IN THIS ISSUE Page 2

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

Page 3 Education Ministry

Counseling Ministry Page 4

Worship MinistryStudent Ministry

Page 5 Senior Adult Ministry

Children’s Ministry Page 6

“In Touch with the Church Family”

New Members Page 7 December Calendar

Ministry Weekend Rotation Page 8

Wednesday Night MealsGeneral Information

“Becoming Great Commission Christians by Making Much of Jesus”

A Monthly Publication of the First Baptist Church of Pelham

“At Bethlehem, God demonstrated that

to love is to give.”Anonymous

“2 A Word From Our Pastor

Where do the days, weeks, and months go? It seems like just yesterday we were entering 2010, and now we are looking ahead to 2011 in less than a month. 2010 has been a year

of challenges and concerns. Many of our members have lost precious loved ones, faced employment problems, and battled illness and discouragement. We are at war not only in Afghanistan but also “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). This year, as always, God has been faithful. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have done for the Lord this year. We have sent more people out on mission trips, hosted Families on Mission for the Shelby Baptist Association and North American Mission Board, helped more people (due to increased need), and had more

Have a Mary Christmas!people in discipleship than ever before. If you are not involved in Sunday school and Discipleship, you are missing out on a blessing! Make 2011 your greatest year in love and service to the King of Kings. In December our messages will be based on the theme of “Have a Mary Christmas!” As we look at Christmas through the eyes of the Virgin Mary. From all the Shaw family to you and yours, have a spirit-filled Christmas and a blessed New Year! I love you, I love you, I love you. God bless you and God bless America!

Bro. Mike

Dr. Mike ShawSenior Pastor

Working Isn’t Child Abuse!

Dear Dave, I’ll be starting college next fall. Is it okay to take out student loans if you have no other income to live on while you’re in school? Mandy

Dear Mandy, Wait a second! What do you mean you don’t have any other source of income to live on while you’re in school? Didn’t anyone ever teach you about a little thing called work? I worked 40 to 60 hours a week all through college, and I still graduated in four years. Nowadays, many people would call that child abuse. It’s absurd! Don’t try to box me into a corner with the ridiculous notion that you have to take out student loans to go to college. You do not! Did you know that only 57 percent of people who start college actually graduate? That means 43 percent don’t. And guess what they have? Student loan debt and no degree! Here’s what I want you to do. First, apply for every college scholarship you can find. Next, get a job! You may even

have to take a couple of part-time jobs, but so what? Once you’re there, live in the dorm and eat dorm food, too. It won’t kill you. And a state college, where you can get in-state tuition, is always a good idea. If there’s one close by you can save even more money by living at home. Is a college education important? Sure, it is. It’s a great thing, and I recommend going to college. But is student loan debt a necessary part of getting a degree and achieving success in life? Absolutely not! Dave

Should I Still Budget Blow Money?

Dear Dave, Should you skip vacations when you’re following your plan and trying to get out of debt. Should you have a “blow money” category in your budget before your debt is paid off? LukeDear Luke, You bet! The key is to make that category very, very small. You shouldn’t run around spending money on all kinds of fun stuff when you’re trying to get out of debt. I want you to be really focused—gazelle intense—when it comes to getting out of debt. If you reach this level of intensity, there’s naturally going to be less wiggle room in your budget, because you’ll be squeezing out every dime you can find to kill the debt! Keep in mind that I’m not saying you can’t have any fun at all when you’re getting out of debt. But keep that category very small. We’re talking about extreme sacrifice for a short period of time. I know it can be tough, but trust me—it’s worth it! Dave

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

*For more financial advice, you may visit www.davesays.org.

3 Education Ministry

The Counselors’ CornerJoy and Peace: Temporary or for All Times?

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” “Peace — good will toward men.”

The temperature is dropping and the days are now shorter, telling us that Christmas time is upon us. The carols we sing and the verses we focus on this time of year are filled with hope and promise. They remind us of the birth of our Lord and Savior. For many, it is easy to feel joyous and peaceful during the Christmas sea-son as we attend gatherings with family and friends, enjoy decorations, food, and the giving and receiving of gifts.

What about after the Christmas season has past and life becomes somewhat normal again? What is your level of joy when you consider the tough economy we are experiencing with high unem-ployment and an uncertain future? What

is your level of peace when the daily news is mostly negative and our military is losing brave men and women daily? I believe the Joy and Peace we experience during Christmas is not situ-ational — it is not dependant on things, people or events. I think as Christians we often “box-up” these positive feelings, and like our presents at Christmas time,

open them up and enjoy them for the season. The Joy and Peace I speak of is given by God to use as a resource, not for a period of time or a season, but for every day of the year. We should

have “joy unspeakable”, knowing that God provided us a Savior through Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice, our life on earth is but a fleeting moment and we will spend eternity with Him in heaven. Can we have peace in the midst of tur-moil and uncertainty? God is sovereign, and His word tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us.

If you are only experiencing Joy and Peace on certain days or times of the year, remember that God provides them daily, and wants us to use and enjoy them each and every day of the year.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support of The Hope Center and I hope each person reading these words has the very best Christmas ever!

James Roberts The HOPE Center

Merry Christmas

Kim, Melanie, Emily, Will and I want to wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and a Happy New Year. It is hard to believe that we will soon be celebrating our four year anniversary here at First Baptist Pelham. In some ways it feels like we have only been here a short time and in other ways it seems we have been here all of our lives. You are truly very special people to us. Words cannot express what a joy it is to serve among such wonderful people as you. You have become a part of our family. We appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, and kindness that are expressed to us throughout the year. As we celebrate CHRISTmas this year, let’s all remember the Reason for the Season. Merry CHRISTmas and God bless, Robert Heard.

“There has been only one Christmas — the rest are anniversaries.” —W.J. Cameron

4

Student Ministry

Worship Ministry

Merry CHRISTmas! As I write these words it is a cold, drizzly November day. It feels like CHRISTmas should, but today my thoughts are on the rapidly approaching Awakening 2010. I’m anticipating God to make His presence known in a real and exciting way! Those thoughts bring me back to CHRISTmas and the future. [The Awakening did occur after this article was written, and was GREAT!] Between Malachi and Matthew there was a silent period. Then, Jesus showed up. He was born in a stable in a tiny town, humble beginnings for the one who was both God and man. God in flesh. The Awakening we experienced in October and November reminds us God still is interested in us. He is still active in our world. He wants us more than we want Him. He loves us enough to step out of Heaven and into our lives. As we approach the CHRISTmas season with all of its functions, parties, programs and gifts, we should be thankful we don’t live in a silent period. We should rejoice that the days are growing shorter until we see Jesus. This time, not in a stable, but in the sky. The Reigning King, the Alpha and Omega, the King of Kings, the Great I Am. Matthew 1:21 — She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Now that’s a present worth keeping. Donnie Sisk

Student Winter RetreatPigeon Forge, TennesseeDecember 27-29 We will be attending Phil Waldrep’s Connect Student Conference. This year has a great lineup including: Toby Mac, Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Shane and Shane, David Nasser, Ryan Dobson, Jeffrey Dean, and Jason McLeod.

When I think of Christmas I am flooded with wonderful memories of years past. They are all filled with special Christ-mas services with children, students and adults singing. One of my favorite memories is back when my great-aunt and grand-mother were still alive, and Barry and I took the students from church caroling at their house. I can still remember the joy that it brought to them. When I think about them I remember that they used to tell me stories of when they were young, how they received oranges and apples for their Christmas gift as a child. That would probably be a shock to the children today. My most recent memory of Christmas is this past year, when we celebrated here at home, with Liv in Africa. It was a growing experience for all of us. Liv is normally the one in our family who reminds us of all of the traditions that we have shared for years. But God had other plans for our family to experience His love in a powerful way. Liv was obedient in serving the Lord, and our entire family enjoyed celebrating a few weeks later than normal. This year, Liv will be leaving again a couple of days after Christmas, and Patrick will be home on break from Basic Training in the Army and return to Fort Jackson after the holidays. Barry and I are experiencing a different season in our life right now. Even in the midst of such great changes, God has been so present and real to us all. I know now more than ever before His Word is true and He is faithful. May you and your family experience His love during this year’s Christmas season like never before. It is truly an honor to serve each one of you. May you find joy and peace in Him!

We love you all,Barry, Paula, Liv and Patrick

Christmas EveCandlelight Service

Friday, December 245:00 PM

The Lord’s SupperChristmas Music

Join us for this unique worship experience.

Sunday MorningDecember 26

One Service Only10:00 AM

One Hour OnlyFamily Style WorshipNo Sunday School

or Other Sunday Activities

December 15

The last 2010 day for

Discipleship Training and

Creative Ministries is December 5.

5

Children’s Ministry

Senior Adult Ministry

Dear Senior Adults,

First, remember the trip to Atlanta to sort the Operation Christmas Child boxes on November 28-30. You must have signed up for your hotel reservations.

Second, we will be having a Christmas party/fellowship at the Dunaway Barn on Friday night, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a gift (the ten dollar kind) and soup, salad, or a dessert. If you want to ride the church bus, it will leave our upper lot at 6:00 PM.

Third, the Gaither Homecoming trip will be Friday, December 10, at the BJCC. All tickets are pre-paid and will be given out at the bus. We’ll prepare adequate transportation to get you there and back. Bus will leave FBCP upper parking lot at 6:00 PM. Concert will be at 7:00 PM.

Fourth, remember there is a change in the schedule for December 14. We will meet at the Annex parking lot at 9:30 AM to depart for our annual nursing home visit. We will be delivering all those beautiful Christmas stockings that you see below

to all the patients at the nursing home. Our Senior Adult singers will be led by Jim Minor and you won’t want to miss this. We will then go out to eat after the program.

Finally, I wish every one a very Merry CHRISTmas and a happy New Year! My prayer is that God will bless each of you in 2011 as never before.

For His Glory, Bro. Paul

Senior Adult Ministry

Choirs will sing for Christmas

December 5PraiseMakerz (elementary choir) and Music Makerz (preschool choir) Sing

9:15 and 10:45 services

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.PraiseMakerz Choircaroling and party

Contact Paula Kornegay with any questions.

Preschool Activities

Birthday Party for Jesus“The Not-So-Silent Night”

Sunday, December 12, 6 PM2nd Floor Children’s Wing

Breakfast with the Angelsduring Sunday School

andWigglin’ Worship

(9:15 & 10:45)Sunday, December 19

We are planning our leadership team for preschool and elementary VBS, June 6-10, 2011. We will need: Elementary Director, Registration, Recreation, Craft, Music, and Snack. Contact Jonathan Williams at 216-0028.

Please note these upcoming dates for Prechool and Children:December 5 — last FW Friends and Bible Drills for 2010.December 15 — Last Music Makerz Choir & The Crew for 2010.January 5 — Preschool Choir and The Crew resume.January 9 — FW Friends and Bible Drills resume.

During this holiday season, the Preschool and Children’s Departments are asking you to Give the Gift of Time. Please consider volunteering.

6 In Touch With the Church Family

Welcome, New Members!

2010 Church Family Giving

(through November 15) General Fund given to date $ 2,016,484.90 Budget needed to date $ 2,515,740.00 Year to Date Expenses $ 2,004,544.64 Debt Retirement given in 2010 $ 61,280.14 Loan Balance as of 11/15/2010 $ 8,844,606.61

…Betty Newman in the death of her mother Lillian Jean Rector.

Jaden Lafayette(for baptism)

Above: Jerry, Triston and Grace Chambers(rededication)also Erica Chambers

Left: Todd Howatt (for baptism)Staci Howatt (by statement)

Kaitlyn Pearce(for baptism)

Kaci Love(for baptism)

Natalie Smith(for baptism)

Dear Mrs. Honeycutt, I would like to thank you for reaching out to children through Children Hemmed in Prayer. I received the garments/offering from you and the ladies. The children who will receive the garments will be so excited and bathed in prayer. I would like to encourage you to continue loving and serving the Lord however He calls. In His Name, Mary BethDear Bro. Mike, I wanted to thank you for your time in our appointment at your office. Also, wanted to thank you for your letting us use your church baptistery. We were able to baptize seven people on the 24th of October. The help of your staff was tremendous. Sincerely, Mark A. Boyd (Sun View Baptist)Church, Thank you for your payers, cards and love for Judy as she went through surgery. Bro. Mike, it is great to have such a loving and caring church. It meant so much hav-ing you there as we waited on the results. We cannot thank God enough for all of the

answered prayers. May God bless, Judy & Clay EdwardsDear Church Family, I cannot express to you how much your prayers, cards, flowers and food meant to me and my family. I want to thank you for your visits including Robert, Donnie, Paul and Bro. Mike. Your prayers and love got me through. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Marjorie Copus

Dear Bro. Mike, Thank you so much for the hospital visit and also for the sweet card and those who signed it. Love, Ann ParkerBro. Mike, We want to tell you what a wonderful job you did with Mother’s funeral. And thank you for being there (for her) all those years, during her trials and sorrow. You are truly what a Pastor should be. Love, Peggy, Ronnie & Donna (family of Margaret Fortenberry)

Cassi Burnett(for baptism)

Clarke and Tracy Allen (by letter)James Allen (rededication)

Matt Weaver(for baptism)

Greg Westerkamp(for baptism)

Paige Martinez(for baptism)

Steve Martinez(by letter)

Above, Right: Melinda, Caryn, Ella & Joe Salamy (for baptism)Left: Peter and Midge Young (by letter)Photo Unavailable for: Jonah Smith (rededication),Ellie Glasscox (rededication) and Dana Glasscox (by letter)

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5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

7December Calendar

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 7 AM Prayer Team8, 9:15, 10:45 AM Sunday School & Morning Worship4 PM Praise Makerz Kids Choir through the 1st 5 PM Handbell Rehearsal F.W. Friends (Preschool) through the 5th Bible Drills (Elementary) through the 5th Adult Discipleship Classes

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 6 PM Prayer Meeting (Annex)6:30 Celebration Choir Rehearsal Discipleship Training Refuge (Students) College Bible Study Music Maker (Preschool) through the 15th The Crew (Elementary) through the 15th

December Ministry Staff Weekend Hospital RotationDec. 4-5 - Mike Shaw - Home 663-1788, Cell 283-4749 Dec. 18-19 - Paul Moore - Home 663-0155, Cell 913-5129Dec. 11-12 - Donnie Sisk - Home 620-1157, Cell 567-7475 Dec. 25-26 - Paula Kornegay - 230-8987

9 AMJob Search Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

Vote on the2011 Budget

7 PMDeacons Meeting

11 AMSenior Adult

Visit toNursing Homes

9 AMJob Search Ministry

10 AM - WMU

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

MOPSCHRISTmas

Party

9 AMJob Search Ministry

1 PM “Crafty Chicks”

6 PMUpward Basketball

Practice

Church OfficesClosed

No WednesdayActivities

10-NoonCelebration

ChoirRehearsal

MOPS

6 PMUpward Basketball

Practice 6 PMTrip to the

GaitherHomecoming

Missionary SpeakersFrom Indonesia

All Three Services

6 PM PreschoolHappy Birthday

Jesus Party

CHRISTmas Musical

QuarterlyBusiness Meeting

CHRISTmas Musical

One Morning Service Only (10 AM)

Church OfficesClosed

RefugeCHRISTmas Party

Student Winter RetreatPigeon Forge, Tennessee

December 27-29

Children Sing9:15 & 10:45

3 PMPraise Makerz Caroling Party

6:30Senior AdultFellowship at

The Barn

Last WednesdayNight Meal

PreschoolBreakfast With

The Angelsin Sunday School

and Wiglin’ Worship(9:15 & 10:45)

Choir Rehearsalfor CHRISTmas

Musical

6-9 PMCHRISTmas Musical

Dress Rehearsal

6-9 PMCHRISTmas Musical

Dress Rehearsal

6-9 PMOrchestra Rehearsal 6-9 PM

Technical Rehearsalfor CHRISTmas

Church OfficesClosed

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, PastorRev. Robert Heard, Administrative 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 - - - - - - - - - - - - $ 4.00 Children (12 and under) - $ 3.00 Family maximum (one household) $15.00Reservations: 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.)

Sign up on-line today.