Resurrection Celebration

april 23 at 9 a.m.

The annual Resurrection Celebration is almost here again! Last year there was a great turn out! This year, bring a friend! (Be sure to sign up on the posters located in the hallways throughout the building.) There will be a continental breakfast, crafts, the resurrection story, and an Easter egg hunt. This event is for toddlers through K-5 chil-dren. We look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Savior with you and your family and friends!

ThE MonThLy nEWSLETTER of BRuShy CREEK BapTiST ChuRCh TayLoRS | apRiL 2011

WWW.BRuShyCREEK.oRg

theCreekside Welcome Home to Brushy Creek

Easter Musical:Who Do You Say I Am?

april 17 at 6 p.m.

When Jesus asked peter the question, “Who do you say i am?”, he was asking the most important question any of us will ever hear. our answer will determine who and what we become. The people of our Lord’s day struggled with the answer to that ques-tion just as we do today. The pharisees saw him as heretic. The Romans saw him as a religious fanatic...a fool. The curious who sat and listened to his hillside lessons found him to be a wise man. They called him, “Rabbi.” (continued on page 3 under Robbie’s section)

theCreekside | april 2011

it’s Not About Ability by Dr. Ralph Carter | Pastor

When I Was a kId, baseball was my passion. i loved the game. i studied the game and played from daylight ‘til dark, virtually every day. i knew the starting line-ups for a lot of major league teams.

in the summer of 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle had stand-out years. Mickey Mantle hit 54 home runs and Roger Maris led the big leagues with 61. Roger Maris wore number nine on his jersey.

The following summer, having completed the fourth grade, i wore number nine for Berkeley Drugs in Mt. pleasant. i was so proud to get to wear number nine. i caught quite a bit of grief from some of the guys, but hey, i got lucky when we pulled them out of the box. We went undefeated that year. The picture of that team hangs in my office (and is pictured below).

The boys on that team ranged in age from 4th graders, like myself, to 6th graders. There were 13 of us on that team. i sat in my office looking at that picture this morning, thinking about the irony of it all. We were a great team. The best ball players in town were on that team. The deck was stacked, kind of like with the yankees that year. We never even came close to losing. i wore number nine. i was the second-tallest boy on the team. i could catch okay and had a fairly strong arm (especially if accuracy didn’t matter), but i couldn’t hit. i could get hit, but i couldn’t hit. The coach’s strategy for me was to take the pitch. Don’t swing, no matter what; try to get hit if you can. i didn’t have to try. i was good at it. i could have dodged an 18-wheeler better than a baseball. if it came toward me, i just naturally turned my back and grimaced.

our team had eight superstars and five duds. i batted ninth in the order (when i got to start), so guess the category into which i fell?

Know what i learned that year? you can be passionate about baseball, work at it day and night, be on a championship team, and even wear the number of a legend, but it doesn’t make you a great player. i so wanted to be a great player. i just wasn’t.

i think the same is true in the church at times. There are people whose names are on the “church roster”, they have a “team” photo and a passion for “the game”, but they aren’t really Christians. They believe being a Christian rests on them. They work to impress “the coach”. They like being a part of an organization that “wins”. They want to belong and to contribute. But at the end of the day they know they come up short.

Thankfully, being a Christian isn’t about our ability. it isn’t about our effort, knowledge or passion. in fact, it rests on our recognition of our inability to measure up and our dependence upon what Christ has done for us. Becoming a Christian requires me to recognize my utter failure to be what god wants me to be, and a belief that what he (Jesus) has done for me, is all that is needed for me to be made right with god. To become a Christian, i must actually lose confidence in myself and gain complete confidence in him. When i work to please him out of gratitude, rather than a fear that i won’t measure up, serving him becomes far more satisfying and easy. Why not surrender your life to him today?

seventeen sunday school class groups dId a 40 days rescue project. We continue to hear new testimonies of good things that have come from the project. Lesson learned? Resistance to serving and sharing is found primarily within the church, not within the community. a sincere thank you to all of you who gave it a shot.

So, now what? Will our project be remembered as a “drive by” one time effort? i certainly hope not. What has been done has helped to “climatize” our neighborhoods for further service and witness.

as your class receives Connection Cards back from the neigh-borhood, i hope that you will continue to be in prayer for their stated needs. and i hope that you will follow up on them. Just a note or a call to say that you are continuing to pray, can be a great encouragement.

if your class has received ministry suggestions from your neigh-borhood, i hope that you will pass those along to me, as well.

you will be hearing more about H2O: House to House Outreach, in the days to come. We will be introducing an excellent DVD-based home study that you can use in the host home of your target neighborhood for further outreach. The DVD study is contem-porary, winsome, and geared toward the modern skeptic. it is also very easy to lead.

Will you, as a class, begin praying about how god would have you follow up on your target neighbor-hood? if you would like to try leading an h2o home study, please let me know. i can see that you get the materials and training to carry it out. What a great way to follow up on what you have already done, and what a great way to move from service to rescue.

40 days rescue Project…Now What? by Jim Russell | Rescue Minister

theCreekside | april 2011

Senior Adults We are taking reservations for our louisiana Cajun tour September 25-october 1! We’ll travel to Memphis, Mississippi, and Louisiana on this 7-day adventure! Sign up and receive your itinerary by calling Rebecca at 864-244-5075. a $100 deposit is due to confirm your reservation.

Upcoming TripsMay 12 - Strawberry hill and lunch at The JunctionJune 9 - Blue Willow inn

Merry Makers Monthly MeetingTUESday, april 19Breakfast at 9:30 a.m.Meeting at 10:30 a.m.

(continued from front cover)

The blind, the lame and even the lepers who came to him in need discovered that he was a healer. But those who experienced the cross, and put their trust in the man who was crucified and resurrected there, were the ones who gained more that just knowledge or experience - or even healing. They gained new life - eternal life in him!

april 17 at 6 p.m. the musical, Who Do you Say I Am?, will be presented by our choir, orchestra and drama team. Some of you might have the same doubts and prejudices as those of Christ’s day. We hope this musical will open your eyes and hearts to see Jesus as a friend, a teacher, a healer, and most importantly, as the Son of the living god.

Who do You say i Am? by Robbie Sox | Minister of Music

theCreekside | april 2011

lookIng for a place for you and your

famIly can go? Wanting your family to do something

for someone else? Then this year’s Dnow is your answer!

it is going to be like a Disciplenow/Mission Trip/World

Changers/pastor’s Camp all rolled into one great event!

Right now we are currently learning how we are “better

together.” This Dnow is going to allow us to show others

just how we are better together. it’s called Dnow: 4 Days

of Community Joanna. We will be coming alongside Christ

Central Ministries in Joanna, South Carolina to help them

reach the people of their community. So clear your calendar

to be apart of this great opportunity to reach out and show

others how we are better together. families come together!

adult Sunday School classes come and get involved! There

is plenty of work to be done and various ways you can

help! The dates for the trip are april 19 - 22. Cost is $40.

Registration is March 20 - april 3.

I am fIndIng It dIffIcult to belIeve that april is here already! 2011 is well underway, and the Lord is working in the lives of those involved in the various ministries at BCBC. Children, students, and adults are experiencing freedom in recovery on Monday nights, many are growing in their faith at The greenhouse on Wednesday nights, and “we are better than ever together” in our Sunday school classes and worship services on Sundays! This year we have already experienced the power of god at Chillipepper, growing unity during our 40 Days of Community campaign, and another incredible Dnow! it is such a privilege to be a part of all the Lord is doing at Brushy Creek Baptist Church.

The good news is that there are so many more things to come in 2011! in May, i am taking our 8th graders to Look up Lodge for a leadership retreat. (parents, don’t let your 8th grader miss this retreat designed to train and prepare rising 9th graders for high school!) in June, we will have many Bible studies at various homes (including cookouts, pool parties, and great fellowship), and in July, we will head back to Myrtle Beach for SeeSalt and missions! Just when you think the summer is coming to a close, we will head to Camp awanita for our annual pastors’ Camp in august! please go to BrushyCreek.org for details on all of these trips and more. Don’t miss out on all of the great opportunities we have this year for spiritual growth and fellowship. Don’t delay, sign up today!

Mark Your Calendars! by Jeremiah Oliver | Middle School Pastor

exciting stuff This Year! by Benji Ladd | High School Pastor

dON’TMissOUT!

theCreekside | april 2011

Mark Your Calendars by Rebecca Oaks | Director of Children’s Ministries

CrEaTivE arTS CaMpJune 13 - 16Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.For: Kids completed 3rd - 6thCost: $25Director: Robbie Sox

Children will select two classes from a variety of fine arts activities: art, hip hop dance, drums, drama and guitar.Register at BrushyCreek.org.

BaCkyard BiBlE ClUBS for bcbc kIds too!!June 6 - august 5parents begin checking the website for club location and dates nearest you. We would love to have BCBC kids and their friends attend the clubs.

SPECIAL NEEDS BaCkyard BiBlE ClUBJune 13 - 16Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.For: K5 - 5th gradeWhere: fellowship hallRegistration forms will be available with Karen Cassell at the church office on March 15.

UpCoMing EvEnTS for awana ClUBSapril 27 CAnneD FOOD DRIve FOR JOAnnA MISSIOn The kids are asked to bring one can of food.

May 18 BeACH nIgHT Water-filled night of fun! water balloon toss and relays.

May 25 LAST nIgHT FOR AWAnAaWana store will be open! The kids will use their aWana bucks they have earned.

June 1*End of thE YEar CElEbration/awards night* 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Come see the preschool kids perform, as well as the older kids. Each child will need to wear his/her vest or t-shirt.

APriL 23 at 9 a.m. in the ArC

Please register for the Resurrection Celebration if you have not already done so. This will help us know how much food, crafts, and eggs to prepare for the day. Also, if you are bringing a friend, please sign them up as well. Any candy donations are much appreciated for this event. We would like for any individually wrapped candy to be dropped off in the preschool kitchen on the first floor of the Education Building. Please no peanuts or hard candy.

Mark Your Calendars by Eleanor Bishop | Director of Preschool

theCreekside | april 2011

Guest speaker is author/speaker Elsa Kok Colopy (seen in the DivorceCare Video Series).Free child care is provided but registration is required.Register in the breezeway or at BrushyCreek.org. Dinner will be served.This event is free.

For more information, contact Sarah Uber at 864-283-6754 or 772-285-4040.

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Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat

dEACons’ mEETing7 p.m.

mEn’s PRAYER BREAKFAsT 8 a.m.

QUARTERLY BUsinEss mTg 6 p.m.

EAsTER PRogRAm6 p.m.

mERRY mAKERs9:30 a.m.

HigH sCHooL dnoW apR 19-22

BLood dRiVE4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

no CAFE AT THE CREEK oR THE gREEnHoUsE

HigH sCHooL dnoWapR 19-22

good FRidAY HoLidAY: oFFiCE CLosEd

HigH sCHooL dnoW apR 19-22

HigH sCHooL dnoW apR 19-22

EAsTER sUndAY

EveryWeeksUNdAYs

8:00 a.m. sunday school

*9:15 a.m. sunday school/ Traditional Worship

*10:45 a.m. sunday school/ Contemporary Worship

MONdAYs

*6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery

6:00 p.m. Life Hurts god Heals

*7:30 p.m. Creekside orchestra Practice

WedNesdAYs

5:00 p.m. Café at the Creek

*6:45 p.m. The greenhouse

*8:10 p.m. Creekside Choir Practice

EveryMonthseNiOr AdULTs

Merry Makers Meetingtuesday, april 199:30 a.m.

MeN’s MiNisTrY

Men’s prayer Breakfastsunday, april 10 8 a.m.

2011 April

*Childcare Available

Pastorralph Carter864.238.0166 ralphc@brushycreek.org

Associate Pastordavid kay864.234.9655 davidk@brushycreek.org

Rescue MinisterJim russell864.270.8441jimr@brushycreek.org

Music Ministerrobbie sox864.292.8322 robbies@brushycreek.org

College Minister and Director of MissionsAngela Carter864.325.3778 angelac@brushycreek.org

High School PastorBenji Ladd864.414.1195 benjil@brushycreek.org

Middle School PastorJeremiah Oliver864.915.3302 jeremiaho@brushycreek.org

Director of Adult Sunday SchoolBen Langner864.297.6066 cblangner@bellsouth.net

Director of Children’s Ministriesrebecca Oaks864.968.9826 oaksfamily5@charter.net

Director of Preschooleleanor Bishop864.915.9669 eleanor0930@yahoo.com

Director of The Greenhousekristen Belflower864.268.8696 kristen@thebelflowers.com

Director of Weekday PreschoolTina stephens864.268.3945 brushycreekweekday@yahoo.com

Facilities ManagerMarshall Croy864.322.5500 marshallc@brushycreek.org

Church Office864.244.5075 staff@brushycreek.org

Staff Directory

4999 Old spartanburg roadTaylors, south Carolina 29687

864.244.5075BrushyCreek.org

RETuRn SERvICE REquESTED

non profit organ

u.S. postage

paiD

Taylors, S.C.

permit no.14

6th 13th 20th 27th avEragE

Sunday School 1049 941 901 994 971

Worship Services 1294 1231 1125 1223 1281

Attendance in February 2011

LOOkiNG AHeAd...

APPLiCANTs FOr CHUrCH MeMBersHiP

CONGrATs!

april

april 8-9ladies Spring retreat

april 17Easter program

april 18-22High School DNow

april 23preschool resurrection Celebration

may

may 6Single mom’s Event

may 7Hispanic Festival

may 29Graduation Sunday

By lETTEr

hal blackmonlaura blackmonsam barnesnancy barnes

STaTEmENT

adam Woodsarah beth Woodchristine pressley

By BapTiSm

olivia plybonandrew plybon

to BENJi aND KriSTi laDD on the bir th of their son, JESSE WallaCE, born february 23, 2011.

to T.J. aND KaTHEriNE HorToN on the bir th of their daughter, HaNNaH JoSEpHiNE, born february 15, 2011.