In this issue:

Giving This Christmas

Church Staff Gift Tree

1

The Secret of Truly Giving 2

Truly Giving Concluded 3

Church Office Open House

Christmas Poinsettias

December Church Calendar

4

5

Giving This ChristmasGiving This ChristmasGiving This Christmas

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The Messenger

The Messenger

The Messenger

N o v e m b e r 2 8 , 2 0 1 2 V o l u m e 2 , I s s u e 4 3

Youth Ministries

College Ministries

6

Children’s Ministries

Kids’ Choir Special Schedule

Family Cookout & Hayride

7

Ministries

Contact Information

8

Giving this Christmas. Christmas seems to bring out the spirit of giving in a lot of people. We do not begrudge and are happy to

give to the Salvation Army's bell ringers at the entrance of the store, or to the Marines smartly dressed in their uniforms to raise

money to buy toys for tots, or to give to families around us who need a helping hand this season. What and how we give are a

reflection of where our hearts are. A writer friend wrote an article that touches on this and I want to share it with you to encourage

you to always give the very best to honor our Lord. More from Lakan on page 2

CHURCH STAFF CHRISTMAS LOVE GIFTS! At this time of year when we are remembering those who have been a blessing to us throughout the year, we want to include our church staff. The Personnel Committee has chosen to do something different this year! On Sunday, Dec. 16th, a tree will be placed in the Sanctuary Foyer. Between now and then, we invite you to collect cards, money gifts, presents, food items, etc. and bring them on the 16th to place on and

around the tree. At the end of the Children’s Program on the evening of the 16th, we will present our staff with the gifts that you have given. Our staff will share all that you so generously give!

If you have any questions, please contact Kandi Pool or any member of the Personnel Committee.

Our Staff: Lakan Mariano, Pastor Philip Cross, Family & Education Pastor Ryan Connel, Student Pastor Micah Mariano, Worship Pastor Cindy Hickey, Ministry Assistant Sue Harrison, Pianist

Mary Lou Fuller, Organist Mike Lee, Sound Engineer

THE SECRET OF TRULY GIVING

by Anne Petersen

I brought in the plastic bags. Putting them down on the table, I unload them. I’m thankful I got to go to the food pantry today. Thankful I have something different to

offer my family.

Opening the Duncan Hines box, I’m looking forward to making cake. You don’t buy

cake with a limited budget; cake is a luxury item.

Reaching for my large bowl, I feel like singing. Maybe things will be okay.

Dumping the mix into the bowl, I smell a hint of vanilla. Breaking an egg, I see it. A small speck of darkness invading the white powdery mix. Looking closer I see another

and another. Bugs! This box is full of tiny bugs.

The expiration date shows me this dessert was meant for last year. I empty the

contents into the trash. I don’t feel much like singing now.

I wipe a tear off of my face before my daughter sees it. I only feel poor on certain days, this is one of them.

“I think I’ll make something else,” I say smiling.

“Why?” she asks.

“I just want to,” I lie.

Struggling to hold onto thankfulness I wonder. Why do some people give away what

they want to get rid of? How would they feel being on the receiving end?

I remember another time at the pantry. The volunteer behind the card table takes my

information, asking me to take a seat.

When my name is called, I’m led to the first room. It’s set up like a grocery store in

two rooms. On the shelves are all kinds of canned goods, boxed goods. Taped to some shelves

are little pieces of paper with numbers on them. The tag underneath the soup reads:

1-4 people 2 cans

As the volunteer watches me, I take two cans. She says, “No, you only get 1 can, you have two people in your family.”

“I have three people in my family,” I whisper.

She starts to argue and checks my card. “Oh, you’re right.”

I feel like I’ve been caught stealing, except I haven’t.

We move over to the paper goods area. I get to choose between paper towels, toilet

paper, or napkins on three shelves before me. I choose toilet paper. She opens up a four-pack taking one roll out. She then hands me the package with the remaining

three. Continued on Page 3

The Secret of Truly Giving concluded

I could hardly look up.

I hear only fragments of what she’s telling me. “…all the baked goods you’d like…you

can take two packs of gum or two candy bars per child.”

I stuff my feelings down and go through the motions. Thanking her, I roll the metal

cart out to my car. The noise from the metal cart prevents me from slipping out. I hope I don’t see anyone I know.

By the time I open my trunk, the tears won’t stop. I don’t ever want to come back here again.

Returning the cart I see my friend who works there.

“What’s wrong?” she asks.

I relay my experience. “Do you know how hard it is to come here? I almost brought

the food back in. I don’t think I can do this again. But I want you to know, I do ap-preciate the food.”

“I’m so sorry,” she says, “Please come back.”

A month goes by. It’s Monday, the day the food pantry is open. I decide to go back.

I notice changes. No one opens the package of toilet paper to keep a roll. No one

challenges me when I take my two cans of soup. I felt heard.

It’s hard to be a person in need.

It’s sad we live in a world where a person’s worth is determined by what he/she has.

If you have little, you are worth little.

But, that’s not right. By those standards, Jesus would be considered a nobody. He

didn’t have a place to lay his head.

A missionary couple shared a story with me years ago. While living overseas they re-

ceived a care package from one of their supporters. They felt excited until they opened a small container in the bottom of one box. In it were slivers of soap and used

tea bags.

How could that encourage someone’s heart?

We need to remember everyone has value; even those in need.

What is the secret of truly giving?

We can ask ourselves these questions:

“Would I be happy to get this?” or “Is this something I would give my family?”

And if the answer is no, we should throw it away.

When God gave, He gave his best.

The secret of truly giving is to give our best.

It is our annual church staff

tradition to invite all of our

church family & friends as

well as all of the employees

at Crockett Elementary to

join us for some good food

and relationship building!

We are providing soups, chili,

and all the fixings.

We need your help in providing plenty of

Christmas goodies to share!

If you will help or if you have

any questions please contact

Cindy at the church office.

(325-949-5788)

Tuesday, Tuesday,

December 11thDecember 11th

10AM10AM——2PM2PM

CCHRISTMASHRISTMAS PPOINSETTIASOINSETTIAS

If you wish to purchase a poinsettia plant to be

used for Christmas décor in our sanctuary in

honor of or in memory of a loved one or friend,

please fill out the form you will find in the bulletin

this Sunday.

Place the form and money in an offering

envelope and turn in to the offering plate.

You may also come by the church office during

the week to fill out a form and give your money.

Cost is $7.00 eachCost is $7.00 each

December Calendar Events: 1st— Monthly Men’s Breakfast at 7AM

God’s Gardeners’ Class Party at the Pool’s home

3rd— Women’s Ministry Cookie Baking Night (6PM in Fellowship Hall)

4th— Final Fall Precept (introduction to 2 Timothy)

7th— Final Redeeming Marriage Conference Session at 6:30PM

8th— Monthly Women’s Breakfast at 8AM

Youth One Day Retreat: Unity Project

Still Young Adults Class Party at the Weber’s home

Work in Progress Class Party at Gayle Bryan’s home

9th— College Graduation Recognitions

BodyLife Christmas Parties

11th— Church Office Christmas Open House (10AM—2PM)

12th— Youth Christmas Caroling at Nursing Home

15th— Children’s Cookout and Hayride 5-7PM

16th— Kids Choir Musical “Signs of Christmas” at 5PM

followed by Christmas Fellowship in the Foyer

(everyone bring your favorite Christmas Goodies to share!)

19th— Love and Joy Class Party at 11:30AM at Zentner’s Daughter

AWANA Baby Shower for Jesus at 6PM

Youth Christmas Party at 6PM

24th— Church office closed

Christmas Eve Service at 6PM

25th— Have a Blessed Christmas!

Church office closed

26th— Family Week (No Evening Activities)

30th— Agape Sunday

31st— Church office closed

Youth New Year’s Eve Lock In

1st— Church office closed

YOUTH MINISTRIESYOUTH MINISTRIES

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM CHBC Upstairs

Home Groups: Sundays at 6:00PM Various Homes

Outbreak: Wednesdays at 6:00PM CHBC Upstairs

Weekly Meetings

COLLEGE MINISTRIES WEEKLY MEETINGS:

YOUTH

6TH-12TH

GRADE

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM (in the College Room)

Home Groups: Sundays at 6:00PM (Various Homes)

Pause: Wednesdays at 8:00PM (Siefker’s Home-1734 Weston) FMI: Contact Ryan Connel at 227-1778 or church office at 949-5788

We will present our Christmas Musical “Signs of Christmas” on Sunday evening, December 16th at 5PM in the sanctuary. Afterwards we will enjoy a time of good food and fun in the Foyer with our families and friends! Come and bring your favorite Christmas sweets to share with everyone.

Children’s Choir Practice Schedule: Sunday, Dec. 2nd—5:00-7:45PM Sunday, Dec. 9th—5:00-7:45PM Saturday, Dec. 15th—10AM-1PM (bring $2 for pizza!)

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS COOKOUT & HAYRIDE When: Saturday, Dec. 15th 5-7PM Where: 6286 Stokes Rd (home of Greg & Laura Jackson) Bring: Your own drinks & s’more making ingredients Hot dogs & chips will be provided! RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 12th to Stacy Stephenson at 325-212-3932

WEEKLY MEETINGS:

Sunday School: Sundays at 9:30AM Classes for all ages Preschool—5th Grade Kids on Fire Choir: Sundays at 6:00PM CHBC AWANA room Grades K-5th Grade AWANA Clubs: Wednesdays at 6:00PM Preschool—5th Grade FMI: Contact Philip Cross at 277-7980 or the Church office 949-5788

Club Calendar: 11-28—Club Night 12-05—Nativity Night 12-12—Combined Christmas Shop! 12-19—Baby Shower for Jesus

Our AWANA clubs need our help collecting new or gently used items for the AWANA store. Several times a year, students are allowed to “buy” items from the store with “shares” they earn by completing sections in their workbooks and memorizing scrip-tures. The first Wednesday in December, they have their Christmas store and are encouraged to purchase gifts for all their family members and friends. There are collection boxes in the foyer and in the office hallway. If you have any questions, please contact Vickie LeWallen (895-0330) or the church office.

HOW TO CONTACT US:

By Mail: College Hills Baptist Church 2102 Johnson Ave San Angelo TX 76904

By Phone: 325.949.5788

By Fax: 325.949.6877

By Email: info@collegehillsbc.org

Online: www.collegehillsbc.org

Look us up on: YOUR CHURCH STAFF:

Lakan Mariano: Senior Pastor

Philip Cross: Family & Education Pastor

Ryan Connel: Pastor to Students

Micah Mariano: Worship Pastor

Cynthia Hickey: Ministry Assistant

CHURCH OFFICE

HOURS: Monday—Thursday:

8:30AM—4:00PM Friday:

9:00AM—4:00PM Lunch Break:

Noon— 1:00PM

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Session 4: Nov. 30thSession 4: Nov. 30thSession 4: Nov. 30th Cost for Course: $25 (single)Cost for Course: $25 (single)Cost for Course: $25 (single)

Session 5: Dec. 7thSession 5: Dec. 7thSession 5: Dec. 7th $40 (couple)$40 (couple)$40 (couple)

Nursery for CHBCNursery for CHBCNursery for CHBC

by reservation onlyby reservation onlyby reservation only

ELDERS AND DEACONS: These men are responsible for hospital visitation and are available to anyone who has needs. Elder Fred Rike…….…...227-4208 Deacon John Bilberry……....942-1012 Elder Rex Stephenson.942-9537 Deacon Charles Harrison....653-4386 Elder Andrew Siefker…212-4410 Deacon Jerry Walls………..…944-1876

EXTENDED SESSION WORKERS:

We appreciate all our extended session workers. Please be in your place by 10:20AM so you can be there before the children arrive. Please call Cathy Blair at 405-496-5769 if you are unable to work your extended session or if you have any questions.

1’s and 2’s: 3’s & 4’s: 12-02 Cami Mariano/Bethany Cross B Haskins/Valton Lewallen 12-09 Jackson/Allie Rike Ashley Minor/Avery Brown 12-16 Brittany Guevara/Cameron Cross Brad & Michon Grissom