Lamplighter

Vol. 5 Issue 11 November 2012

The

Our Church Staff

Gary Burden
Senior Pastor 919-631-6789

THE JOURNEY OF A SHOE BOX

Operation Christmas Child The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate Gods love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with churches worldwide we are able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our church goal is 200 boxes. Please see page 3 for details about the contents of each box. Also please remember to enclose $7. per box for shipping costs.

Landon Orr
Minister to Students 919-229-9379

Debbe Langdon
Music Director/Pianist 919-410-0271

Chastity Comeau Admin. AssistantFinances Pat Baucom

Admin. Assistant - Publications

Hanging of the Greens The First Sunday of Advent Sunday Evening, November 25th 6:00 PM

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One

This Months Highlights
October Highlights Note from the Pastor Note from Landon Announcements November Calendar Financials A Note from Debbe Extended Session Birthdays Anniversaries p. 1 p. 1 p. 2 p. 3 P. 4 p. 5 p. 5 p. 5 p. 6 p. 6

Of all the many blessings I could enumerate as we approach this years Thanksgiving season, in light of the historical moment staring us in the face the first of the month of November (the 6th, to be exact), let me mention two: The first is the blood-bought, precious freedom to vote. In this my final newsletter article leading up to this unprecedented election, I can think of no better way to drive home the significance of biblically principled voting than to reference a recent full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal and USA Today by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Other papers will carry this ad. Spoken by not only Americas Pastor, but I would also say Americas Prophet, Billy Grahams words in that ad need to ring out across this nation: The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday (November 7), I realize this election could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel.
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I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God. The second, and of course most important blessing, is THE blood-bought, precious freedom of our salvation. The first freedom I mentioned is what connects me with my earthly citizenship. The second freedom is what grace-privileges me with my heavenly citizenshipthe everlasting kingdom citizenship that surpasses all earthly realms. And the sovereign God who rules the everlasting kingdom also is in complete charge of all temporal earthly kingdomsincluding America. Everything in the heavens and earth is Yours, O LordWe adore You as being in control of everything (1 Chronicles 29:11). The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His sovereign rule is over all (Psalm 103:19). Breaking this down, David Jeremiah, in a recent article, elaborates by reminding us from Scripture that Gods providential control is over world powers, over human history, over current events, and finally over my life. That certainly means that regardless of election outcomes, Our God Reigns! Pastor T. DeWitt Talmage once said in a sermon, When omniscience has lost its eyesight, and omnipotence falls back impotent, and Jehovah is driven from His throne, then the church of Jesus Christ can afford to be despondent, but never until thenThe mighty men of the earth are only the dust of the chariot wheels of Gods providence. Enough said. Happy Thanksgiving!

A few times a year, as a number of my various obligations all come due at the same time, I enter into survival mode, simply existing to get the next thing done. As I was telling someone the other day, at this point instead of burning a candle at both ends, I've just thrown the whole thing in the fire. My life is busy, and every waking moment could easily be filled with something else to do. Now, don't read this as plea for pity or mercy. What I have come to realize is that I am not nearly alone in my over committed condition. Busy schedules, eminent deadlines, and overwhelming lives are just a new factor in our society. In light of this, when talking about personal holiness in class this week, I somewhat chuckled when we were instructed to find unhurried and unhindered time in our daily lives to give to God. Unhurried? Unhindered? In my life? Even if I set aside an hour just to pray I would feel rushed by everything else that loomed over me. Maybe that's just an excuse though, maybe if I realized how valuable that time with God is I would have no problem focusing just on it. The great reformer Martin Luther said this: "I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer." Is that our attitude? We are by no means as busy as Luther. Talk about weight and pressure. This was a man who, with some other men, changed the course of history. So there actually might be something to this unhurried and unhindered time that we need to be seeking daily. Landon Orr

Gary Burden

FALLFEST WITH A THANKSGIVING THEME

November 14th - 6:30 PM Its the time of year to combine our quarterly business meeting with our Thanksgiving meal. Please bring a covered dish for our fellowship time together, followed by our church business meeting (including 2013 budget approval).

ATTENTION
Please contact the church office if the birthdays and anniverseries are listed incorrectly in the Lamplighter. Thank you, Pat

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Operation Christmas Child

Our goal is 200 shoe boxes this year. We were so close to our goal last year, missing it by only 2 shoe boxes. I know we can reach it this year and even go over the top. Please see list below for items that can be put in the shoe boxes. (The Lighthouse class will be supplying shoe boxes again this year. ) Save the Date: November 2, 2012. The Lighthouse class will be sponsoring a shoe box packing party for the children of the church. All items will be supplied to pack a shoe box, parents will be asked to pay the $7.00 donation for each shoe box packed. More details on this event can be found in the bulletin starting in October. TOYS: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc. OTHER: Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries). A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; warrelated items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow-globes , glass containers or aerosol cans. Processing Center: Are you interested in volunteering at the processing center in Charlotte, NC. There are two spots available. If you are interested in going please email me at rhotakey@aol.com. We will be volunteering on November 26 and 27th. This is our fourth year of volunteering and it has always been a wonderful blessing to all who have attended. We would love for you to join us.

Rejoice with us! We have new leaders!

The Awana leader team has grown and made adjustments to keep this ministry safe, fun and effective. I am so thankful to be part of such an adaptable, dedicated team of leaders with a heart for sharing the gospel and ministering to families in our community. Serving in ministry has so much more to do with what God wants to do in our lives than it does with filling holes in church programs. Serving helps us grow spiritually in ways nothing else does. Please continue to pray for each of these workers and the families that join us each week. Puggles Leaders: Johnnie & Jane Gatlin Cubbies Director: Julie Brueggen Leaders: Mandy Windham, Tobi & Brandi Sauer Sparks Director: Jan Culpepper Leaders: Jim Culpepper, Andrew & Brittany Arant TNT Director: Leigh Smith Leaders: Will Smith & Angel Duncan Secretary: Kathleen McLamb Game Directors: Larkin Creech and Nick Flanigan Outreach: Jennifer Harrison Sparks Parents Night will be November 7th. We encourage you to help greet and connect with parents in the lobby and sanctuary from 6:15-6:30 PM.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

Autumn is here in full swing and I hope you guys are enjoying it as much as I am. I know this is a busy time of year for everyone; but, I hope you can find time to join us for some great events. Ladies Bowling Night- Monday, November 12th from 7-9pm at Rainbow Lanes in Clayton. We had a lot of fun last month and invite any ladies that were unable to make it to join in. We are hoping to make this a monthly event on the second Monday of every month. Ladies Night Out/Game Night Friday November 30th 7pm 11pm. Please join us at the Fellowship Hall and invite your friends. We have a variety of games and activities planned. Please bring a snack

Robin Ho-

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday
1

Thursday
2

Friday
3

Saturday

Shoe Box Packing Party 12N-6pm 4 - 9pm

4 Breakfast Fellowship Weekly Sunday Service 11 12 Ladies Night Out Bowling (Details on pg. 3) 5 6 7 8 AWANA and Weekly Wed. Schedule 9 10

Pray
&

VOTE
Deacons Mtg 7:00 PM 13 14

15

16

17

Weekly Sunday Service

FallFest Quarterly Business Mtg. with Thanksgiving Dinner Theme 6:30 PM 20 21 22 23 24

18 Weekly Sunday Service Joint Thanksgiving Choir Service 6:00 PM 25

19

No Activities

26

27

28 AWANA and Weekly Wed. Schedule

29

30 Ladies Night Out 7 - 11 PM (Details on pg. 3)

Weekly Sunday Service Hanging of the Greens First Sunday of Advent

Weekly Sunday Schedule

9:15 am ................................................................... Bible Study Fellowship 10:30 am ......................................................... Morning Worship Celebration 6:00 pm .......................................... LifeLine...Get Connected (Small Groups)

Weekly Wednesday Schedule

6:30pm........................................................... Awana, Youth Bible Study 6:45 pm ...................................................... Adult Prayer and Bible Study Choir Rehearsal

Student LifeLine

The Lamplighter Remember our Community Thanksgiving Song Service last year??? A service of praise and worship with choirs from Powhatan, Trinity, Everett Chapel, Amelia, and Bethesda??? Well, get ready..because this year, we will welcome these churches and host the service here in our own Bethesda Worship Center!!! The service will be held on Sunday evening, November 18th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This is a service of worship through music led by the adult and youth choirs from each church. A love offering will be received for Clayton Area Ministry, and light refreshments will be served in our fellowship hall following the service. Speaking of light refreshments..this is where I need your help! We are asking each family to provide cookies, and the choir will provide the beverages. Homemade cookies, storebought cookies, your favorite cookies!! Please bring your cookies when you come to church Sunday morning, so we can get things set up and ready for our evening. This is a wonderful opportunity for praise, worship, and fellowship with other believers in our Clayton community. Lets roll out the Bethesda hospitality!! We come into your presence with singing, Come into your presence with praise; And enter your gates with thankful hearts, We are going to celebrate! All of heavens waiting, Power is on its way; So, we shout Hallelujah!, Lifting to you A mighty roar of praise! Mark your calendars now to begin your Thanksgiving week and holiday season with a joyful heart of praise! God Bless.

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NOVEMBER EXTENDED SESSION AND KIDS CHURCH

Sunday, Nov. 4 - AM Babies: Kathleen McLamb & Cherilyn Murphy 2s: Heather Henry & Tori Smith 3s/4s: Julie Brueggen & Kristen Duncan K-3rd Kids Church Frances Burden & Angel Duncan Sunday, Nov. 4 - PM Sharon Johnson & Linda Wilson Wednesday, Nov. 7 Frances Burden & Louise Gilmore Sunday, Nov. 11 - AM Babies: Brigitte Creech & Jan Culpepper 2s: Missy Urban & Shannon Coomer 3s/4s: Mandy & Brianna Windham K-3rd Kids Church Nicole & Michael Ritchie Sunday, Nov. 11 - PM Jane & Johnnie Gatlin Wednesday, Nov. 14 Jennifer Harrison & Terry Gatewood Sunday, Nov. 18 - AM Babies: Sondra Gatewood & Jane Gatlin 2s: Brittany & Andrew Arant 3s/4 s: Wendy & Chris Gatewood K-3rd Kids Church Terry Gatewood & David Duncan Sunday, Nov. 18 - PM Seth & Nicole Langdon Wednesday, Nov. 21 No Activities Sunday, Nov. 25 - AM Babies: Faye Wells & Shalee Sams 2s: Wendy Beasley & Diane Duncan 3s/4s: Kristol & Nick Flanigan K-3rd Kids Church Will & Leigh Smith Sunday, Nov. 25 - PM Bob & Brenda Jones Wednesday, Nov. 28 Warren & Christina Casper

Debbe Facts & Figures for October 2012

Date Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct .21 Oct. 28 Total Avg. S.S. 113 127 106 99 76 521 104 AM Worship 145 142 140 161 130 718 144 Budget Offering 6,877.77 3,472.72 9,470.66 4,453.75 4,027.75 28,302.65 5,660.53 His Vision Our Mission 1,865.00 1,245.00 730.00 500.00 625.00 4,965.00 993.00

Preschool Regis. Desk Diane Duncan

Average Attendance & Offerings for October 2011 Avg. 100 170 5,618.60 1,117.00

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4967 Highway 70 West Business Clayton, NC 27520 Phone: 919-553-7678 Address Service Guaranteed

YOUR DEPOSIT IS DUE BY NOVEMBER 1st LETS GO TO ISRAELLAND OF THE BIBLE

Now is the time to Sign Up! Only 23 seats available. Leaving from RDU on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Returning to RDU on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Estimated cost per person: $3,000.00 (Cost does not cover lunches, tips, incidentals, purchases, additional insurance, etc.) Deposit: $250/person due by November 1 (All deposits fully refundable until February 8, 2013)

Were on the web!

www.bethesdaclayton.com

November Birthdays
Dorothy Ellis Linda Kennedy Noah McLamb Naomi Murphy Elvis Farr Faye Avery Sherman Holt Grace Carroll Jonathan Levin Robin Hotakey Carolyn Durham Linda Wilson Wendy Gatewood Garry Lane Susan Clevenger Tracy Hudson Terry Gatewood 2nd 2nd 2nd 4th 7th 10th 13th 15th 16th 20th 21st 21st 22nd 23rd 26th 26th 28th

See pastor for details and to sign up. Dont delay!

40/40 PRAYER VIGIL

We as a church are registered with many other churches in our Southern Baptist Convention and beyond to commit to pray for our nation. We desperately need spiritual revival in our churches and renewal in our nation. Although we will encourage each member to choose the 40 day option, you may choose the 40 hour option. You can pray once each day between September 26 (or start when you can) and November 4, or for 40 hours, between 4:00 pm, November 2 and 8:00 am, November 4. The important thing is that we pray! Prayer guides are available in the foyer.

Anniversaries
Scott & Suzanne Yates David & Jean Graham Ray & Rosa Johnson John & Shalee Sams Glenn & Susan Clevenger Carl & Jean Wilkins 1st 14th 19th 21st 26th 30th

Operation Christmas Child Takes Off!

October 28- November 18 Goal 200 shoe boxes Dont forget to pack your shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child