December 2009


December 2009
FROM YOUR INTERIM PASTOR Beverly and I thoroughly enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday night, November 22, and the talent show which followed. The food was great and so was the program. It was a great start for the holiday season. The first Sunday of Advent is November 29. Simply put it is the time to prepare our thoughts and attention to the birth of Christ. The church auditorium will be decorated for Christmas. We will light candles each Sunday with a particular emphasis appropriate for the season. And then on Christmas Eve we will have a candle light service at 6:00 PM. It will be a simple service with the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospels and then the observance of the Lord’s Supper. I urge you to take time during the rush of the season to set aside some time to remember what it is all about. In my pastorates I urged families to attend and bring house guests and friends along with them to the Christmas Eve service. I think you will find it a most meaningful time. You have been very kind in your friendly words to Beverly and me and making us feel welcome. The congregation is rich in talent and I believe you have a wonderful future before you. My responsibility to you is to work myself out of a job. In other words, prepare the congregation for the calling of a new pastor. As we work towards that goal I hope we will bless one another in the process. I look forward to sharing worship and fellowship with you. Terry Freeman	VBC CHRISTMAS CALENDAR Dec. 13, 10:30am - Victory Family Christmas Join us as we celebrate Christmas in our morning worship service. Infants and preschoolers will join us for this special time. Dec. 16, 6:33pm - Family Story Time & Carols Pastor Terry will share a Christmas story with our children, followed by a carol sing for the whole family. Dec. 23 - No Wednesday night activities Dec. 24, 6pm- Christmas Eve Service Brief candlelight service with the Christmas Story, special music, and the Lord's Supper. Dec. 30, 6:33pm - Prayer Service No other Wednesday night activities scheduled.
YOUNG AT HEART (ages 50+) Covered Dish Dinner Join us Thursday, December 10 at 6:00pm for a potluck dinner and program. Guests are always welcome!
WOMEN'S MINISTRY The Peace Of Christmas Join us December 6 @ 6:00pm for an evening of food, fellowship and carols. Experience the true peace of Christmas! Bring your favorite Christmas finger food, a copy of the recipe and a friend!
PRESCHOOL FOOTPRINTS Welcome Baby Caleb Michael Merz! Baby Caleb Michael Merz surprised us all by arriving 5 weeks early! We are excited to announce his birth and celebrate with Aaron, Nicole & big sister Abigail. Caleb was born on October 31st, and weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces. He is home now, and both Nicole & Caleb are doing well. A celebration shower for the Merz family! Caleb's early arrival changed the shower plans we made for Nicole! Please join us for a celebration shower for their family on Sunday, December 13th, immediately following the worship service, in the Bradley House. A light meal will be provided. For more information, please contact Heather King 948-5429. Welcome Baby Evan Joy Cohen! Please join us as we rejoice with Jaron & Christina Cohen in the birth of their daughter, Evan Joy. Evan was born on November 25, she weighed 9 lbs, 7oz. Evan has a very proud big brother, Sonny. It's a Christmas Party! All preschool children are invited to join us for a party to Celebrate Jesus' birthday on Wednesday, December 16. Preschool children and their parents will join the rest of the VBC family in the sanctuary at 7:00pm for a story with Pastor Terry, and we will sing carols together afterward. Preschool children will then be dismissed to have Christmas party fun from 7:00-7:30pm.	FLiP KIDS (K-5th Grade) Choir Rehearsal Victory K-5th grade children will join the adult choir for a brief rehearsal immediately following the worship service on Sunday, December 6. We will be rehearsing for the Victory Family Christmas Celebration on December 13th. All K-5th grade children will rehearse and then be dismissed to leave with their families by noon. K-5th Grade - Elkhorn Association Toy Project We will meet at the church on Saturday, December 12 & leave at noon to serve at the Toy Project Store at Trinity Baptist Church. We will help from 12:15 - 2:15, then leave and go to Dairy Queen for treats! Parents, we will need for some of you to join us for this service & mission opportunity. For more information, please contact Joyce Watts or Jim Barkley. Christmas Party Time! K-5th grade children and their parents will join Pastor Terry in the sanctuary for a story and carols on Wednesday, December 16 from 6:30-7:00pm. The children will then be dismissed and will join us upstairs for Christmas party fun and treats from 7:00-7:30pm!
STUDENT MINISTRY (grades 6-12) Upcoming Student Events and News: Student Christmas Party The student ministry is getting a little ugly this Christmas with our first Ugly Christmas Sweater Christmas Party on December 9th starting at 6:15 in the multi-purpose room. Come wearing your most bizarre Christmas attire as we play games, win prizes, and celebrate the Christmas season in the student ministry. Lights, bells, and down right weird are strongly encouraged. Locked In The students will be locked in for New Years Eve as we celebrate the coming of a new year. This December 31st, the student ministry will be holding our first New Years "Locked In, not Locked Up" celebration in attempt to give students a positive alternative to celebrating New Year Eve. Door prizes, crazy games, lots of food, and amazing fun are among many of the great activities taking place. There will also be a prize for the student who brings the most friends. A Word from the Student Minister December is a great time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Lights, gifts, and family gatherings are the common occurrences, but don't forget the real Joy of the season in remembering that while we were not deserving, Christ came as a baby to save us. Merry Christmas and I hope that this season is a time of Joy and Happiness. In Christ, Patrick Smith	WORSHIP MINISTRIES Prelude for Victory Family Christmas All students K-high school who play an instrument are invited to provide the prelude to our Victory Family Christmas on Dec. 13 - we want you to share your talent with the whole church! Contact Tim for more information. Open Letter to Personnel Committee, November 22, 2009 I am writing to inform you of my resignation as Worship Pastor of Victory Baptist Church, effective no later than Dec. 31, 2009. There are many emotions that accompany this decision. I am so very thankful to God for His provision and grace for us through many of you over the past 1 ½ years. My family has grown and developed friendships here, and I have learned much walking through life with you. There is faith for the future, though there are many uncertainties as well. Two passages come to mind, for both Victory and my family. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Our God works in ways that we do not always understand, but always for His glory and for our good. And Psalm 37:4-5 says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.” I have been praying much for you, and I will continue to pray that you delight in the Lord, trusting in Him alone for everything. Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this life (Phil. 3:8)! Your servant in Christ, Tim Stokes
Violin & Cello Recital by the Stokes girls Saturday, December 19 @ 3:00pm in the sanctuary. You are invited to join the Stokes family as they celebrate Rachel & Ruth's musical growth during their time in Lexington. The program will include music by Vivaldi, Bach, Seitz, Gossec and others, along with an appearance by the LTEA chamber ensemble. Reception to follow.	Farewell Reception for Tim & family A reception will follow the morning service on Sunday, December 20. A basket will be available for notes & cards to convey blessings & appreciation to the Stokes family.
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December 2009

FROM YOUR INTERIM PASTOR

Beverly and I thoroughly enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday night, November 22, and the talent show which followed. The food was great and so was the program. It was a great start for the holiday season.

The first Sunday of Advent is November 29. Simply put it is the time to prepare our thoughts and attention to the birth of Christ. The church auditorium will be decorated for Christmas. We will light candles each Sunday with a particular emphasis appropriate for the season. And then on Christmas Eve we will have a candle light service at 6:00 PM. It will be a simple service with the reading of the Christmas story from the Gospels and then the observance of the Lord’s Supper. I urge you to take time during the rush of the season to set aside some time to remember what it is all about. In my pastorates I urged families to attend and bring house guests and friends along with them to the Christmas Eve service. I think you will find it a most meaningful time.

You have been very kind in your friendly words to Beverly and me and making us feel welcome. The congregation is rich in talent and I believe you have a wonderful future before you. My responsibility to you is to work myself out of a job. In other words, prepare the congregation for the calling of a new pastor. As we work towards that goal I hope we will bless one another in the process.

I look forward to sharing worship and fellowship with you.
Terry Freeman

VBC CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

Dec. 13, 10:30am - Victory Family Christmas
Join us as we celebrate Christmas in our morning worship service. Infants and preschoolers will join us for this special time.

Dec. 16, 6:33pm - Family Story Time & Carols
Pastor Terry will share a Christmas story with our children, followed by a carol sing for the whole family.

Dec. 23 - No Wednesday night activities

Dec. 24, 6pm- Christmas Eve Service
Brief candlelight service with the Christmas Story, special music, and the Lord's Supper.

Dec. 30, 6:33pm - Prayer Service
No other Wednesday night activities scheduled.

YOUNG AT HEART (ages 50+)

Covered Dish Dinner
Join us Thursday, December 10 at 6:00pm for a potluck dinner and program. Guests are always welcome!

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

The Peace Of Christmas
Join us December 6 @ 6:00pm for an evening of food, fellowship and carols. Experience the true peace of Christmas! Bring your favorite Christmas finger food, a copy of the recipe and a friend!

PRESCHOOL FOOTPRINTS

Welcome Baby Caleb Michael Merz!
Baby Caleb Michael Merz surprised us all by arriving 5 weeks early! We are excited to announce his birth and celebrate with Aaron, Nicole & big sister Abigail. Caleb was born on October 31st, and weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces. He is home now, and both Nicole & Caleb are doing well.

A celebration shower for the Merz family!
Caleb's early arrival changed the shower plans we made for Nicole! Please join us for a celebration shower for their family on Sunday, December 13th, immediately following the worship service, in the Bradley House. A light meal will be provided. For more information, please contact Heather King 948-5429.

Welcome Baby Evan Joy Cohen!
Please join us as we rejoice with Jaron & Christina Cohen in the birth of their daughter, Evan Joy. Evan was born on November 25, she weighed 9 lbs, 7oz. Evan has a very proud big brother, Sonny.

It's a Christmas Party!
All preschool children are invited to join us for a party to Celebrate Jesus' birthday on Wednesday, December 16. Preschool children and their parents will join the rest of the VBC family in the sanctuary at 7:00pm for a story with Pastor Terry, and we will sing carols together afterward. Preschool children will then be dismissed to have Christmas party fun from 7:00-7:30pm.

FLiP KIDS (K-5th Grade)

Choir Rehearsal
Victory K-5th grade children will join the adult choir for a brief rehearsal immediately following the worship service on Sunday, December 6. We will be rehearsing for the Victory Family Christmas Celebration on December 13th. All K-5th grade children will rehearse and then be dismissed to leave with their families by noon.

K-5th Grade - Elkhorn Association Toy Project
We will meet at the church on Saturday, December 12 & leave at noon to serve at the Toy Project Store at Trinity Baptist Church. We will help from 12:15 - 2:15, then leave and go to Dairy Queen for treats! Parents, we will need for some of you to join us for this service & mission opportunity. For more information, please contact Joyce Watts or Jim Barkley.

Christmas Party Time!
K-5th grade children and their parents will join Pastor Terry in the sanctuary for a story and carols on Wednesday, December 16 from 6:30-7:00pm. The children will then be dismissed and will join us upstairs for Christmas party fun and treats from 7:00-7:30pm!

STUDENT MINISTRY (grades 6-12)

Upcoming Student Events and News:

Student Christmas Party
The student ministry is getting a little ugly this Christmas with our first Ugly Christmas Sweater Christmas Party on December 9th starting at 6:15 in the multi-purpose room. Come wearing your most bizarre Christmas attire as we play games, win prizes, and celebrate the Christmas season in the student ministry. Lights, bells, and down right weird are strongly encouraged.

Locked In
The students will be locked in for New Years Eve as we celebrate the coming of a new year. This December 31st, the student ministry will be holding our first New Years "Locked In, not Locked Up" celebration in attempt to give students a positive alternative to celebrating New Year Eve. Door prizes, crazy games, lots of food, and amazing fun are among many of the great activities taking place. There will also be a prize for the student who brings the most friends.

A Word from the Student Minister
December is a great time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Lights, gifts, and family gatherings are the common occurrences, but don't forget the real Joy of the season in remembering that while we were not deserving, Christ came as a baby to save us. Merry Christmas and I hope that this season is a time of Joy and Happiness.

In Christ,
Patrick Smith

WORSHIP MINISTRIES

Prelude for Victory Family Christmas
All students K-high school who play an instrument are invited to provide the prelude to our Victory Family Christmas on Dec. 13 - we want you to share your talent with the whole church! Contact Tim for more information.

Open Letter to Personnel Committee, November 22, 2009

I am writing to inform you of my resignation as Worship Pastor of Victory Baptist Church, effective no later than Dec. 31, 2009.
There are many emotions that accompany this decision. I am so very thankful to God for His provision and grace for us through many of you over the past 1 ½ years. My family has grown and developed friendships here, and I have learned much walking through life with you. There is faith for the future, though there are many uncertainties as well.
Two passages come to mind, for both Victory and my family. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Our God works in ways that we do not always understand, but always for His glory and for our good. And Psalm 37:4-5 says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”
I have been praying much for you, and I will continue to pray that you delight in the Lord, trusting in Him alone for everything. Jesus is more valuable than anything else in this life (Phil. 3:8)!

Your servant in Christ,
Tim Stokes

Violin & Cello Recital by the Stokes girls

Saturday, December 19 @ 3:00pm in the sanctuary.
You are invited to join the Stokes family as they celebrate Rachel & Ruth's musical growth during their time in Lexington. The program will include music by Vivaldi, Bach, Seitz, Gossec and others, along with an appearance by the LTEA chamber ensemble. Reception to follow.

Farewell Reception for Tim & family

A reception will follow the morning service on Sunday, December 20. A basket will be available for notes & cards to convey blessings & appreciation to the Stokes family.