If you know me very well, you know that I am a bit of a newshound and a history buff. This month those two things converge with one of my other passions: music. I feel as if news is partially the telling of modern history, a report of the events that shape our culture and who we are. Oftentimes the news is very depressing. It’s easy to get dragged down if you don’t have an eternal perspective. I want to share with you one of my favorite Christmas carols, it is a bit depressing if you don’t read all the way through it, kind of like listening to newscasts. The piece is written by Henry W. Longfellow and was written during the Civil War. He was very distressed by the cruel miseries he saw as a result of that war. So, with heaviness of spirit, he put his thoughts into words to create this Christmas carol. Longfellow was one of the most influential American poets of his day, and as such he sought to bring fresh courage and renewed faith to many countrymen who read this poem. There were originally seven stanzas, but today most often only four or five stanzas are published in hymnals. My favorite verse is the fourth, where there is renewed hope and divine encouragement.

I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along th’ unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.

Inside this issue:

Pastoral Cares Ministry 3

Music Ministry 4

Birthdays/Anniversaries 5

Monthly Calendar 6

Real Life 8

Tabernacle Baptist Church

The Trumpet

Special points of

interest:

Annual Business Meeting, December 8

Upward Training, December 17

Soup Kitchen, December 19

Journey to Bethlehem, December 22 & 24

DECEMBER 2013 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 12

And in despair I bowed my head; “There is no peace on earth,” I said; “For hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.” Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth good will to men.” Then ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day — a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth good will to men!

The truth is life can be depressing if you look at the circumstances that surround you. It is seldom that we hear the good things that go on around us. But, this truth is sure: God loves us; He sent His Son; and He is in control of everything that comes our way! God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us! Let the words of that fourth verse be an encouragement to you during this Christmas season and throughout the next year:

God is not dead, nor does He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men!

I wish you the warmest of Christmas blessings, and that no matter what challenges you face during this Christmas season, you remember that you are loved and that God is alive and still on His throne. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Beloved Christmas Carols…………………..…...Rev. Dave Hirschler

Page 2 THE TRUMPET

Page 3 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 12

From Our Pastoral Cares Director As January 2014 is fast approaching, we should take time to reflect on the events that have taken place this past year. We have lost several from our families, friends, and cherished loved ones from our fellowship here at TBC. When I think about what made many of those special, I think of the word faithful and the scripture in Matthew where the master told his servant, “Well done , good and faithful servant.” I believe the act of being faithful

also leads to another very important word which is encouragement. Over the years and even now in the present, I have been greatly encouraged by those who are and have been faithful in their service to the Lord. I think of the faithful Sunday school teachers, those you see most every Sunday in worship service, those who are always ready to serve in any manner, and those who can no longer be with us on a regular basis but who are holding us

up in prayer. As we move forward into the coming year, I would ask you to join me in asking ourselves, “Am I being faithful; am I being an encouragement to someone? Will Jesus say to me, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant?’” As this Christmas season approaches, I would like to say “thank you” to all those who have encouraged me, and may we all have a blessed season celebrating the birth of Christ. May God bless us,

Tim Mash

For the Kids

Page 4 THE TRUMPET

From the Music Director “Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.”

(song lyrics by Mark Lowry)

I wonder what Mary thought when she found out she was carrying a child. The Bible tells us in Luke that Mary was greatly troubled, and the angel told her not to be afraid. She then said:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

I wonder what Mary thought after she gave birth to the Messiah. The MESSIAH. Luke further tells us that:

“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Treasured. Cherished. Held dear. Pondered. Reflected. Meditated. I remembered when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. I didn't feel any different physically. (Boy, would that change!) Then I remember the moment I first felt him move. Suddenly, it seemed so REAL! I loved that baby from that moment on with a love that is indescribable. I thanked God for the gift He gave us and promised to raise our child to know Him. I treasured that gift! I cherished that baby and held him dear. Now that baby is 23 years old and a servant of the Lord. As I ponder and reflect, meditating on that wonderful gift from God 23 years ago, I realize God has a calling on my son’s life and that that calling may lead him away from "home." I love Jesse with all my heart and would LOVE for him to stay in Chillicothe, but I also know I gave Him back to God a long time ago. Whatever plans God may have for my son, here or somewhere else, is far greater than any (selfish) plan I could have for him. So go, Jesse. Go and make disciples. Tell them of Jesus and His miraculous birth! Tell them of Mary and how she treasured and pondered all she experienced! May your Christmas be filled with treasures that you cherish and hold dear. May you ponder, reflect, and meditate on God’s greatest gift to you – the MESSIAH, His Son, Jesus. Love and blessings to all! Shirley

7 Don & Ginny Proehl

8 John & Rose Malone

11 Steve & Mary Schmidt

12 Chris & Christie Etling

17 Bryan & Barbie Young

19 Drew & Tammy Aquino

21 Rick & Tina Schreiber

23 Richard & Sandy Brown

24 Bob & Evelyn Bowers

29 Dave & Serla Hirschler

31 Frank & Janet Kelly

Gene & Dianna Oliver

8 Ralph Aquino

10 Cindy Carver

Kasandra Dalton

Johnnie Johnson

Rhonda Lemaster

11 Julia Hacker

14 Jennifer Bennett

Nick Pinnix

15 Susie Henkle

18 Andrew Buchanan

James Garner

Caleb Keeton

Roger Oney

19 Ella Anderson

Ruth Irwin

Linda Kinsey

Stephen Krouse

20 Doug Caplinger

1 Gayle Evans

Marjorie Kimbler

Ralph Penisten

Joshua Reisinger

2 Leo Arnold

Anthony Ashton

Elizabeth Miller

3 Bruce Hambrick

5 Nate Bowman

Glenda Cornett

Rick Hamilton

6 Celena Dally

Morgan Rhoades

Katie Sanders

7 Pat Brantley

Debbie Hamilton

Sam Kelly

Vicki Schobelock

Henry Walter

21 Mark Madder

Nancy Ross

22 Anna Reisinger

23 Leslie Aquino

24 Lucy Easterday

25 Christina Miller

26 Ron Cubbage

27 John Bost

Laura Wettersten

29 Nancy Ames

John Malone

Laurel Mottie

30 Marianna Phillips

31 Bob Green

Ada McGehee

Happy December Anniversary!

Happy December Birthday!

Page 5 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 12

November's Soup Kitchen was truly a

blessing. We served 172 meals!

Thank you so much for your

donations and for those who helped

prep, serve, and clean up. Now we

ask for your help with December's

Soup Kitchen. We are in need of the

Soup Kitchen Update following: Cans of Sweet Potatoes/

Yams--we used 21 cans for November

and still ran out! We also need

volunteers to help us for December's

meal. There is a sign-up sheet on the

bulletin board in Lusher Hall for

helpers and a sheet for those who

wish to donate a home-made dessert

(cakes, pies, cobblers, brownies and

cookies). The SK committee is so

blessed that our congregation is a part

of this ministry. Thank you, dear ones.

Debbie May

December 2013

*Indicates same activity on following weeks.

Good Samaritan and Love Gift Offerings are taken the first Sunday of every month.

Reminder: Articles or items for “The Trumpet” must be delivered to the Main Office no later than the 25th of the month previous to the issue in which you wish the information to be included. You may e-mail them to diana@mytabernacle.org

THE TRUMPET Page 6

Check out our web site for a more detailed calendar.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Communion *8:30 Worship *9:45 Sunday School *11:00 Worship *3:00 Youth Praise Team Reh. *6:00 Puppet Team *6:30 Bible Study *7:00 Teen Open Gym

2 *9:30 Senior Saints’ Exercise *6:00 Men’s Basketball

3 *9:00 Ladies’ Aerobics

4 *9:00 Ladies’ Aerobics *4:00 Real Life Open Gym *6:00 Prayer Meeting *6:20 AWANA *6:30 Real Life *6:30 Bible Study *6:30 Choir Rehearsal

5 *9:30 Senior Saints’ Exercise

6 *9:00 Ladies’ Aerobics

7 2:00 Christmas Party (Private)

8 6:30 Business Mtg.

9 6:30 Finance Team

10 6:30 Church Council

11 12 4:00 AHG Formal 5:00 31 Party

13 14

15 16 6:30 Mission & Outreach Team

17 6:00 Deacon/Deaconess Teams 6:30 C. E. Team 6:30 Trustee Team

18 No Awana/Real Life

19 4:00 Soup Kitchen

20 21 6:30 Disciples Class

22 7:00 Journey to Bethlehem

23 24 7:00 Journey to Bethlehem

25 Christmas

26

Office Closed

27 Church Closed

28

29 30

31

Page 7 VOLUME 28 ISSUE 12

Angel Tree Help us help others! The Angel Tree will be up November 24, December 1 & 8. Take an envelope from the tree, put your donation in it, then place the

envelope in the offering plate or send it to the church office. All donations will be used to help others during this Christmas season. If you need more

information or have any questions, please contact Karen Facemire (701-4739).

Christmas Poinsettias We will once again be decorating the sanctuary with poinsettias. Money for poinsettias for the altar during the Christmas season will be taken on Sunday, December 1st and December

8th. They will be $10.00 each, and envelopes will be in the pews. Be sure to indicate how many you are purchasing and in whose honor/memory they are being given. If you

have any questions, contact Charlene Green at 775-3936.

Upward We are so excited to announce that it's almost that time again! Registration is open for Upward Basketball, and the season starts in January! Please spread the information and invite families to join us! We have plenty of room for volunteers, too. We have positions for coaches, referees, announcers, prayer partners, and more! We have

training available, and no experience is necessary. Coach and Referee training will be available at Brookside on Saturday, December 14, and at Tabernacle on Tuesday, December 17. This is a dynamic, energetic and hands-on ministry! If you're looking for a ministry where you can have a direct impact on kids and families, this is

it! Please come and join our Upward family, or come by on Saturdays and cheer on the kids! If you have any questions, or want more information, contact Allen Hawk (740-600-5029) or Jessica Hawk (740-851-0901) or email upwardinfo@mytabernacle.org

Student Ministry Project Our Student Ministry will be collecting warm socks and glove/mittens which will be distributed to those attending the December Soup Kitchen. If you

would like to donate either of these items (or both) for this special ministry, please put them in the box in the Grand Concourse designated for this purpose.

These are needed for men, women, and children.

From the Ukraine Team We would like to say “thank you” for all you did in helping send us to Ukraine this year. Because of your partnership and generosity, the “gospel” was shared with many. Seeds were planted; first time decisions were

made; one church was strengthened; one church was planted; and relationships were built. Please join us this CHRISTmas season as we pray for those that accepted CHRIST into their hearts and will experience for the first

time the real reason for the season! Merry CHRISTmas, Dave, Allen, Charlie, Karen,

Heather, Sarah, and Kim

From the Sunday School Staff The Sunday school staff is once again taking donations for the staff Christmas gift. We will be accepting

your gifts through December 22nd. Please bring your contribution to a

Sunday school class or to anyone in the Sunday school office. Thanks

Phone: 740-774-2224 Fax: 740-772-6623 E-mail: info@mytabernacle.org

Tabernacle Baptist Church

Our Purpose

Winning the Lost

Making Disciples

Touching the

Hurting

Growing together as

Family

Celebrating Jesus

Christ together

We’re on the Web!

www.mytabernacle.org

221 East Main Street Chillicothe, OH 45601

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Chillicothe, OH 45601

Permit No. 66

A thief is only there

to steal and kill and

destroy. I came so

they can have real

and eternal life,

more and better life

than they ever

dreamed of.

John 10:10

Real Life Happenings…………………...Rev. Dave Hirschler

Often, I look back at my time in the Real Life youth group—how fun it was, how everyone was a strong, cohesive group, and how we were all impacted because of Christ. I find that it was an amazing time in my life and would absolutely LOVE to go back and “re-live” those memories. Now, however, I am out of the youth group and am of college age. Recently, the Young Adults (Collegians) class has started to become more structured and more organized. We are delving into studies that are written for college students at major universities. These studies are extremely well made, and they pose a lot of good discussion questions. These studies have helped me become closer to God, as well as the other people in the class. I am still able to keep up with my friends, and this is a great way to do it. The Collegians class has also started up a small group Bible study at OUC (Ohio University-Chillicothe). This is a perfect way for us to be able to live and share our faith in the real world. It allows us to be open to

other students who wonder what we are all about, and for them to join in. I believe this is a great way to impact our community and potentially expand our Sunday School class. Our small group Bible studies focus on the same themes as our Sunday School class, while using the same curriculum. The discussions brought on by the passage lead to some great spiritual conversations, and about where we are in our lives. I feel that learning and spiritual growth should not stop for us (collegians) after we exit the Real Life program. It should be a continuous stream of learning and improvement. We still need others to help us grow in Christ, and this new collegians class and Bible study is a perfect way to help nourish our souls and our relationship with God. I earnestly pray that students who are graduating, or those who have already graduated, come to the Collegians class and get plugged in because it is a great way for them to continue their walk with Christ.

From Real Life to Collegians by Luke Benning