“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of n the LORD, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

THE ANCHOR

Northshore Baptist Association

VOL. 17 DECEMBER 2015-JANUARY 2016 NO. 6

I Timothy 2:1-4 is the prayer watchword for everything we do in the Northshore Baptist Association.

Executive Board Meeting

Tuesday, January 19 10:00 a.m.

First Baptist Church 27351 Highway 190, Lacombe

All member churches are entitled to send their pastor (or the church's designee) and one other

designated person to represent them in the conducting of associational business.

Beginning with the February-March 2016 issue of

THE ANCHOR, printed copies will no longer be

mailed. The newsletter will only be available on-

line. If you would like to continue to receive THE

ANCHOR through e-mail please send us your email

address at office@ northshorebaptists.net with a

request to be added to the list.

From the Heart of Your DOMM Dear Friends, We will soon turn the page from 2015 to 2016. It promises to be an interesting year with the potential for many significant changes in our world. In the Northshore Baptist Association we will continue to emphasize three critically important issues: 1.Church Health; 2. Church/Ministry Multiplication; and 3. Church Leadership development and training. One of the many items in which we will see change in 2016 has to do with this newsletter: This is the final print edition of The Anchor. We should have made this move long ago, quite frankly. Please email us at office@northshorebaptists.net if you have not done so already requesting your electronic subscription to the e-version of The Anchor. In light of a recent arson fire suffered by one of our member churches (Bayou, Slidell) and a church house break-in and theft at another (Wadesboro, Ponchatoula) the matter of campus security continues to emerge as a major issue. The NSBA will be co-sponsoring a seminar along with member church FBC, Slidell on February 13. You will find information regarding that event and other important opportunities in this edition of The Anchor. I am keyboarding this article just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Truly “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you” (Philippians 1:3) and for the support of our member churches. More than ever I believe we are “better together.” Please keep Prayer First (1 Timothy 2:1-4) and remember this: The magnitude of our mission demands healthy cooperation within our family of churches. It is an honor to serve with you all to that end. God bless you with a restful Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday and an expectation of great things in the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Year.

In Christ, Lonnie Wascom

Lonnie Wascom

Ministers/Spouses

Christmas Party Tuesday, December 8

6:00 p.m.

Northshore Church 310 Kensington Blvd., Slidell

RSVP: Tuesday, December 1 www.northshorebaptists.net -

office@northshorebaptists.net - 225.567.5086

Childcare reimbursement available within limits (please note when making reservation)

Northshore Church News ●Woodland Park (Hammond) Children's Choir , Joyful Sounds, will present Miracle on Main Street Sunday, December 6 at 11 a.m. Lindsey McDonald is Children’s Choir director. The Adult choirs will present, Joy to the World! Unspeakable Joy! Sunday, December 13, at 7 p.m. Bryan McDonald is Minister of Music. Pastor is Scott E. Thompson ●Grace Memorial (Slidell) upcoming events include Home for the Holidays Ladies Christmas Event, Saturday, December 5, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Entry “fee” is a household item to be donated to the New Orleans Baptist Friendship House. Children’s Choir presents The Loaned Manger, Sunday, December 6, at 10:15 a.m. The Adult Choir and Orchestra will present Fantasia Noel, Sunday, December 13, at 10:15 a.m. A Christmas Dinner/Family Service is planned for Wednesday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m. A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, will be held on Thursday, December 24, 6 p.m. Bob Heustess is pastor. ●Immanuel (Hammond) will have its annual Lottie Moon Missions Banquet on Wednesday, December 2, which will include a Cajun Country Christmas menu with a personal message from an International Mission Board family. There will be an emphasis on the Lottie Moon Missions Offering, and it will include a very special way of presenting gifts to missions. Tickets for the meal are available for a suggested donation of $5 per ticket. All the giving in this manner will go directly into the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. The annual Christmas Eve by Candlelight Service will be on Thursday, December 24. The theme this year is "The Light of Christmas" and the service will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. Time together will include sharing the true Christmas Story, the singing of cherished Christmas hymns and carols, and will conclude with a time of individual family communion. Pastor is Mark Goree. ●First (Covington) invites all adults 55+ to their Winter Celebration to join with their Young at Heart group for their 30th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday, January 19, from 9 a.m. till noon. featuring saxophonist and storyteller Donna Spence of Moss Point, Mississipi, and singer, songwriter, humorist Keith Longbotham from Nashville, Tennessee, and the Grand Ole Opry. A great time celebrating 30 years with lots of door prizes, refreshments, music, laughter and wonderful fellowship. The program concludes with lunch. Please register online at fbccov.org/ministries/adults-55 or by calling the church office at 985.892.2149. Register by individual names unless you are registering and paying with one check for your group. Note: seating is limited and the caterer must be paid for all who are registered by the deadline so please contact the church before the deadline if you must cancel. The deadline to register or cancel is Wednesday, January 13. First Baptist Church is located at 16333 Highway 1085, Covington. Waylon Bailey is pastor.

●First (Ponchatoula) Music Ministry will present their annual Christmas Spectacular 2015 – End of the Beginning – on Friday and Sunday, December 11 and 13, at 7 p.m. They invite everyone on the Northshore to enjoy the story of the birth of Christ and hope that this will help to get churches in the Christmas Spirit. There will be Wisemen, shepherds, angels and banners. The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will present the music. Chip Vickers is the Music Pastor. David Cranford is the Pastor. ●New Zion (Covington) presents Cradle to the Cross Christmas Drive-Thru December 4-6, 6:30-8:00 p.m. This is a live portrayal of the life of Christ from his birth to his death and resurrection with people, live animals, authentic costumes and vivid scenery. See the story unfold from the comfort of your own vehicle as you follow Jesus through his life and final days on earth. Clark Stewart is pastor. ●Trinity (Hammond) Childr en’s Choir Christmas musical presentation A Tree Lot Christmas will be at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 6. The Adult Choir Christmas musical “ Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols will be presented on Sunday, December 13 at 10:45 a.m. and a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 24. Bob Adams is interim pastor. ●First (Hammond) will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Thursday, December 24, 6:30 –7:15 p.m. Pastor is Jeff Robinson. ●First (Slidell) will begin the advent season with a Christmas Piano Concert by six of the area’s outstanding pianists on Sunday, November 29, at 6 p.m. The concert is called “PiaNoel” and admission is free. Hanging of the Greens service will be Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. The Orchestra, Handbell Choir, and Adult Choir will present Carols by Candlelight on Saturday, December 12, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, at 10 a.m. Upward Basketball and Cheerleading Registration is going on now and will end on December 31. Evaluations for the teams will be Thursday, January 21, and Saturday, January 23. Practices start Monday, February 15. A Christmas Eve Service will be held Thursday, December 24, at 6 p.m. Sonshine Club Meetings for Senior Adults will be Friday, December 11, and Friday, January 29, at 12 noon at the church. Pastor Fred Luter, Jr. will speak at the Global Impact Celebration on Friday evening, January 22. This will be a time to celebrate sharing the gospel around the world through the church’s local, US, and international mission trips. Pastor is Ricky Cummings.

Congratulations IT’S A GIRL: Ellie Rose Day was born November 16, 2015. Parents are Josh and Christy Day. Josh is pastor at Millville, Ponchatoula. IT’S A GIRL: Clara Grace Pitman was born November 19, 2015. Grandparents are Tobey and Cathy Pitman. Tobey is pastor at First, Pearl River, and Community Ministry/Compassion Strategist with Northshore Baptist Association.

IT’S A BOY: Cohen Penton was born August 25, 2015. Parents are Brandon and Brandi Penton. Brandon is Associate Pastor at Calvary, Slidell.

The Baptist Message is offer ing subscr iptions to all church members (individuals and groups) at a discounted rate of $9.25 per year through January. For more information call 800.376.7728.

DECEMBER 2015 Nov. 29-Dec. 6 Week of Prayer for International Missions & Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

8 NSBA Ministers/Spouses Christmas Party (see page 1 for details)

23-Jan. 1 Northshore Office Closed

25 Christmas Day

JANUARY 2016

Call to Prayer Month

1 New Year’s Day (Northshore office closed) 9 International Mission Study (see this page for details) 13 Prayer Rally with Franklin Graham, @North Blvd. Town Square (Corner of North Blvd. and 3rd Street), Baton Rouge, 12 noon www.decisionamericatour.com 11 Ministers’ Conference @ TBA, 10:30 a.m. 18 Ministers’ Conference @ TBA, 10:30 a.m. 19 Executive Board Meeting @ First, Lacombe, 10 a.m.

(see page 1 for details) 25-26 LBC Evangelism Conference @ First, Lafayette www.LouisianaBaptists.org/econ2016

Mark Your Calendar Northshore Baptist Association

Area Wide Events

Indonesia: Tropical Paradise or Islands of Lostness?

Explore Indonesia through the 2015 International Mission Study. Discover the challenges and joys of ministry there. Visit the places that draw more tourists than traders today, and learn about individuals who are leaving a legacy there

that matters for eternity.

International Mission Study Saturday, January 9 — 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Woodland Park Baptist Church 1909 J.W. Davis Drive, Hammond

Children's study will also be provided. Lunch is included. Adults and children should RSVP by January 4, 2016, to office@northshorebaptists.net or 225.567.5086.

The Northshore Baptist Association WMU is participating in the LBC/WMU women’s ministry at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. Please bring one of the following items to kick off this year’s event: *Bar of soap (must be 4-6 oz. size, no specialty soaps) *Ball point pen (must be blue or black ink, stick pen with top; no springs or clickers) *1 pair white crew socks for women (must be no ankle or no-show socks. Remove all plastic tags, paper etc. and fold together as a pair).

Any questions, please call Northshore Association WMU Director Janice Cowart at 225.567.1710 or 985.320.1649.

Your Northshore Staff Wishes You a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Yea Lonnie Wascom Kathy Cason

Tobey Pitman Kent Newell

Greg Griffin

The NSBA Office will be closed December 23-January 1 for the holidays.

Pre-Teen Retreat for 5th and 6th graders Sunday-Monday, January 17-18

Camp Living Waters 21230 Living Waters Road, Loranger

The cost is $45 and includes lodging, meals and a t-shirt. The theme is “Who is This Man?” from Matthew 8:27. The speaker will be Coy Raiford from First Baptist Church, Hammond, and music will be led by David and Jessica Bryan from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Go to www.camplivingwaters.net for more information and to register.

“Healthy Renegade Pastor” Book Launch/Workshop

Wednesday, February 3 — 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Historic Greater St. James Church 312 Highway 1077, Madisonville

Lunch and a free book for all who attend.

Disaster Relief Roundtable Friday-Saturday, February 5-6

lWoodland Park Baptist Church 1909 J.W. Davis Drive, Hammond

For more information, contact the Southeastern Regional DR Coordinator Tom Long at 985.960.2989 or

Adventurerec1955@Yahoo.com.

Church Safety “Sheep Dog Seminar” Saturday, February 13 — 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church 4141 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell

$20.00/person Pre-registration is required at

www.sheepdogsafetytraining.com/slidell-louisiana-feb-13 Plan now to have a key person and the Lead Pastor in attendance. This will NOT deal with shooting situations ONLY but will also include necessary training regarding how to interview and behavior patterns to watch for in order to reveal the wolves that have only one desire: Destroy the sheep! In other words, "how to be a sheepdog!"

Experiencing God Tour 2016 with Tom Blackaby Tuesday, February 16 — 9:30 a.m.-Noon

Natalbany Baptist Church 48024 Parsonage Road, Natalbany

$10.00/person. Register at:

www.louisianabaptists.org/experiencinggodtour Did God use the Experiencing God resource to change your life? Many people, without hesitation, will remember how God used this study to help them determine His will and to become more aware of His presence in their daily lives. But there is a generation that hasn’t been involved in the Experiencing God Bible studies. That's why this study is being reintroduced through the Experiencing God Tour 2016. One of Henry Blackaby’s sons, Tom Blackaby, will be leading these previews across Louisiana.

Jeff Robinson Pastor

First, Hammond

Coy Raiford Associate Pastor First, Hammond

Robert Trigo Associate Pastor/Nations Campus

Woodland Park, Hammond

Jason Waggoner Minister of Music Calvary, Slidell

Pastors & Staff

Your NSBA Staff Lonnie Wascom

Director of Missions & Ministries Lonnie@northshorebaptists.net 225.567.5086 or 985.215.9197

Kent Newell Church Multiplication/

Revitalization Strategist gkentn@gmail.com

985.515.0539

Tobey Pitman Community Ministry/ Compassion Strategist

Tobey.Pitman@gmail.com 504.782.6122

Kathy Cason Administrative Assistant

office@northshorebaptists.net 225.567.5086

NORTHSHORE BAPTIST ASSN. 11411 McLaughlin Lane

Hammond, LA 70403

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 1249

Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Sept-Oct YTD Albany First 1,163.32 6,180.76 Antioch 101.17 222.10 Bayou 100.00 500.00 Bedico 893.00 4,141.00 Bethlehem 2,352.00 10,727.00 Blood River 508.88 2,097.40 Bogue Falaya 833.34 4,166.70 Calvary 762.18 3,777.25 Celebration 600.00 2,050.64 Collins Blvd. 150.00 460.00 Countryside -0- 450.00 Covenant 147.46 759.03 Creekside 200.00 600.00 Cristo para Todos 300.00 800.00 Crossbrand 328.00 1,132.72 Crossgate 697.17 2,891.07 Crossroads 832.00 4,089.35 Ebenezer 510.43 2,768.25 Emmaus 600.00 1,200.00 Evans Creek 451.16 2,003.33 First, Covington 5,083.34 25,416.70 First, Folsom 719.79 3,725.31 First, Hammond 461.04 2,587.07 First, Independence 323.71 1,594.20 First, Lacombe 444.65 1,500.12 First, Madisonville 189.12 189.12 First, Pearl River 831.90 4,194.58 First, Slidell 1,400.00 7,000.00 First, Springfield 984.98 2,494.81 First, Tickfaw 506.60 2,513.47 French Corner 341.69 1,781.93 Full Faith -0- -0- Grace 174.30 1,019.75 Grace Community 438.35 704.35 Grace Family Fellow. -0- -0- Grace Hispanic 57.70 259.00 Grace Memorial 3,135.94 13,076.09 Greater St. James -0- 900.00 Hebron 600.00 3,000.00 Hillside -0- 207.58 Hope -0- 492.93 Iglesia Buenas Nuevas 124.01 628.99 Iglesia Cristo Redentor 341.41 1,381.23

Sept-Oct YTD Immanuel 177.94 963.06 Jerusalem (Hammond) 1,336.23 6,638.74 Jerusalem (Bush) -0- -0- Jesus-Center of Prosperity -0- -0- Killian First -0- -0- Lee Hill 218.08 1,155.97 Lee Valley 251.58 1,408.94 Life 300.00 1,500.00 Lighthouse -0- 351.00 Loranger 969.41 4,525.23 Louisiana 360.00 588.00 Manchac -0- 288.00 Mandeville’s First 5,059.45 21,673.18 Midway -0- -0- Millville 148.99 367.60 Mt. Calvary -0- -0- Natalbany 2,522.30 9,673.78 New Beginning 100.00 400.00 New Beulah 1,043.19 3,313.85 New Haven -0- 250.37 New Hope, Franklinton -0- -0- New Hope, Independence -0- 900.00 New Zion 1,262.38 13,341.49 Northshore 1,666.68 9,166.66 Northside 262.50 1,427.87 Old Zion Hill 1,494.09 5,508.97 Pilgrim Rest 120.00 1,200.00 Ponchatoula’s First 3,396.13 14,455.28 Red Bluff 469.68 1,936.17 Redeeming Grace -0- 171.92 Redemption Christian -0- -0- Ridge Memorial 50.00 200.00 Springville 216.23 1,009.60 Still Water, Hammond 100.00 950.00 Still Water, Ponchatoula 90.00 785.00 Still Water, Slidell -0- -0- Tammany Hills 406.40 406.40 The Bridge 300.00 1,500.00 Thompson Road 712.08 2,451.44 Trinity 902.00 4,317.00 True Life 200.00 1,000.00 Victory 100.00 500.00 Wadesboro 50.00 250.00

Sept-Oct YTD Wardline 500.00 4,830.00 Westside 940.00 3,970.39 Woodhaven 500.00 2,000.00 Woodland 190.00 1,457.00 Woodland Park 3,256.68 16,269.10 TOTAL 57,360.66 272,778.33

———————– Expenditures 56,914.99 276,139.26 Church Receipts 57,360.66 272,778.33 NOAH Savings -0- 2,200.00 Additional Income 60.00 132.50 Budget Balance 982.82

Northshore Baptist Association Church Contributions

FEBRUARY-MARCH DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2016

lPhone: 225.567.5086 e-mail: Office@northshorebaptists.net