Tates Creek Current

December 2014

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 2

Contact Tates Creek Christian 3150 Tates Creek Road Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 266-1621 office@tatescreek.org

Visit Onlinewww.tatescreek.orgfacebook.com/tatescreekcc

Worship Sunday Traditional - 8:30 am Blended - 9:50 am The Vine - 11:10 am Sunday School - 8:30, 9:50, 11:10 am Evening - 6:30 pm Wednesday Oasis Meal - 5:45 pm Oasis Classes - 6:45 pm

Staff Tommy Simpson Kim Beckwith Don Seevers Mike Allen Brad Haggard Matt Lee Lesley Tipton David Eversole Billy Bishop

Office Staff Kim Jones Jenni Gregg Rhoda Rolfes Vicki Wesley

Contents

Feature Article 10 “The Greatest Story”

In Every Issue 3-7 Minister Articles 9 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule 13-17 Minister Articles 18 October Statistics 19 New Members 20 Calendar

Ministry News 11 Angel Tree

Information for 2015 12

Events 8-9

MissionTates Creek Christian Church exists to win

people to Christ (evangelism), build up believersin faith, knowledge, and service (encouragement),

to help those in need (benevolence), and to stand up for Christian values in the community (witness).

John 3:16 is very familiar to most of us, if not all of us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (NASB) This verse strongly proclaims God’s unconditional love for all people, and in doing so, declares the worth that God places upon each person. God highly values every person He has created. Another verse which captures God’s heart for every person is Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (NASB) This verse reminds me of the story of a little boy who went to the pet store. While he was there, he asked the owner if he had any puppies for sale. The owner brought out several puppies. While these puppies were running through the aisle, one little puppy lagged far behind. He was making his way, but keeping up with the other puppies was impossible. The puppy that lagged far behind caught the attention of the little boy. He asked the store owner how much that particular puppy cost. The owner of the store shared with the boy that because the puppy had a physical handicap and could not run and play like the rest of the puppies he could just have him, free of charge. The boy was a bit indignant. He said the little puppy was just as important and valuable as the rest. Again, the owner shared with the little boy that he could have him for free. At this point, the little boy lifted up his pant leg to reveal a brace on his leg. Then, the boy said that he understood where the handicapped puppy was coming from and was going to pay full price for the puppy. The owner of the store completely understood now how the little boy was thinking and accepted full payment for the handicapped puppy. As sinners before God, we are all handicapped by our sin. God’s love highly values us and takes care of our sin handicap through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the simple message of Christmas! John 3:16 also carries with it a very special memory for me. It was the very first Bible verse I memorized. I learned it by heart for a part in the Children’s Program in the little country church where I grew up. I memorized the verse because my Dad & Mom would have it no other way. I would not be reading the verse, but saying it from memory! In addition to quoting this verse, there are many other ways to communicate God’s unconditional love to people ~ learning their name; a smile; a handshake; a touch on the shoulder; a hug; a visit; a note; a meal shared together; an invitation to church. When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate God’s unconditional love! We celebrate His immeasurable grace! We celebrate His Son, Jesus Christ! May our celebration communicate God’s unfailing love for people! Merry Christmas! ~Tommy tommy@tatescreek.org

Tidbits from Tommy

3Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 4

Senior Adults We are now started into our “What If…” campaign and as I was recently considering my own participation I was reminded of something I read some time ago. I reprint it here as I think it is appropriate and timely.

Tony Campolo, Christian speaker and author, tells of being a guest at a Christian Women’s Club. At the meeting, the president read an appeal letter from a missionary who needed $4,000 for an immediate need. After reading the heart-rending letter, the president said, “I’m going to ask our guest speaker, Mr. Campolo, to lead us in prayer that God will meet the need of this dear missionary. Brother Campolo, would you pray?” He said, “No.” The president was stunned. (Campolo is the Don Rickles of the ministry – bold, abrasive.) “No, I won’t pray for God to meet the needs of this missionary. But I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give every dime of cash I have in my pockets and place it on the table. I’m asking each of you to do the same. If we don’t have $4,000, I’ll pray for God to meet their needs.” “You have a point, Mr. Campolo. We should give sacrificially. We get the point, don’t we girls?” Again Mr. Campolo said, “No, I’m not just trying to make a point. I challenge you to give what you have now. No credit cards, no checks.” He then emptied his wallet. Reluctantly, 300 women emptied their purses. The amount laid on the table was well over $4,000. Campolo said, “You see, we didn’t need to pray that God would provide the resources. It was already there. We just had to pray to let go.”

As we soon conclude our 40 days of prayer for our campaign we should consider the message that Women’s club received that day. If we do, and if we pray to let go, our “What If…” will no doubt become “What is!”

In Him, ~Bro. Kim kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org

3650 +, 1040 +, 50 +What do these numbers mean?

The number 3,650+ represents the number of days I have lived in Lexington; the number 1,040+ is the number of worship services I have planned (Traditional & Blended) for Tates Creek Christian Church; and 50+ stands for the number of special concerts/services I have planned and led over the last 10 years. My ministry with

you is the longest amount of time I have served in one place over the last 41 years when I started my first youth ministry. I was privileged to serve a college and church in Cincinnati for almost 9 years and another church in Florida for 8 1/2 years. In other words, a significant amount of my earthly life has been spent with you as a worship minister. In some ways, it has passed by quickly. I am grateful for my time with you and pray that God gives us many more days together. Ten years is a long time, yet a drop in the bucket when it comes to eternity with fellow believers and our Heavenly Father. May He bring us all together forever where we cannot begin to count the days! I have always loved our celebrations of the Birth of Christ here at Tates Creek Christian Church. This year is no exception as we have a good variety of concert and worship opportunities. Please mark down the following dates and keep us all in your prayers as we prepare:

December 6, 3:00 PM OLLI @ UK Chorus Holiday Concert

December 7, 6:30 PM Children’s Choirs Christmas Musical “An Unplugged Christmas”

December 14, 3:30 & 6:30 PM Worship Choir, Orchestra, & Narrators present “The Winter Rose”

December 21, 6:30 PM ~ An Instrumental Celebration of Christmas featuring our keyboard accompanists and the

Rejoicing Ringers Hand Bell Choir

December 24, 4:30 & 6:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Candle Lighting ~ Don don@tatescreek.org

5Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Don’s Dynamics

Don’t Miss It It is hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon us. The days are getting shorter, the store hours are getting longer, and the number on the scale is getting higher because it seems all we do between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is eat.

This time of year is … well… just exhausting. Think of all the things that have to be done. Everything from running the kids to Christmas program after Christmas program, waiting in line to see Santa, followed by countless get-togethers, and not to mention the hours of “last-minute” shopping. Too many things to get done and not enough time to do them. This is the average Christmas season for many Americans today. When it is all over, we blink, and we wonder where it all went. This is way too common today, so this Christmas season I beg you not to miss it. Do not miss it! But, I’m sure the first Christmas was busy too. Think about it, all those people trying to get into Bethlehem at once. I can imagine it now, one wife saying to her husband, “Sweetheart, we are running late. We need to leave for Bethlehem tonight.” Her husband then saying, “Darling, we don’t have to be there for another week, it’s only a day’s journey.” I say this jokingly, but people were busy during that time as well. There was a census that was taken, and everyone had to be somewhere. People were so focused on the tasks that needed to be done, that no one would help a pregnant woman in labor. These individuals missed out on the greatest birth to ever take place because they were concerned about tasks and comfort. They missed it. They absolutely missed it. During my time at Tates Creek Christian Church, I’ve learned many things. But the greatest thing I have learned is time management and priorities. It is easy to get into the monotony of everyday life and forget the reasons why you perform certain tasks in the first place. It is at that moment when it’s time to step back and reflect on why these tasks are taking so much time. Are they as important as they seem to be? What is the greater purpose? This is something that I’ve learned during my internship. What are my priorities, and does my time reflect what I deem my priorities to be? Or, am I missing it? Don’t miss the true meaning and importance of this

Christmas season because of the overwhelming tasks and events on the calendar. Just don’t miss it.

In Christ’s Love, ~Kyle Knarr

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 6

Preaching Intern Kyle Knarr

Adrian and Jennifer Fehl, our missionaries who serve in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will spend most of the month of December in Lexington with the TCCC family. The Fehls and their children will be living in the mission house from December 8-29. Jennifer’s parents plan to join them in Lexington for the Christmas holidays. Following their time in Lexington, they will be located in Cincinnati at Cincinnati Christian University’s campus as missionaries in residence.

Adrian is the team leader of the Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF)-Ethiopia Church Planting Team and the primary liaison with the leadership of CMF’s national partner church, the Kristos Andinet Church. Adrian travels from Addis Ababa to various remote locations in Ethiopia to teach, preach, and encourage both the national Christians and members of the CMF church planting team. Our living link missionaries, Travis and Emily Weeks, are a part of that team.

While in Addis Ababa, Jennifer provided a home school for their children and coordinated the Home School Program offered by Bingham Academy. In that role, she supervised a group of 120 students who were involved in home schools throughout Ethiopia. The Fehl children include Addison (17), Mallory (15), Darby (12), and Ethan (10). Plan to include the Fehls in your church groups and activities and learn more about their ministry in Ethiopia.

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Missions Moment Fehl Family

7

Pray for all of our MissionariesEthiopia ~ Travis & Emily Weeks, Adrian & Jennifer Fehl

Tanzania ~ Steve & Doretha LimieroGlobal Community Health Evangelism ~ Judy Fish

Kenya ~ Shawn & Kristin RedfordMexico ~ Sergio & Holly Alvarado, Greg & Vicki Syverson

U.S. ~ New York City ~ Jonathan & Jubi Williams

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 8

Senior Adult EventsAdult Bible Study

Wednesdays ~ 10:30 am Room 200A

Better With Age Club Thursday, December 18

10:30 am ~ Fellowship HallBring side dishes, salad, or

dessert to share.

Angel TreeIt’s Angel Tree time again!! The tree is in the Main Foyer and filled with names of children in need this Christmas season. The names of the children come from Russell Cave Church of Christ, the area that Russell Cave Church of Christ serves, and from Julius Marks Elementary. If you would like to sponsor a child, select an angel and PLEASE SIGN UP on the sheet provided, giving your name and phone number. All gifts will need to be wrapped, labeled, and returned by December 17. Contact Mary Furnish at 219-9111 for more information.

Candlelight Services

December 244:30 & 6:30 pm

Invite your friends and family to

celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Card BoxThe drop-off boxes will be outside the prayer room at

building entrance A. Please put your cards in alphabetical order.

Drop-off dates areNovember 23 - December 19

Pick-up your cards beginningDecember 21

Room In The Inn Homeless Ministry

We are currently hosting our guests during these cold winter

months on the second and fourth Thursdays.

If you can help with this ministry in any way, please contact Chris

Lee at 859-684-7240.We are specifically in need of

someone to help drive the van to pick-up and drop-off our guests.

9Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

December 7Elders: Mike Mirre, Larry HitchnerDeacons: Brian Hogston, Greg KastenAshland Terrace: Henry EvansHome Comm: Steven Clem, Steve Mullins, Bill BurkeComm. Prep: (Sat.) David & Paula Rankin(After Trad Srv) Chris Dennison(After Blnd & Cont) Chris DennisonDecember 14Elders: Willie Peal, Mike MirreDeacons: Bill Johnson, Keith WertzAshland Terrace: Greg KastenHome Comm: Henry Evans, Greg Kasten Stuart KearnsComm. Prep: (Sat.) Boyd & Wanda Johnson(After Trad Srv) David & Sheila Waits(After Blnd & Cont) David & Sheila WaitsDecember 21Elders: Nathan Young, Willie PealDeacons: David Straub, Stuart KearnsAshland Terrace: Stuart KearnsHome Comm: Keith Wertz, Brian Hogston, Harold ButlerComm. Prep:(Sat.) Jack & Linda White(After Trad Srv) Michael & Dana McReynolds(After Blnd & Cont) Beth ByersDecember 28Elders: Bill Clem, Nathan YoungDeacons: Harold Butler, Jonathan CliftonAshland Terrace: Keith WertzHome Comm: Ed Hall, Chris Lee, David MartinComm. Prep:(Sat.) Jack & Linda White(After Trad Srv) Rick & Leeann Layne(After Blnd & Cont) Rick & Leeann Layne

Communion Serving Schedule Christmas Programs 2014

December 6 - 3 pm OLLI Chorus Holiday Concert

December 7 - 6:30 pmChildren’s Choir Musical

“An Unplugged Christmas”

December 14 - 3:30 & 6:30 pmWorship Choir/Orchestra Cantata

“The Winter Rose”

December 21 - 6:30 pmInstrumental Celebration of Christmas presented by our

keyboard accompanists and the Rejoicing Ringers Hand Bell Choir

The Greatest Story Ever ToldNever Gets Old!

As Tates Creek quickly advances toward the Christmas season, adults and young people diligently prepare for the various musical, drama, and pagent-type presentations. While the participants take joy in sharing with

the whole congregation, we tend to gravitate toward those programs which suit our particular preference or where we feel a family or friend obligation to be there. Unfortunately, many of our “saints” are unable to attend and cannot understand how others choose to avoid these programs altogether!

Beyond our desires to support our church family how do we, the audience, benefit from attending each one of these special services? Through the eyes of children, we sense the gentleness and innocence of Christmas in its purest form, while from teens, we experience a fresh and hopeful perspective on God’s greatest gift. In the various vocal and orchestration messages from our adults, the glory and majesty capture our very souls while the candle-lit Christmas Eve services quietly prepare our hearts to welcome our Savior. By taking in all of our Christmas programs, you can experience the Christmas story in its completeness, having witnessed accounts from various perspectives and unique manner. Some of my most treasured memories are centered around Christmas programs of the past. It is my desire that we will all find the benefit and blessing of attending our Christmas events, looking beyond a sense of obligation and allowing our hearts to be filled with the Greatest Story Ever Told!

~ Mary Brown TCCC Worship Committee

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 10

The Greatest Story

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org11

Angel TreeWhat does the Angel Tree mean to me?

The Angel Tree Ministry has been a blessing for the families of the Russell Cave Community for many years. We have so many children in need that truly benefit from it. As a single mother, it has been difficult raising my daughter on my own and Christmas time is tough because it is important for me to pay all of my “necessary bills” (such as electric, water, gas, housing, food etc.) first before I can do any shopping for Christmas.

I am a very independent person so I don’t ask for help often. But years ago, someone said to me “you need to learn to accept the blessings that God gives to you”. It really made me think because so many times I pray for help then continue to try to do things on my own strength instead of God’s strength. Being a receiver of the Angel Tree Ministry has been a humbling experience for me because the love and spirit of giving has come through for me many years when I really needed help. I have such beautiful memories of my daughter’s excited little face as she opened the Angel Tree gifts under the tree with her name on them and it was so comforting to know that she was happy and blessed beyond measure.

So, what does the Angel Tree Ministry mean to me? Well, the scriptures tell us in Hebrews 13:16 (NIV) “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The Angel Tree Ministry has done just this. Over the years, many of the Tates Creek Christian Church families have willingly sacrificed and shared with those who are less fortunate and I know that God is pleased. I just want to say THANKS SO MUCH to all of you for being a blessing to my family and to the families of the Russell

Cave Community that you have touched over the years. We do appreciate you and may your giving spirit of love and kindness continue to touch hearts during this holiday season and always.

~ Many Blessings, Taylor’s Mom

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 12

Coming in 2015

From the Church Office

Beginning with the next edition of the Tates Creek Current, you will see some new features as we strive to make this communication piece something that will last all month. We want this to be more devotional in nature, something that you can read a little at a time to help you through your days and weeks between our times together in worship and study. Each monthly issue will have a central theme around which all the articles will revolve; the ministers’ articles, the feature article, and some new weekly devotional articles written by members and friends of the Tates Creek Family. These themes have also been planned and selected to correspond with the planned teaching and preaching schedule for the year 2015. Because this new Current will be designed to last the whole month, we will be mailing a paper copy to each member and regular attender family. We will still be sending the electronic version as well, but we want you to have the paper copy as a reference and a devotional aide throughout each month. We hope you will join us in anticipating this improvement as we strive to continue growing together. Also, with the increased focus and emphasis on the monthly Current, we will be making an adjustment in our delivery of the weekly Herald newsletter. Beginning in January, the weekly Herald will be delivered only electronically, no more mailing. We will print some paper copies and have them available for pickup at the church on Wednesdays and Sundays for those desiring a paper copy. This will save the church a good amount of money in printing, paper, and postage, and better reflect how many people communicate today. Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to seek God’s “What If…” together!

If you are making a regular or special online contribution at the end of the year, please do so early in December to ensure the transaction clears the banks

involved and the credit can be given on your 2014 giving statement.

Pulpit flower request forms for 2015 are now available at the Welcome Center. If you would like to provide pulpit flowers, please complete the form, leave it in the binder, and we will place the order for you. Cost this year will be $45.

13Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Justin Miller - Youth InternLessons from Behind the Scenes

Working in a church full time has been a great and challenging journey. Some days are fast paced and full of high energy. Other days seem slow and things just aren’t working the way you planned. One of the things that I never saw from the outside was how much work ministers do. As a kid, I always thought a youth minister’s job was to just hang out with kids and have fun. I realized this understanding wasn’t wrong, but I never took into account the other 40 plus hours of the week they worked. One of the most important things I have learned at Tates Creek is to keep yourself spiritually fed, never stop yearning to grow. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in “Doing” and forget about “Growing”. When I came to Tates Creek, I was challenged to read scripture for 1 hour a day, and it has been such a key to the ministry that I have done here. I have a better understanding of the verse in Matthew 18:3 when Jesus says we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless we become like little children. Kids are carefree and not ashamed. Working with the kids has made me rethink my views on immaturity versus purity and innocence. We may look at what kids do as immature and silly, but it may be pure innocence. I think that’s what Jesus wants from adults who have a disconnect with the ability to be free like a child. Lastly, I learned that it is ok to say “I don’t know”. Growing up, I said this phrase so much, my mom said it would be etched on my gravestone. I have learned, however, that sometimes we are not given answers and ministers are just followers of Jesus like every other Christian. Reading through scripture there are many references that tell us we can’t know everything or that God’s thoughts and ways are different and higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). Coming to terms with this gives me a peace that even though I do not know all the answers, I follow a God who does. As I head back to Johnson to finish up school, I will take many of these helpful lessons, apply them to my life, and hopefully help other people as I continue in ministry. During this Christmas season, I challenge you with another important lesson I have learned here, which is service. Service is helping where there is a need. Jesus showed us this example in John 13:1-20. Continue striving to grow in Christ and striving to be more like Him in all you do. Merry Christmas ~ Justin Miller

Jesus . . . the Humble King Many of us have heard and read the Christmas story from the Bible so many times that it almost, I did say ALMOST, has become cliché. With the commercialization of Christmas and the season surrounding it, it has become very easy to try to seek

joy in material things rather than the wonderful gift that God gave in his son Jesus. Sometimes we struggle to find meaning around Christmas time outside of the meaning the world assigns to it this time of year. Well, maybe many of you have thought of this before, but I’d like to share something that has always stuck out to me about the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. It is a very simple thing, but for me, it applies to much of my personal life. I’m talking about how God sent Jesus as a humble king. There wasn’t really pomp and circumstance or fanfare surrounding Jesus’ birth. He was born in a stable and found his bed atop the hay in a manger. Not quite the scene you would imagine for the Son of God! But doesn’t the scene surrounding Jesus’ birth tell us so much about him? When we look at his teachings about the first being the last and the last being the first, about being humble and being a servant, doesn’t the scene surrounding His birth resonate with those teachings that he gave later in his life? From the very beginning, even though for us IT IS all about JESUS, for Him, it was all about others. I think about the way Jesus interacted with lost people throughout the gospels, and I see how His humility helped win them over. He spoke the truth, but He spoke it in LOVE. We need to be people who reflect the humility of Christ. When we speak to lost people, we need not speak to them as one who feels like we have all the answers or have it all together. We need to speak as those who were lost but now are found. As those who have been changed by the blood of the one who is far greater than us. As those who once found OURSELVES in a place of separation from God. Maybe through this holiday season you will even come into contact with family members or close friends who do not yet find their hope in Jesus. This year, let’s not use our words on social media or in conversations to complain about how Christmas has lost its meaning. Instead, through our humility, our service, and our love for others, lets point people to the humble king, Jesus Christ!

~Mike mike@tatescreek.org

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 14

Colleg

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ike Allen

The Father’s Gift Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” John 14:23-24 In the midst of our discussion on obedience last month I was struck by one of the students mentioning that at times it was easier to obey their grandparents than their parents. The reason was the role the grandparents had was to spoil the grandkids, while parents had the task of putting rules and limits on their children. The student wanted to please their grandparents because of everything they had given them, but resisted the restrictions of parents. As we talked about this, it struck me that God’s preferred method of relating to us is as a father and not a grandfather.

During Christmas we see Jesus as the gift that God offers to us, and that is rightly so. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is a gift, and our salvation through Him is a gift that we could never repay. The giving doesn’t end there, though. God’s gracious gift is not merely a handout. God calls all of us to be His children.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.Romans 8:14

If we are all uniquely called to relationship with God through baptism, then it is true that God has no grandchildren. And part of the gift of salvation is that we are called to obey His commands, such as the command to make disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. Perhaps obedience is the best gift we can give back to our Father this Christmas!

~ Brad brad@tatescreek.org

15Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Student Ministry

Brad H

aggard

Chuck and Brian Are Making A Difference What do a man that works for Toyota and a man that works for the United States Post Office have in common? In the case of Chuck Burress and Brian Long they have many things in common. They both are family men. They both have 2 daughters. They both

love football. However, neither of them would have predicted they would have a passion to serve in one specific way. Both of these men are making a HUGE difference as leaders in the Kindergarten-1st grade Boys Sunday School class. Chuck started serving earlier this fall as a new main leader of K1 boys. He wasn’t sure how well he would like it or if they would get along well. When Chuck and his family came to TCCC he first tried serving in the high school group since that’s where his sons were. He learned there that this wasn’t where he “fit” in service so when asked about trying the K1 boys he decided he would give it his best shot! In some ways he just jumped right in. The first few weeks were a little tricky as the boys tested him out as a leader and Chuck gauged how each boy was eager to learn. After about a month of being together though, Chuck figured out some secrets and the boys loved it when he just became himself. The result… Chuck loved it too!

Brian’s path was a little different. He started in the class as an assistant, but when there was a shortage one month he was asked to be a main leader. Brian wasn’t sure he was ready to lead, but knew God had something special for him. He agreed to lead and Chuck volunteered to assist him. From the sounds

outside the door on Brian’s first Sunday leading though it was clear he had found his spot! The boys were laughing. They were connecting. The best part, because of Brian’s willingness to let God lead him… Brian was learning and laughing, too. To say that as a children’s minister I am inspired by volunteers who “get” what we do in the elementary ministry would be an understatement. In fact, I LOVE IT! I love knowing that when Chuck and Brian are together something special is going to happen in the growth of the K1 Boys! God is using these two MEN to make

a huge difference in the lives of 9 little boys!

~ Matt matt@tatescreek.org

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 16

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Critterland News We will most certainly be talking about the Christmas story during the month of December in Critterland. While the story always remains the same, we try to tell it a little bit differently each year. This year we are focusing on different people telling others about Jesus. “Why is Jesus special?” Easy, right? “Because Jesus is God’s son!” Such a simple message, but there are still those who don’t know this truth. The children in Critterland may be small, but they know there are people that don’t know who Jesus is, and they are always very excited to tell others what they know. We are teaching them a very important verse this month for their memory prizes, one that always helps open doors to the story of His birth.

“God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.” John 3:16.

Remember to help the little ones with their verse so they can receive their special prizes. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year! ~ Lesley lesley@tatescreek.org

17Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Preschool M

inistry Lesley T

ipton

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 18

Sunday School Average Attendance

October 2014YouthInfants 7Walkers 72 - 5 Year Old 15 K - 1st grade 182nd - 3rd grade 26Garage 45 17Middle & High School 44

AdultAlpha/Omega 6Ashland Terrace 8Christians in Action 20Crusaders 52Early Bird 8:30 am 4Faith 13Fellowship of Believers 16FOCUS 17Generations of Faith 23Good News 25Grace & Truth 51Grass Roots 14Heaven Bound 12In The Word 22Open Bible 61Psalm 34:3 6Reach 15Seekers 10Servants for Christ 23Upper Room 12Willing Workers 32

Miscellaneous 9Officers 3

Total 583

October Worship Attendance & Giving

Total General Fund 5th 748 $30,999.12th 749 $28,801.19th 714 $21,697.26th 728 $24,187.

IndebtednessMortgage Balance, Oct. 31 $1,522,886.

Monthly Payment (Nov. 1) $12,888. Principal $8,626. Interest $4,262. Add’l Principal $0.

General Fund Report2014 Budgeted Need per week $29,407.2014 Average per week $27,591.

October Total Income $105,684.October Total Expenses $114,015.Net Shortfall ($8,331.)

To give online anytime or setup a recurring online gift, visit our website at www.tatescreek.org and click on “Giving”.

% of Dollars Given Online15%

Funds Totals for October

Deacons’ Fund $1,799.Growing to Serve $11,964.

Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

Andrea KleinBaptized October 29

Landon Lile

Baptized November 2

Gary ColemanTransfer November 2

New MembersWe rejoice with Andrea on her recent baptism. She was raised in the Lutheran church but has been attending Tates Creek for about a year. After a teaching call with Tommy, she realized the importance of immersion. Gail Morrison was also an encourgement to her in this decision. Encourage Andrea to “let her light shine” as it says in her favorite Bible verse in Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

After the passing of his Papaw, Landon wanted to know that he would see his Papaw again. Landon knew he needed Jesus, so he studied and completed the “rescue manual” that Matt Lee gave him. He was ready to be baptized. His favorite verse is John 3:16, he said “It helps me understand more about salvation and walking with Christ.” Landon and his family have been attending here for 5 years and he attends school at Lexington Christian Academy. Be sure to encourage Landon on his new journey with Christ.

Gary has worked as a Dentist in the Lexington area for many years and has been attending Tates Creek for 8 years. He was raised in a Christian home and knew is was time to be baptized when he returned home from his service in the military. Sherwood Evans was instrumental in helping Gary with that inportant decision. Gary is now involved with the Grace and Truth Class. Please help us to continue to encourage Gary in his walk with Christ.

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Calendar ~ December 20141 Elders’ Meeting, 6pm, 200D1 Orchestra rehearsal, 6:15 pm, WC

3 Worship Choir, 6 pm, 200A-B3 Children’s Choir, 6:30 pm, WC

4 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm

5 Middle School Event, 8 pm, UP5 Crusaders fellowship, 6:30 pm, FH

6 & 20 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 1026 Open Bible fellowship, 11:30 am, FH6 OLLI Holiday Concert, 3 pm, WC

7 Monthly Ministry Teams7 Worship Choir, 4 pm, 200A-B7 Children’s Christmas Program, 6:30 pm, WC

8 Orchestra rehearsal, 6:15 pm, WC8 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 1048 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh

9 MOPS, 9 am, FH9 Tabitha Circle, 7 pm

10 Choir & Orchestra dress rehearsal 6:45 pm, WC

12 Elem. Caroling/Party, 6 pm, UP

14 FOB Fellowship, 12:30 pm, FH14 Adult Choir Christmas Program, 3:30 & 6:30 pm, WC

18 BWAC, 10:30 am, FH

21 Missions Team, 4:30 pm, 200E21 Instrumental Christmas Concert, 6:30 pm, WC

24 Christmas Eve service, 4:30 & 6:30 pm, WC

25 Christmas, Office closed

Weekly ActivitiesSunday Evening:Evening Worship, 6:30 pm, WCAdult Small Groups, various times and locations

Tuesday Evening:Victory for Life, 6:00 pm, FH

Wednesday: until December 17Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200AWorship Team, 5:30 pm, WC

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