT SUNDAY:

The Angels' Songof Peace

Luke 2:1-14

TODAY'S MESSAGE:

Christmas Makes Us Confident

Luke 1:67-80

Christmas Makes Us ConfidentLuke 1:67-80

Third in a 4-part series titled: The Songs of Christmas

Pastor Matt Friend – December 17, 2017

This Week’s Book Recommendation

What's the main challenge from today's story?

Let Christmas make you a more confident Christian.

Why does the Christmas story make us more confident?Because it reminds us…

1. We were slaves, but God bought our freedom.(v. 68)

2. We were prisoners of war, but God came to ourrescue. (vv. 69-75)

3. We were in a dungeon, but God broke us out.(vv. 76-79)

A Time for Confidence: Trusting Godin a Post-Christian SocietyBy Stephen J. Nichols