Publication of Evangeline and Gulf Coast Baptist Associations of the Louisiana Baptist Convention

Entre’ Nous Bert Langley, Director of Missions

Weldon Moak & Nathan Rush, Moderators Elizabeth A. Langley, Office Administrator Lonnie Cleveland, Evangelism Strategist Debbie Jeffreys, Administrative Assistant Mary Langford, Counselor

VOL 39, NO. 10 “CHANGING LIVES IN CHANGING TIMES” DEC 2012/JAN 2013

Page 2 Entre Nous Volume 39, Issue 10

Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell us about the birth and early childhood of Jesus. Luke alone tells us of His birth in a stable and the announce- ment of His birth to a band of shepherds. The shepherds are watching over their flock at night in the neighborhood of Bethlehem when a most unusual event takes place. One can only imagine what this special night must have been like. For most of us the idea of being outside in the dark at night is frightening enough. In addition to the normal fears of darkness, Scripture tells us “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” (Luke 2:9) The Greek word translated “terrified” literally means that the shepherds “feared a great fear.” On a scale of 1–10, 1-representing the least amount and 10-representing the greatest amount of fear, the shepherds were at 10 plus. When God would send an angel to someone in the

Bible, they were most often terrified by his presence. How comforting this angel’s words must of have

been when he said, “Do not be

afraid.”

After calming their fears, God’s messenger announced he was bringing them “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The “good news” is a child has been

born. The “great joy” was found in

the fact that the baby was “Christ the Lord.” The Greek word “Christ” was the equivalent to the Hebrew word “Messiah.” God’s promised

“Savior” had arrived. Before they could ask a question, and as sud-

denly as the “angel of the Lord” appeared, a heavenly host (a word in the Greek which describes a band of soldiers) appeared praising God and announcing peace for all who would rest in God’s favor. The Bible tells us “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds

DOM LinesDOM Lines

and the sounds of the animals which crowded around the little stranger in their manger? Will we find a quiet time amidst the busy-ness to marvel and give thanks to the One who left the grandeur of heaven to become one of us, to show us how to live, and then to die so that through Him we might be united with his Father? We will have to make some deliberate choices if that is the kind of Christmas we want to have.

And then, very soon, we will be greeting the new year. Our musician son sent us a CD of an a cappella hymn which I play of-ten, and I want to share with you the words to the first song. I wish you also could hear the beautiful melody, but my hope is that the words will comfort and inspire you, as they do me, as we look toward the opening days of 2013:

Another year is dawning, another year with Thee

Another year is dawning, Dear Father, let it be,

I’m writing this just after Thanks-giving, still almost tasting the cornbread dressing, green beans, pecan pie, and thinking about ways to use all the leftover turkey. We shared our meal with family and friends and ex-pressed heartfelt gratitude for God’s goodness to each of us. We had plenty for ourselves and enough to share with the less fortunate. Some at our table told of special blessings the Lord had bestowed on them in the past year. I hope the scene at your house was similar.

Now we can almost hear the jingling bells and see the twin-kling lights of Christmas. How will we celebrate? Will we wear ourselves out with shop-ping, cooking, programs and par-ties? Or will we take time to really savor the old carols and to consider what it was actually like for Mary and Joseph to travel in such a difficult way and then be unable to find a place to rest and for her baby to be born? Will we imagine the stench of the stable

In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.

Another year of progress, another year of praise,

Another year of proving, Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,

Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face.

Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast,

Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year is dawning. Dear Father, let it be

On earth, or else in Heaven, Another year with Thee.

May each of you have a blessed Christmas, and may you be aware of His loving presence each day of the new year.

Mary Langford

Counselor’s CornerCounselor’s Corner

said to them” (2:17,18)

I have read this story over and over for more than sixty years and the wonder of it has never ceased to amaze me. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is born in a stable for animals and God chooses to reveal this most marvelous event to a lowly band of shepherds on the outskirts of the community. They were privileged to be the first visitors Mary and Joseph would receive. I still get excited every time I read it. Awesome!

Deedy and I pray that all the wonder and joy of this time of the year will be your experience as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. May HIS presence with you bring blessings and peace in 2013. We truly love you.

Bert and Deedy

Mary Langford Counselor

Bert Langley Director of Missions

Volume 39, Issue 10

2-6 January Bible Study 17 Baptist State Youth Choir Audition ~ Lafayette & Morgan City 19 Pre-Teen Invasion ~ LA College 20 Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 25-26 Hymn Praising Festivals 27 Day of Prayer for the SBC 28 LBERA Dinner ~ Evangelism Conference 28-29 LBC State Evangelism Conference ~ FBC, Lafayette 29 Senior Adult Luncheon ~ Evangelism Conference 28-31 Disaster Relief Directors’ Meeting, New Orleans 30-31 Baptist Doctrine Study Preview

Baptist Collegiate Ministry

December, 2012

3 Final Exams 4 UL, Lafayette Commencement 25 Christmas Day 31 Passion Conference

January, 2013

1 New Year’s Day 16 UL, Lafayette Classes Begin

22 REVOLUTION a Night Worship ~ 6:00-7:00 PM (Every week at BCM)

23 Noon Lunch ~ 12:00 NOON –1:00 PM (Every week at BCM) 25 Small Groups ~ 1:00 - 2:30 PM (Every week at BCM)

Acadian Baptist Center

December, 2012

6 ABC Board & Appreciation Banquet ~ ABC, 6:00 PM

14-15 ABC Christmas Youth Retreat 25 Christmas Day 31 New Year Holiday

January, 2013

1 New Year’s Day

Evangeline Association

December, 2012

2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 7 EBA Pastor/Staff/Council/Wives Christmas Fellowship ~ Petroleum Club, 6:30 PM 24 & 25 Christmas Holidays (Office Closed) 31 New Year’s Eve (Office Closed)

January, 2013

1 New Year’s Day (Office Closed) 8 EBA Ministers’ Conference ~ Place TBA, 10:30 AM 10 EBA Missions Development Meeting ~ EBA Office, 10:30 AM 21 EBA Council/Executive Board Meeting ~ Petroleum Club, 11:30 AM

Gulf Coast Association December, 2012

2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 3 GCA Pastor/Staff and Wives Christmas Fellowship ~ Immanuel, Morgan City, 6:30 PM 24-25 Christmas Holiday 31 New Year’s Eve

January, 2013

1 New Year’s Day 4-5 Pastors’ Retreat ~ TBA 19 GCA Brotherhood Breakfast ~ Calumet , 8:00 AM 26 GCA Baptist Men’s Wild Game Supper ~ Bayou Vista, Morgan City, 6:00 PM

Louisiana Baptist Convention

December, 2012

2-9 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering 25 Christmas Day 31 New Year’s Eve

January, 2013

1 New Year’s Day

Page 3 Entre Nous

Block Party Trailer News . . .Block Party Trailer News . . . Party Trailer Users......We have not been receiving the paperwork needed to confirm your use of the Party Trailer. It is imperative that all paperwork especially insurance coverage for liability for date, time and location of your event be received in our office prior to your event. Without this we will be unable to confirm your reservation because our insurance requires this information.

Looking for a positive way to get your Saints involved in outreach … your search is over. Our Apartment Ministry has an opening for two of our churches to adopt these complexes for ministry. There is a need for weekly Bible study, occasional children and youth activities, plus the possible opportunity, possibly for compassion ministry and others. Pray about this and call me for more information. Also, if you would like, I would be glad to come and challenge your church to take advantage of this chance to get involved in multi-housing ministry.

Reaching your Jerusalem for Christ, Lonnie

Sermon CDSermon CDss Needed . . .Needed . . . If you have any sermon CDs to donate to our Truck Stop Ministry, please call Larry Baldridge at (337) 250-3954.

CHURCH NEWS . . .CHURCH NEWS . . . Bayou Vista, Morgan City ~ Presenting “Silent Night, Holy Night” on December 8 and 9 at 6:00 PM, 411 Field Road.

FBC, Lafayette ~ Presenting The Singing Christmas Tree “Christmas in New York” on December 7, 8, 9 and 10. For times and more details call 337-593-3757 or www.fbclaf.org

FBC, Morgan City ~ Presenting “Because of Bethlehem” December 9 at 6:00 PM.

State Evangelism Conference January 28-29, 2013 First Baptist Church

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Merry Christmas And Happy New Year

From the Evangeline Association Office:

Bert Langley Mary Langford

Elizabeth Langley Debbie Jeffreys

Lonnie Cleveland

Birthdays

DecemberDecemberDecember 1 - Mike Walker, East Bayou, Laf

2 - Heather Moore (Mrs Jonathan), East Bayou, Laf

7 - Tammilee Kelly (Mrs Steven), Bayou Vista, MC

10 - Janice Downs (Mrs Ed), FBC, New Iberia

15 - David Mitchell, FBC, Youngsville

15 - Lonnie Cleveland, LBC

16 - Nick Peters, FBC, Carencro

16 - Julie Holloway (Mrs Lyndale), East Bayou, Laf

21 - Rebekah Garner, Northside, Lafayette

22 - Ron Dubois, FBC, Lafayette

23 - Ellen Romero (Mrs Marty), Friday Night Church

23 - Beau Guidry, FBC, Milton

27 - Steve Younger, Emmanuel, Laf

28 - Jan Gaudin (Mrs Mark), Youngsville

30 - Marilynn Burney (Mrs Luther), FBC, Laf

JanuaryJanuaryJanuary 1 - Mary Langford, Lafayette, Counselor, EBA

2 - JoAnn Thornton (Mrs Red), Highland, New Iberia

6 - Dana Belmore (Mrs Scott), BCM

8 - Brad Gill, FBC, Lafayette

12 - Rodney Chitwood, FBC, Breaux Bridge

13 - Robert Burdeaux, Parks, Parks

15 - Betty Dufrene (Mrs Dan), Retired

19 - Lonnie Budd, Retired

24 - Jamie Thibodeaux (Mrs Chad), Vatican, Cankton

25 - Mark Gaudin, FBC, Youngsville

26 - Dore Langley, Retired

26 - Noah Langley, Retired

26 - Toby Ryder, Duson

28 - Wallace Primeaux, Esther, Esther

29 - Gale Graham (Mrs Chili), Loreauville, Loreauville

BirthdaysBirthdaysBirthdays