IN THE PULPIT A.M. “The Wonder Of It All” Luke 2:1-11 P.M. Candlelight Service

2017 is almost over.Christmas will be here in lessthan a week! We celebratethe Joy & Hope of thisseason as we look forward tothe adventurous days ahead.Simultaneously we pause toremember the events of thispast year. For some of youthis past year containsmilestones for which you aregratefully excited: graduation

from high school or college, the birth of a child or agrandchild, a new job, a promotion, happy familygatherings and more. For others reminiscingcontains more pain than joy: the loss of a spouse,the loss of a son or daughter, the loss of a job,divorce, family heartache, etc.

As followers of Jesus Christ, as heirs of HisKingdom, as soldiers of His Cross we persevere.We move forward, for to do more than glimpseback is to become either bogged in self-pity…orengrossed in egotistical self-absorption. Where dowe go from here?

Let’s glance back for a moment. If I were to tryand list all the Eastern Hills high points of 2017 itwould take much more space than this article willallow, or that its readers would endure. I will onlymention a couple of things which occurred at theend of the year but will greatly impact 2018. InOctober our dear pastor, Dr. Rick Marshall, retiredafter 23 years of faithful service. I had the privilegeof serving with him for almost thirteen years. I countthat a great honor. I learned much from him and hisGodly leadership. Also in October my friend andyouth pastor, Mark McLendon, resigned to serve achurch in Texas. He will be sorely missed.

In the midst of these changes God has suppliedour needs for today, as I am sure He will direct us inthe future. Scooter Kellum joined our team inNovember as interim youth minister and has donean outstanding job! God provided Dr. Dale Huff asour interim pastor in recent weeks. Dr. Huff’s kindheart, loving spirit and Bible centered preaching willsurely help lead us as we search for a full-timesenior pastor.

God’s Word reminds us in Philippians 3:13-15 (NIV), Brothers and sisters, I do not considermyself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing Ido: Forgetting what is behind and straining towardwhat is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win theprize for which God has called me heavenward inChrist Jesus. [ Following Paul’s Example ] All of us,then, who are mature should take such a view ofthings. And if on some point you think differently,that too God will make clear to you.

At this juncture we must look forward withenthusiasm keeping our eyes on Him! God has aplan for Eastern Hills. He will not forsake us.Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “So we must not gettired of doing good, for we will reap at the propertime if we don’t give up.”

Thank you to all who did a marvelous job this yearleading, teaching, sharing, singing, worshiping andseeking God’s will! Stay the course! I thank my Godon every remembrance of you!

Vol. 61 No. 51 / Friday, December 22, 2017 www.EHBConline.com EHBC, Montgomery, AL

A look back & beyond...

GIVEN IN MEMORY OFMrs. Edith Upchurch by Chip PuckettMrs. Gena Grant by Chip PuckettMrs. Betty Haber by Chip PuckettMrs. Fara Zaleski by Chip PuckettMr. David Puckett by Chip PuckettJim & Betty Martin by Charles & Dinah BundrickRoger Poole by Sheron & FamilyThelma & Leonard Nelson by Nancy & Jimmy LeeMr. & Mrs. Monroe Lee by Jimmy & Nancy LeeGrady & Eunice Grimes by David & Terry GrimesDon & Nelda Miller by Terry & David GrimesGeorge I. Jackson & Barbara Wilson by Lenora Jackson & FamilyJames D. Foster, Jr. by Frances Foster & FamilyAlbert & Mildred Robinson by Wayne & Joan RobinsonMavis & Kelly Howell by Joan & Wayne RobinsonCurtis McKay & Jed Payne by Cherry PayneJim F. Ryals by Euvene Ryals, Paula & Carlton Winton and John & Susan YorkVirginia Oliver Veazey by Terry & Georgia VeazeyG.C. “Bo” & Barbara Dean by Norman & Cyndi ArnoldMatt & Bertha Arnold by Norman & Cyndi ArnoldBruce Fowler by Jamie & Mandy FowlerMason Bass by Jamie & Mandy FowlerBillie Jean Coker by Stan, Dayna & Tia CokerDan & Marguerite Causey by David & Diane MontgomeryD.J. Montgomery by David & Diane MontgomeryBurnette Martin by David & Diane MontgomeryRay & Bonnie Morris by Rebecca Morris, Jamie & Amanda FowlerDot & Jim Mullican by their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildrenDr. Alex Johnson by Debbie Johnson & FamilyKay Christopher by Jim Christopher FamilyAndy Hill by Ray & Dale Hill and FamilyJohnny Swanner by Kay Swanner, Anthony & BrianLubye & Dorothy Paul by Jim & Beverly CrainJoe Smith by Dot Smith & FamilyE.E. Herring & Ann Bass by Mary Deese, Red & Wanda HerringFleta Uptain by Jerry & Shirley MartinRobert Dame, Ollyne Dame, & Mildred Gray by Debbie

& Alan ToddKenneth Pressley by Chad & Stacy Royal

H. D. McGraw by Betty McGraw & FamilyRuby M. Collier by Betty Kirby

Eryn Sandifer Reddoch by The R.H. Sandifer FamilyAnn & Gene Wells by Wanda Ellis & FamilyMark Stianche, Bryan Smith, & Catherine Stianche by Charlotte, Sarah, Hunter & Rebecca StiancheMr. & Mrs. Lyman Marshall by Dr. & Mrs. Rick MarshallMrs. Jean Stephens by Dr. & Mrs. Rick MarshallJudi Lackey by Russell LackeyJudi Lackey by Stuart LackeyJudi Lackey by Shannon GrayLuther Hill by Sarah HillSadie Little by Watson FamilySilas Little by Watson FamilyLarry Jackson by Brad, Ashley, & Amelia MoonEvelyn Clayton by Brad, Ashley, & Amelia MoonPlez Preston (Pap) by Preston, Kellan, Grace, Luke, Cody & EmilyClara McBride by Ed & Helen MeltonJohn H. Tatum Jr. by Mirenda, Erin, & SethBritt Howard by Luke & Rose GreenCoach Tatum by The Gardner SS classTommy Scroggins by Larry & CeCelia ArmstrongHelen Cain by Larry & CeCelia ArmstrongJim Mullican by Larry & CeCelia ArmstrongNeal Moseley by Adine Moseley, the Ronald Picketts, and the Allan MoseleysLez Edmonds by Walt & Bette Edmonds & Family

GIVEN IN HONOR OFMadeline Norred by Terry & Georgia VeazeyCathy Cox by Jim & Beverly CrainMargaret Walker by Edna & Beverly DavisRobert & Robbie Barnes by Edna & Beverly DavisCeCelia & Larry Armstrong by Edna & Beverly DavisDot Erikson by Larry & Barbara KennedyDonna Brown by Jim & Kay MillerBetty & Joe Hurley by Jim & Kay MillerWallace R. Terry by The R.H. Sandifer FamilyHoward Wells & Family by Wanda Ellis & FamilyJean Gouge by Jim GougeEva Preston (Meme) by Preston,Kellan, Grace, Luke, Cody & EmilyHenry McInnis by Adine Moseley, the Ronald Picketts, and the Allan Moseleys

The GA Post Office is set up in the CLC Lobby through December 24.

This gives you the opportunity to give Christmas cards to church

members. We ask that you donate what postage would have cost and

all proceeds will go to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Make sure to come by and check it often!

Tickets are on sale now through the church office, fromany Women’s Ministry servant team member or online.

The early bird price of $20.00 ends December 25, 2017.Great stocking stuffer for all of the women in your life, and

the perfect gift to treat yourself! After Monday, December 25,tickets go up to $30.00 and $35.00 at the door.

EASTERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCHWomen’s ConferenceJanuary 26-27, 2018

“It’s Good to Be Queen”with beloved author and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs

Friday 6:30 - 8:00 pm • Saturday 8:30 am - noon(includes brunch)

COLLEGE GRADUATESPlease let the church know of any

college graduates this month.We would like to recognize them

on their accomplishment.

If you pay for Student Life Camp byJanuary 28, you can go to DNow

for FREE! There’s a StudentLife Waiver to be filled out.

YOUTH NEWS

JUNE 11-15 • COST $300

ATTENTION HUNTERSIt’s deer hunting season and there is aneed for 9 processed deer for our WildGame Dinner on February 24, 2018.For each deer donated you will receive atable for eight (8). This table will be forthe entire deer being processed and willbe on a first come basis. This year’sguest speaker will be Coach TommyTuberville so we anticipate a large crowd.It’s very important that each deerprocessed be 1/2 burger and 1/2 cubed.Thank you in advance for your help. Anyquestions, please contact Larry Kennedyat 312-8088.

CHURCH GOAL $32,000RECEIVED $19,176.00

KNITTING CLASSThe Knitting Group, “Knit Wits” will bewelcoming new members January 5,2018. They meet on the first and third

Fridays each month at 9:30 am inRoom 144. If you have anyquestions, please contact

Peggy Kendrick, 272-5926.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRYB IRTHDAY BOARD

Macready Musgrove December 22 4Mingshi Lu December 27 11Henry Howell December 29 10Addison Cline December 31 9Mary-Hallman Gardner December 31 7

Year End Giving

Revealing theMysteries of Heaven

David JeremiahBegins January 8

10 weeks  •  Monday at 1:30 pmled by Melody Merritt

Children of the Day1 & 2 Thessalonians

Beth MooreBegins January 9

9 weeks  •  Tuesday at 9:30 amled by Bobbie Owens

Precepts: Acts - Part 2Kay Arthur

Begins January 9  •  9 weeksTuesday at 9:30 am; 6:30 pm

Led by Judy RayMeets in Judy’s home at 6:30 pm

ALL LADIES ARE INVITED!Childcare will be provided only when

requested to Cindy Davis in the churchoffice by Thursday, January 4.February 13-22, 2019

Hosted by Dr. Rick Marshall

Holy Land Tour

Join us for a wonderful time in the“Land of the Bible” and “Walk in the

Footsteps of Jesus” with anoptional extension to Petra.

A trip information meeting willbe Sunday, January 21 at 4:00 pm

in Room 154. Call Dr. RickMarshall for details, 301-2513.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 249:00 am - Sunday School

10:15 am - Morning Worship5:00 pm - Candlelight Service

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22THROUGH

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26*Church Office Closed

DECEMBER 27*No Wednesday Night Supper

or Activities

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSEDFriday, December 29 and

Monday, January 1

CALLING ALLOUTDOORSMEN

Wild Game Dinner is February 24, 2018.We need your pictures of deer, fish or anywild game. We would love to have you inthe picture. These pictures will be shown

on a large screen at the event.Please send pictures to Dan Harrison

(dan@ehbconline.com) or MarieAnderson (mariea@ehbconline.com).

THANK YOU!

NO TOUCH IN JANUARYIt will resume onFebruary 5, 2018.

We are in the last month to give toour church for this calendar year.

If you have any questions concerningyour year-to-date contributions,please contact Donna Brown at272-0604 ext. 213. Remember,all gifts must be received at the

church or postmarked by December31 in order to get proper credit

for 2017 contributions.

CELEBRATION SINGERSThursday, January 11

9:30 amThursday, January 25

9:30 am

MOVIE NIGHT“Billy the Younger Years”

Thursday, January, 116:00 pm

SENIOR ACTIVITIESUp-coming Events

If you give on-line as a recurring giver,make sure your gifts don’t end at yearend. You can also go on-line to verify

your gifts for 2017. If you needassistance with your on-line giving,please call 334-272-0604 ext. 219.

On-Line Gifts

This past Saturday our children experienced a wonderful time here at the church with their“Let’s MAKE Christmas” event! The preschoolers and children made presents for their familiesas their parents were afforded a time for shopping or other errands. The children heard theChristmas story in Hawaiian Pidgin as they experienced “hands on” activities. Thank you adultand teen volunteers who helped the children explore the true meaning of Christmas. THANKYOU to our children’s minister, Rev. Greg Gosselin, for planning, leading and coordinatingsuch a valued event!

To Deanna Bruner who graduatedfrom University of Alabama on

December 16 with a Bachelor’s Degreein Elementary Education.

Special ThanksI would like to say a very special “Thanks” to all who made our Christmas Music Program,Dec. 10th, a success! I will not list each person here for fear of missing someone but eachperson played a vital role for which we are forever grateful. Youth, Adult and Children’s

Choirs; Instrumentalists; drama team; Sound/Media and Lighting teams; ushers & greetersand more to each of you a Great Big THANK YOU!! To God be the glory!! Keith

DID YOU KNOW?

We gratefully acknowledge giftsto the church in memory of:

Britt HowardGiven By: Dr. & Mrs. Bill Whitaker

Herbert MaloneyWalt & Bette EdmondsJim & Kay Miller

Jimmie HallGiven by: Jim & Kay Miller

Congratulations

To April Malone who graduated fromTroy University this month.

To Devin Myrick Price who graduatedTroy University with her BA in FineArts and is teaching Art and Drama

at Pike Liberal Arts.

To Joel Hicks who graduated AuburnUniversity in School of Nursing in August

2017 and is working in the SurgicalTrauma ICU at the University of SouthAlabama Medical Center in Mobile.

BUDGET REPORTYear to Date

Budget Requirements $1,698,793.68Budget Receipts 1,633,372.81Under Budget 65,420.87

Weekly Budget ReportDecember 17, 2017

Budget Requirements $33,309.68Budget Receipts 24,676.21Under Budget 8,633.47

DesignatedDesignated 10,270.00

THIS SUNDAY

The Messenger (USPS No. 591-420) is published weekly by Eastern Hills Baptist Church.Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery Alabama.Postmaster: Send address changes to:The Messenger, 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery Alabama 36109. 334-272-0604

ON THE GROWSunday School Attendance for

December 17, 2017 Att.G.O. 4Preschool & Teachers 26Children & Teachers 43Youth & Teachers 48Adults 391total 512

Sunday Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Glazed Carrots,Steamed Broccoli, Roll, Cookie

EXTENDED SESSION WORKERSDECEMBER 24

Captain: Greg GosselinPlease be in place by 10:00 am.10:15 ServiceBed Babies: Betty Kirby, Juanita Smith

Toddlers: Mike & Teresa Caldwell3’s/4’s: Sharon Water, June Pertree

Scottt & Erin McAliley

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MENUJanuary 3, 2018Family Night Meal 4:45 p.m.

Please note that you must CALL THE CHURCH OFFICEBY 12:00 pm ON MONDAY to make or change

your reservation. NO SHOWS ARE EXPECTED TO PAY.

$5 Adult/Salad • $3 Children • Household Max. $15

CHILDREN’S MENUPizza, Chips, Cookie

SOUP/SALAD BARGrilled Chicken Pasta Salad

DeacoNs of the week12/25 Mike Woodall, Norman Arnold1/1 Joe Bruner, Jimmy Carlisle

couNtINg commIttee12/27 Don Cluck, James Owens1/3 Hardy Kirk

golf cart DrIVers12/24 David Grimes, Dewey Best12/31 Jim Tanner, Allen Watson

weDNesDay NIght serVers1/3 Cyndi Arnold, Norman Arnold, Portia Goss, Norman Goss

No Wednesday NightSupper until

January 3, 2018

EXTENDED SESSION WORKERSDECEMBER 31

Captain: Greg GosselinPlease be in place by 10:00 am.10:15 ServiceBed Babies: Branden & Melisa Smith

Toddlers: Don & Lisa Langley3’s/4’s: Elea Peppers, Blanche Culpepper

Ann Inman & Claudine Nobles

THERE WILL NOT BE AMESSENGER NEXT WEEK

Guests on Campus: 16

TOUCHOutreach Ministries

MEN’S MIN ISTRYPRAYER GROUP WILL RESUMETUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018

2018 Offering EnvelopesThe 2018 Offering Envelopes are readyfor pick up in the Library hallway.