NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

P-A-I-D Lexington, S C Permit No. 184

Year-End Financial Reminders…*In order to deduct contributions from your 2012 tax return, it must be received in the church office or postmarked by December 31st. To ensure deductibility of your contributions, please do not file your 2012 tax return until you have received a written statement of your contributions from the church. Please help us in the

church office to post your contributions correctly, use your individualized envelopes for all church donations. Use the sign-up sheets on tables outside worship centers if you would like to receive envelopes. Thank you !

Four things you can’t recover...the Stone after the throw; the Word after it’s said; the Occasion after it’s missed; or the Time after it’s gone.

For The Record… Nov. 4th - Attendance Nov. 11th - Attendance Sunday School 143 Sunday School 125 Worship 191 Worship 151 Nov. 18th - Attendance Nov. 25th - Attendance Sunday School 108 Sunday School 99 Worship 174 Worship 124 General Fund Offering Weekly Budget Requirement $ 8,570.47 Nov. 4 Offering $ 14,167.97 Nov.11 Offering $ 4,418.47 Nov. 18 Offering $ 5,812.72 Nov. 25 Offering $ 5,489.03 Budget Requirement YTD (48 Weeks) $ 411,382.56 Offerings Received YTD $ 374,796.62 Expenses (Actual) YTD $ 367,534.18 Designated Receipts (YTD) $ 47,998.98 Love Offerings - YTD $ 5,879.54

CHURCH DIRECTORY Pastor................................................................................................. Robert L. Jumper Interim Ministry Student Leader .................................................... Amanda Bannister Church Office & Finance...............................................................Betty & Jerry Frick Church Treasurer .................................................................................. Ron Matthews Assistant Treasurer............................................................................... Ruth Crumpton Sunday School Director .............................................................................Toby Spires Bible Study/Discipleship ......................................................................... Gloria Steele WMU Director ........................................................................................Beryl Bledsoe Men/s Breakfast .............................................................. Jerry Boykin/Jim Hedgepath Sr. Adults (Seasoned To Serve) ............................................................... BJ Atkinson Musicians ......................................................................James Bradley & BJ Atkinson Church Clean-Up Crew Leaders.............................. Gene Crumpton & Susan Bishop Deacon Chair..............................................................................................Jerry Atkins

Church Phone: (803) 957-8285 Church Fax: (803) 957-8573 E-mail Address: slbchurch@windstream.net Website: www.slbchurch.com

SLBC Deacons *Deacons for the month of December Jerry Atkins .....................................................................755-1494 Brian Bishop....................................................................414-9831 Gene Crumpton................................................................600-4555 Joe McKay.......................................................................603-8792 *Robert Mitchell..............................................................603-1504 *Toby Spires....................................................................260-1404

South Lexington Baptist Church 116 Brevard Parkway Lexington SC 29073

(803) 957-8285 slbchurch@windstream.net www.slbchurch.com

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Volume 12 DECEMBER ISSUE 12

Our Mission

South Lexington Baptist Church exists for the sole purpose of glorifying God. Our mission consists of reaching people for

Christ, worshiping in Spirit and in Truth, teaching people the

Bible, training people (discipleship),

ministering to people’s needs, and

fellowshipping with people in Christ’s

Name. Let His Light shine through You!

All Welcome!

Sunday Worship

10:30 AM

Sunday School

(All Ages)

9:30 AM

Evening Worship

6:30 PM

Wednesday Worship

and Prayer

7:00 PM

South Lexington Baptist Church “People Sharing Jesus”

We have Prepared our homes and Church for Christmas, Lord. Now Help us Prepare our Hearts. As we celebrate Christmas joy, let us Look past the Glit-ter and material Gifts to the Priceless gift of God’s love for us in the Person

Blessings to you and your Family as we remember the “Reason for the Season” (from the Church Office).

Lottie Moon Post Office - “Mail” your Christmas cards to church members by using the church’s alphabetical mailbox located in hallway outside new worship center. Just place your cards in the appropriate A-Z slot & pay church for the amount it would cost to mail. Please pick up cards “mailed” to you and help “deliver” others, too! All proceeds go towards our Lottie Moon Int’l. Missions Christ-mas Offering goal of $700.

Celebrate the beginning of the new year with our Lord in mind; come join us for our Community New Year’s Eve Breakfast on December 31st at 6 PM hosted by our Deacons. Levon Stack will be sharing his special singing talent with us. Community-wide event - everyone is welcome!!

Please join us as we celebrate our Savior’s birthday. We will have a special candlelight service (with Lord’s Supper) on Sunday Evening, December 23rd at 5:30 PM. Invite all your friends and neighbors to come, too!

Dan Gardner, Chalk Artist, will be our guest during the AM service on Sunday, December 16th. A love

offering will be received for Dan and his “Drawing People to Jesus” ministry. Check out his website www.drawingpeopletojesus.com to learn more

about his unique gift used in service to our Lord.

A Word From Brother Robert... “The Real Reason for the Season” Linda and I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas from our home and hearts to you. This time of year is the

season for family celebration and sharing. It’s a time to remember the real emphasis of this season which is JESUS. We shop, we eat, we travel, but let’s not forget Christ and His birth. Use this time to share Christ’s birth by saying “Merry Christmas” and not “Happy Holidays”. While decorating your home, share with your family about Jesus’ birth. While sitting or eating together with your family, share about His blessings and birth. Be sure to put all the church-wide activities on your calendar and make every effort to attend, bringing your family & friends. Bro. Dan Gardner shares his unique chalk ministry on Sunday morning, December 16th; Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 23rd at 5:30 PM; Community-wide breakfast and special singing with Levon Stack on December 31st at 6 PM and all the other special events this month - but let’s not forget how Jesus is the REAL “Reason For The Season.” Merry Christmas! Brother Robert

I call this my “look back month” because I take this time to look back over the year to take a look at what I have been blessed with in monies received versus what I have given in tithes. What is a more fitting month to make sure we give God His “due share” than in December as we celebrate the birth of God’s most precious gift to us, His Son, Jesus! Take time to “look back” this year and then look forward as He blesses you for your faithfulness. We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. I hear comments like, “I can’t afford to tithe”. I know people have lost jobs and the

economy still isn’t what we would call good, but how can anyone afford not to tithe? Dave Ramsey, a Christian financial Guru puts it this way; the truth is that all economic factors do affect you, but what you do in your own home will affect you more. God’s and Grandma’s way of handling money is in baby steps during the good times and the bad times. Debt-free living on a plan (budget), saving for emergencies, investing for long-term goals, living on less than you make and agreeing with your spouse on spending will make you prosperous-not just for tomorrow, but over time. Jerry Frick, Finance-“MY TWO CENTS”

Sr. Adult luncheon-Thursday, December 6th at 11:30 AM with a $10 max. gift exchange (if you wish to participate). I would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas, BJ.

New study begins January, 2013. Please call Gloria Steele-356-2506 for more details.

Jesus IS The Reason for the Season... Keep CHRIST in your CHRISTmas! Wise men still seek Him!

Regular Morning & Evening Worship Services Sunday, December 2nd, 9th. Dan Gardner (AM) on the 16th. Candlelight Service, Sunday, December 23rd at 5:30 PM (with Lord’s Supper); No Eve-ning Worship or Activities Wednesday, December 26th; New Year’s Eve Community Breakfast,

hosted by Deacons, with special singing by Levon Stack on December 31st at 6 PM.

Christmas for Children in West Virginia December 6-8. Contact Marion Steele (356-2506) if you would like to go help deliver presents to these children.

The WOM Crafters are selling various Christmas craft items. See BJ if interested. Proceeds go to SLBC Missions.

Glenn Hammond would like to lead an Anger Management Class. If you are interested, please give him a call (553-7163) Sign-up sheet provided on foyer tables. Dates/times TBA.

WOM will visit the Twilight Manor Nursing Home Tuesday, December 11th. Meet at 10 AM at church to carpool. Beryl

We plan to go to “This Man Called Jesus” after the morning worship on Dec. 9th. Bring a bagged lunch. See BJ if you have any questions.

The Medicare annual enrollment ends Dec. 7th. If you need help with your choices or just have general questions, contact Paul Copes at

808-0152. Paul is certified on these Medicare programs.

A Florida Court Sets Atheist Holy Day...In Florida, an atheist created a case against Easter & Passover Holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians and Jews and observances of their Holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, “Case Dismissed!” The lawyer immediately stood and objecting to the ruling saying, “Your Honor, How can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter & others. The Jews have Passover, Yon Kippur & Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays…” The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, “But you do. Your client, counselor, is woefully ignorant.” The lawyer said, “Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.” The judge said, “The calendar says April 1st is April Fool’s Day. Psalm 14:1 states, “The fool says in his heart, there is no God.” Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that, if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day. Court is adjourned…” You gotta love a Judge that knows his scriptures!

Jesus’ Birthday Party & Store on Dec.16th; No Club on Dec. 23rd or 30th. Clubbers are always welcome to join us for all services at SLBC. Merry Christmas! Susan Battles, Commander

God gave everyone the Gift of His Son, You just have to accept Him

Ron Matthews and Marion Steele are our newly elected Deacons. We thank them for their will-ingness to again serve and we especially thank Brian Bishop & Gene Crumpton for their service as they rotate off as active Deacons on December 31st. Please pray for all SLB Church leaders.

A big Thank You to everyone who participated in our Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child) project. Total shoeboxes collected was 90!! You let a child know that someone “out there” cares about

them and above all, that Jesus loves them!

Special thanks to Diane Conyers, and Danny & Brenda Loftis in decorating our Church and Worship Centers so beautifully for the holidays! And to all of you who purchased poinsettias this year. Note: The 2013 Flower Calendar is now available for you to reserve your “spot” for placing altar flowers for a

Sunday service. What better way to remember a loved one that has gone to be with Jesus, or to commemo-rate a special Anniversary or honor a loved one’s birthday. Sign-up sheet is located on Bulletin Board in hallway by

the men’s restroom or let Diane Conyers know or you can call Church Office. Thank You!

If you would like to receive the Baptist Courier, please write a check to SLBC in the amount of $13.50 for the yearly

subscription and note on stub for “Baptist Courier” Deadline is December 9th.

Thanks to all the AWANA Clubs for filling our food pantry and congratulations to the Sparks Clubbers for collecting the most food. High Fives for all Clubbers and Leaders! Beryl & WMU

Approx. $3,000 raised for Missions! Missions Team thanks everyone for

your support for the BBQ Fundraiser on Nov. 3rd. You are invited to become a part of SLBC’s Mission Team as an ambassador showing others that God truly loves them. See Marion Steele if you are interested. Next BBQ/Garage Sale Fundraiser March 8-9, 2013.

Loss in Church Family: Lois Boykin; Other family member losses: Robbie Bedenbaugh; Tommy Jones; Carl Meetze, Jr.; Elsie Palmer and Ray Mathews. In Christian sympathy to all of you who have lost loved ones so dear this year. God bless your hurting hearts especially as you miss loved ones during the Holidays.

From the depths of our hearts, the Boykin Family is so very appreciative to each of you for the calls, cards, contacts, food and prayers uplifted on our behalf. God bless you The Family of Lois Boykin (Jerry Boykin)

Thank you church for supporting the youth fundraiser meal Nov.11th for the Big God Conference! Amanda & Youth

Dear Church Family, Gene and I would like to express our gratitude for the many prayers, calls, cards and other kind-nesses shown during the passing of my brother, Carl Meetze, Jr. Each one of you are very dear to us. Love In Christ, Ruth Crumpton

Christmas Packets for Prisoners We received 51 packets for prisoners. Thank you

SLBC Beryl Bledsoe & WMU Ladies

C is for the Christ Child born upon this day H is for Herald Angels in the sky R is our Redeemer I is Israel S is for the Star that shone so bright T is for Three wise men, they who traveled far M is for the manger where He lay A is ALL He stands for S means Shepherds came And that’s why there’s a Christmas Day! Happy Birthday, Jesus! Christmas is a time to be happy!...A time for celebrating and sharing. For God stoops down to be one of us, born as a poor baby so that we can be rich. He does not leave us to get along as best we can. He joins us where we are. God is committed to us. Christmas is proof that God cares. That is why we celebrate and show our care in turn to those who need it.

Wednesday Prayer meeting/Worship service will continue to be held in our larger multi-purpose area while our Youth worship in our smaller center.

SLBC Cookbooks-$12/ea. or $11/ea. for 2 or more. Get yours before they run out! Proceeds go to SLBC Missions.

Men’s Breakfast will resume their monthly 3rd Saturday for breakfast

on January 19th. All Men are welcome to join us.

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

2 Russell McGee Susan Willis

3 Jamie Burnett Jeanne Golda Criss Harris Crystal Knight

4 Justin Munn Brandon Oakes Shannon Oakes

5 Linda Jumper

6 Patrick Bannister Alissa Brumfield Richard Kneece Landon Wooten 11:30 AM

7 Arthur Bouye

8 Tim Giles

9 Dean Bishop II This Man Called Jesus -Sr. Adults Leave @ Noon

10

11

12 Travis Blume

13 Grayson McKinney

14 Lisa Carlyle

15 Crystal Bouknight Caitlin Clark Tony Fleetwood

16 Margie Barr Shayla Bunner Dan Gardner Chalk Artist AM Youth Hayride 4:30 PM

17

18 Beryl Bledsoe Rebecca Dooley

19

20 21 Kaelyn Oakley

22 Jennifer Bennett Robert Mitchell Jessica Meador

23 Charles Conyers Beverly McCain Candlelight Lord’s Supper Service 5:30 PM 30 Kenny Merck

24Travis Ard Judy Atkins Dot Carter Tonya Fulmer Frank Stratakos 31 New Years Community Breakfast with Levon Stack 6 PM

25 Happy Birthday Jesus!

26 Patty Bishop David Kelley Amberlyn Roland No Wed Service or activities

27

28 29 Bill Lynch Debbie Aguilar

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions Prayer Focus Dec 2-9 SLBC Goal - $700

Sunday Schedule

Morning Worship

10:30 AM

Sunday School 9:30 AM

Evening Worship 6:30 PM

AWANA Sept.-May 5:30 PM

Wednesday Schedule 7:00 - 7:45 PM Bible Study & Prayer Meeting 7:00 - 7:45 PM Team Kids 6:30 - 7:00 PM Youth Recreation 7:00 - 8:00 PM Youth Meeting 7:30 PM Celebration Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday Schedule 10:00 AM Discipleship Bible Study 6:30 PM Outreach

On-Going Activities 3rd Saturday Men’s Breakfast Fellowship 8:00 AM Last Thursday Seasoned To Serve (Sr. Adults) 11:30 AM

2012 

A space for the “Big God Conference” has come available. Please let me know asap if you are interested.

SLBC Family, Thank you so much for the love you show and your continued support of your youth ministry. God is at work in their lives and they need our prayers. Please remember to pray for those you have committed to pray for. This time of year can be a happy time for some and a struggle

for others. So...your prayers are important. Merry Christmas!! Amanda

Big God Conference (Dec. 30-Jan. 1) Parents, If your child is attending the conference, we need to meet on Sunday,

December 16th, after the morning worship. We will discuss the schedule and food for the trip. This should take no more than 15 minutes. PLEASE NOTE: final payment is due

then, also. Please give me a call if you have any questions - Amanda

“STUDENT STUFF” AMANDA BANNISTER

Merry Christmas