SEPTEMBER ~ 2014

BASTROP CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NEWSLETTER

Pastor’s Perspective

I used to love summers more than I do now. As a school kid, summers were much more enjoyable because it meant the

end of school, going to bed late, getting up late, going on vacations and enjoying a relatively care free life. But summer kind of

loses its luster in adulthood. You still have to go to work, vacations mean spending money and worrying over logistics, and the

heat makes us a prisoner to our air-conditioned homes. As the school year begins again, we can get into somewhat of a comfortable

routine, and even though the kids may dread it, I have seen a lot of “Back to School” photos where the parents were much more

joyful than their kids.

While the summer is a time for churches to rest a bit and give people a break, the school year is the time to get into the

swing of things and there are a variety of activities and ministries offered by the church that I would like to bring your attention to.

The best way to grow in relationship to one another in the church is to get connected outside of the Sunday morning worship expe-

rience.

A great way to stay connected to what is happening in the life of the church is to visit our webpage at

www.bastropcc.org. You will find information on “What’s Happening”, and a page to view sermons, bulletins and newsletters. If

you are on Facebook, search for Bastrop Christian Church and “like” our public page and join our private group where people can

share announcements and prayer requests.

New this fall will be a small groups ministry that will meet on Sunday nights beginning on September 7. We will meet in

the education building at 6pm for a curriculum called “Disciple”. This is for men and women, singles, and couples. There are am-

ple opportunities for the ladies to fellowship on Monday for a study at 1pm or 6:30pm in the education building. They will begin

on September 8th a new study over Gideon. Please make yourselves at home in these ministries. You will be accepted, challenged,

and blessed by your involvement in them.

Of course there are many more things going on in the life of the church so keep your eyes and ears open. If you have any

questions, ideas, thoughts, or feel inspired to do or lead something, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You may call the church at

512-321-6436, my cell 765-307-1535, or email at bastropcc.office@gmail.com.

Grace & Peace,

Ben >

PRAYER CONCERNS

At BCC, we believe in the power and necessity of prayer. We encourage all to use one of the follow-

ing ways to convey your praises or concerns with your church family.

Church Website: www.bastropcc.org or email bastropcc.office@gmail.com

If you would like your name added to the email list to give or receive praises/concerns, contact Barb

Pape at paulandbarb@riverxander.com.

EVENTS

If you like clean comedy, Tim is your man. Come for a “Guy’s Night Out” for some good grub and

even better fellowship!

******************************************

BIBLE STUDIES

Ladies,

We will begin the Fall programs on Monday, September 8th at 1:00 and 6:30. The groups will

meet each Monday of the month. Both groups will be studying

Gideon - Your Weakness, God's Strength by Priscilla Shirer.

Priscilla describes a brief overview of the program about God's use of our weakness: Do you feel

overwhelmed? Inexperienced? Intimidated? Insufficient? Too old? Too young, Too invisible? Too

afraid?

Gideon's story involves far more than a wet fleece and a battle won with 300 soldiers. His epic

victory actually tells of one man's struggle with his own weakness - and the One True God who trans-

formed it into triumph.

BIBLE STUDIES (cont’d)

A new Small Group study called “Disciples” will begin on Sunday, September 7 at 6:00 pm in

the Education Building.

This study is for men, women, couples and families with older youth who want to delve deeper into

God’s Word and discover just what it is to be a disciple.

Anyone interested, may contact Pastor Ben.

**************************

JOIN THE CHOIR!!!

Wednesday 7 : 15 pm

In the sanctuary

*****************************

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!!!

Scott and Rosemary Brummet George Ann Clark Steve and Carol Newman

Janice Zett Bill and Brenda Swinney

Please make a point of getting to know these wonderful people who have chosen US as their

Church family.

*********************************

POT LUCK DINNER

It’s been waaayyy to long since the church family has gathered to share a meal ! And what better

reason to have one than to welcome our newest members. Please mark your calendars for Septem-

ber 28th, following worship. The Church will provide meat and we bring the sides and desserts.

********************************

LADIES BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

Mark your calendar for September 20th, 11:30 at Bassano’s Restaurant. The following

ladies are having a birthday this month: JoAn Long, Karen Chalmers, Sandy Haley,

Darlene Tinkel, and Sandra Robinson. ALL LADIES INVITED!

SPECIAL EVENT

The Honor Choir is coming to sing for us again! Sunday, September 21st, this wonderful group of

young boys and girls, of which one is our very own Ashton Reh. BCC played a role in the fund rais-

ing efforts to send this choir to England this past July. A very memorable trip for all!

We contacted Bill Owens, the music director of this choir, and asked if we could be put on their cal-

endar for another concert. They will be sharing the pieces they sang on that trip. What a treat!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Honor Choir, it is a special group of young people

who are hand selected for their upstanding character and achievements. It is considered an honor to

be invited. They are very dedicated to learning the art of singing and blending as one body of voic-

es. You won’t want to miss it!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OCTOBER 11th

BREAKFAST WITH THE BROTHERS at Texas Grill @ 7:30 am

Followed by

FALL WORK DAY @ 9:00 am

Lunch provided

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SUMMARY OF AUGUST BOARDING MEETING

Committee Reports—Celia appointed Vicki Benson to facilitate the Nominating Committee for next

slate of Deacons. Joseph Clemmons, Mike Montgomery, and Sharon Davenport will also serve.

The Finance Committee will consist of LaWanda Simon, Paul Pape, Brett Mills, Celia Fails and

Doug Benson.

New Business

Paul Pape brought forward that the African Orphanage we now donate to has had a change in lead-

ership and is no longer run in the same morally upright manner. He made a motion to transfer our

support to the Neema House where his brother and wife are ministering. The previous annual do-

nation of $1500 was also approved to be raised to $3000.

Old Business

Celia announced that the closing on the selling of the former parsonage will be August 9, 2014. Af-

ter paying off the current parsonage, BCC will deposit $69,464.70 into our bank account.

The Inspection Report has cited several areas that need attention: Electrical problems in the sanctu-

ary, insulation in the crawl space of the AC unit, loose shingles on roof.

Jerry Davenport to call someone to fix the cooling unit of water fountain.

Paul Pape suggested that BCC show support for the Pregnancy Resource Center by our presence at

their fund raiser on September 11. Tickets are $30 per person. Ben moved that BCC buy tickets with

money from GF and give them to whoever can go. Motion carried.