Author: WBC Secretary

Rev. Mike Winters
Pastor
Leigh Clark
Minister of Music & Youth
Dr. Ray Jones, Jr.
Pastor Emeritus

WISE BAPTIST NEWS

A PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF
WISE BAPTIST CHURCH

A place for faith and fellowship with family and friends.

Dear church family and friends,
What a blessing the Christmas cantata, “Majesty of Heaven” was! It seemed that heaven came down for a little while in our midst Sunday evening. Special thanks to Leigh Clark, our Minister of Music and Youth, for pulling it all together. It is no small task to coordinate the Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Bass parts of the choir and solo parts, too. On top of that was the task of rounding up a sixteen-piece orchestra. There were also other musical groups that have an important part: a women’s ensemble, men’s ensemble, and hand bells.
My thanks and gratitude go to each who had a part from our Director, Leigh, to piano accompanist and assistant, Susan and Caroline Mullins, to our sound man, Mike Osborne, guitarist, Jim Sturgill, to Dave Belcher, narrator, to the Jubilation Ringers, orchestra, and each member of the choir.
It is was a great way to help us celebrate Christmas. Plan to help us celebrate all the way through Christmas Eve. Each week we will invite you to “make room”. During weeks one and two of Advent, we invited you to make room for the “hope” of Christ and then the “peace” of Christ. In the coming weeks we will focus on the “love” of Christ, and then His “joy” that is available to us.
Continue to observe the “Days of Christmas Kindness”. Each act of kindness is like a pebble dropped in a pond. Small ripples spread out from each act. As you touch one person with the love of Christ, that can spread to others. Each act creates another ripple. If you have enough ripples, you have a wave. Let’s send waves of God’s love to wash over our community! What better way to prepare our hearts for Christmas!
Love, Pastor Mike

How to Join Wise Baptist Church:
Express one of the following to the Pastor during the closing hymn:
† Transfer of Letter Transfer membership to Wise Baptist Church † Baptism Desire to express faith in Christ through baptism
† Statement of Faith Baptized believer not on a membership roll
† Watch Care Desire to be connected to our Church family without official membership

December 7, 2015

Important Dates

Family Fun Activity
December 13
Christmas Dinner
December 16
Christmas Eve Communion

Inside

Announcements Page 2
From Leigh Page 3
BDays/Anniv. Page 3
Youth News Page 3
Pictures Page 4
Days of Kindness Page 5 Opportunities Page 6

DEACONS 2015-16
Lewey Lee 328-3845
Dan Helton 328-6086
Edgar Owens 328-6129
John Kennedy 328-5013
Matt Meade 328-2111
Daniel Ray 328-2483
Jerry Baird 393-0923
Gill Blackburn 328-0046
Ron Helton 393-6145

Announcements

WBC CHRISTMAS DINNER
Join us for our Christmas Dinner, Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. The church will provide the ham & turkey. Plan to bring a side dish, salad, or a dessert to share. (If anyone would like to donate a ham or turkey please see Sherlene Hall). We will also have our second annual “Tacky” sweater contest. Prizes will be given for the tackiest, most original, cutest, most Christmas spirit, and best couple or group.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
CHILDREN’S CHOIR (Pre-K-3rd Grade) Mondays, 3:45-5pm.. (Singing, learn to play handbells, snack time)
FAMILY FUN ACTIVITY Sunday, December 13, 3pm—6:30pm “Festival of the Trees” at Southwest Virginia Museum with dinner at El Castillo
We will meet in the Church parking lot at 3 on Sunday.

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT was a great success with 19 children participating and 13 adults/teens helping. There was lots of fun with playing games, making a gift for our parents, watching Christmas movies and having our photos made with Santa.
Thank you so much to Sherlene Hall for preparing a delicious supper for the children, Cliff Carson for being our Santa and Beverly Viers for overseeing our Santa’s Workshop! Also thank you to Wendy Adrian, Austin Bordlee, Sharon Bradley, Susie Bailey, Regina Carson, Holly Cline, Susie Clasby, Abbie Crutchfield, Butch & Donna Hutchinson, Daniel & Tabitha Ray, Susan Mullins, Susie Powers, Stephanie Wilson, and Mike & Terry Winters for participating in our Parent’s night out and all the help before hand.
We look forward to more good times with children & families in the future!

As you pray, please remember…
Irene Black, Lois Stallard, Papa Joe and Reba Smiddy, Ray and Carolyn Jones, Artie and Clifford Bailey, Kim Boggs, Pat Boggs, Archie and Joanne Kennedy, Elizabeth and Susan Davidson, Hubert Breeding, John and Kay Wright, Pat and Fred Adkins, Jerry Reynolds, all the cancer patients in our area, and our men and women in the military.
Our Shut Ins: Hazel Dixon (Mountain View), Martha Gilliam, Eddie Culbertson, Vernoy Bolling, Peggy Tolbert (Heritage Hall—BSG), and Florine Pennington (The Laurels).

MEETINGS
Women on Mission Meeting, Thursday, December 10th, from 2-4 pm.

PIECEMAKERS AND CARING FRIENDS are in recess for the month of December.

LET’S HELP!!
GRAB N GO MINISTRY
The Grab N Go Ministry is a year round ministry to help the Department of Social Service Adult Protection Services. Non-perishable food items and other items (a list is available on the table by the elevator) help bridge the gap at the end of the month, when supplies run low. You can also donate small gift cards to Food City or to Payless for the Social Workers to buy perishable food items for those in need. Once items are at the Social Service office, a bag is filled with each of these items. The social worker keeps some of the bags with them while out on their home visits. If there is a need, a bag of assorted food, etc. is ready and available to those in need.
Sherlene Hall gathers the items you place in the white baskets twice a month and takes them to Social Services. Thank you for giving. Thank you for your prayers.

CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION
December 24 at 11:00 pm we will gather in the sanctuary to worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The service will include music, drama, scripture, Holy Communion and “Sharing the Light”. This is the highlight of the Advent Season. Join us! Invite someone to come with you!

¯¯¯¯From Leigh

Wow! What a weekend of Advent activity! Friday evening, the Jubilation Ringers shared some very beautiful music at The Inn. There was a super turnout from the church and from the community! We played some songs and then we led everyone in a Carol sing-a-long. It was a great night. Sunday morning, The Jubilation Ringers, Kristen Osborne and Brad Morris led us in worship with outstanding music. It was so good to see Stephanie, Brad, and Kristen—I miss them in the music ministry!
And, then there was last night...Oh my! Cantata #19 did not disappoint! Everything was beautiful—from the voices, to the orchestra and all of the narration, pianists, ensembles in between. The sanctuary was filled with familiar faces and with visitors. I even saw some people that I met at The Inn on Friday night! It was a marvelous.
I would like to thank some very special people who are often working behind the scenes to make sure everything goes well: James Clasby and John Kennedy always do an excellent job as greeters for the Cantata. Mike Osborne does a wonderful job with the sound and lights! Dave Belcher was perfect for the part of narrator this year. Sherlene Hall and Elaine Hylton take care of the food for the musicians and then the food and clean up for the reception. Where would I be without Teresa Adkins? She plans and prepares the most wonderful reception every year! The table scapes were beautiful. She and Bob stay until everything is put back into place—it is a difficult, time-consuming task. She also involves lots of people to help her and that is very important! Susan Mullins practices for hours to learn all of the parts for the Cantata; this program would not be possible without her. Finally, I thank Mark Clark, my ever supportive, loving husband. You just can’t know all that he has to go through to get a Cantata planned, prepared and performed!
Wise Baptist Church is a special place. It is a place blessed with talented, willing, faithful people. I am privileged to serve and lead the music and youth ministries in a church where God is at work and where honoring Him is always first. May God continue to bless our Advent season together.
I am praying for all of you this week. Pray for each other, too. Blessings, Leigh
The Singing Sunbeams will sing/ring in worship on Sunday.

December 7 Jean Moore
Brittany O Criswell
December 9 Robert Baird
December 11 Jessica Crutchfield
December 14 Jim Sturgill
December 7 John & Karen Ponish

WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL In order that we may plan and have enough for our Wednesday night meal, those that plan to attend, please sign up on the Communication Card or call the Church office by Noon on Wednesdays. Thank you.

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us at 10 am for Sunday school on Sunday mornings. There are classes for all ages. It is a great way to get to know people and to grow spiritually. Plan to join us this week!

COLLEGE ADDRESSES
Kristen Osborne Anna Clark
289 Ambling Way 2513 S 2nd Street
Apt. 1120B Unit #10
Boone, NC 28607 Waco, TX 76706
Claire Cahoon Melissa Blackburn
953 Danby Road 200 Kelso Way #118
Terrace 04, Rm 319 Knoxville, TN 37923
Ithaca, NY 14850
Kaitlin Ponish
PO Box 6375
Boiling Springs, NC
28017

As the semester winds down, please take a moment and send our college students a word of encouragement. They will be so pleased to hear from you!

CHURCH LIBRARY
Be sure to check out the Church Library which is located in the Ladies SS Classroom on the first floor. There is something for everyone - fiction, non-fiction, novels, devotionals, Bible translations and more!!

† The FLOCK will meet on Wednesday and Sunday this week for dinner and Bible study. We need to make some Christmas plans so please try to be present! † Good luck Central One Act Team in your State competition on Monday! We are so proud of you!

Sunday Worship

Wise Inn

Cantata

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT

DAYS OF CHRISTMAS KINDNESS
IDEAS
Here are some ways we can change the spiritual climate of our area! You are encouraged to pick up “Connection Cards” in the church foyer. You can hand these out as you do each act of kindness. These cards identify who we are (as a church) and how people can contact us.

Collect canned goods for the food bank
Make a plate of treats for someone, place on their doorstep and run!
Pay for the order of the car behind you in the drive through
Take a treat and thank you card to your local fire, ambulance or police department (please put your name and phone number on these)
Tape candy canes and note of happy holidays to a neighbors door
Pay for a strangers coffee
Send a care package/letter to someone in the military
Put a comment on someone’s blog, letting them know how much you enjoy reading the blog
Make holiday cards, put them on car windshields/doors
Call or text someone, ask if they need anything from the store
Send a card to a friend/relative you haven’t seen in a while
Purchase gifts/gift cards for someone in need
Send a paper “hug” to someone
Make Christmas cards for your neighbors
Tape change and holiday message to a vending machine
Leave a book mark in your library book and give one to your librarian
Send a thank you to those who decorate their homes for you to enjoy
Send thank you notes to those who have had a positive impact on you
Leave a gift or note for your mail carrier/garbage pick-up
Leave a happy note or smile stone for someone to find
Bring up the neighbor’s garbage cans/recycling bins/yard work
Take a flower/plant to a nursing home
Shovel someone’s driveway

Pick up litter in your neighborhood/local park
Purchase flowers, hand them out to people
Donate toys to a family, day care, nursery, hospital, charity, church
Send a box of gently used mittens/hats to a school, homeless shelter
Donate your favorite holiday book to a library/school
Leave a dollar in the shopping cart for the next person to find
Leave an extra tip for your server
Check in on someone who is alone
Pay a stranger a compliment
Return a shopping cart for a stranger
Make eye contact and smile at everyone you see
Help someone who is in need of assistance
Tell your family members how much you appreciate them
Be a holiday helper—volunteer
Compliment a sales clerk/let their manager know
Collect old towels/washcloths to donate to a local animal shelter
Put out fresh water for the birds
Purchase extra bags of pet food to donate to a local animal shelter
Students/kids:
Tidy up your room/help around the house without being told Sharpen all the pencils in the classroom
Write a letter to your siblings, telling them you love them
Take coffee to your teacher
Sit next to someone during lunch you usually don’t and be nice to them
Leave happy chalk message out where you live

Deacons On Call: 12/06-12/12 Matt Meade, Lewey Lee
12/13-12/19 John Kennedy, Dan Helton
Building Stewards: Ron, Dan, Scott S.
Instrumentalists: Susan M., Susan S.
Worship Welcome Team: Dave Belcher, Misty Belcher, Jeff Kiser, Oscar Raile, Daniel Ray
S.S. Greeters: 12/13 Billie Harris
12/20 John Kennedy
Nursery: 12/13 Kathy Osborne, Lily Snodgrass
12/20 Sandy Mullins, Caroline Mullins
Children’s Church: 12/13 Mike & Rebecca Osborne
12/20 Erra Sutherland
PA: 12/13 Wayne Isaac
12/20 Mike Osborne
Tellers: December Jeff Dotson, Teresa Adkins
Ushers: 12/13 Youth
12/20 Gary Smith*, Bob Adkins^, Bill Sutherland^, Lewey Lee, Mike Strouth, Matt Meade, Ron Swindall, David Mullins
(*Offertory Prayer; ^Choir Ushers)
Wed. Serving Team: 12/09 Kathy Helton, Martha Blackburn, Susie Powers
12/16 Susan Smith, Brenda Lee, Ann Wade, Ruby Salyers, Linda Bailey, Karen Ponish
Wed. Meal: 12/09 Breakfast for supper
12/16 Christmas Dinner
(Rotation Schedules are on the table by the elevator)

Volunteers this Week

A Place for Faith and Fellowship with Family and Friends

WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES
Sunday Sunday School 10:00 am
Worship 11:00 am
Youth 6:00 pm
Monday Office Hours 9 –2 pm Piecemakers & Caring Friends will be in recess for the month of December
Singing Sunbeams 3:45 pm
Wednesday Office Hours 9--2 pm Fellowship Meal 6:00 pm
Bible Study 6:45 pm
Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
Thursday Office Hours 9—2 pm Women on Mission(2nd) 2--4 pm

Rev. Mike Winters Contact Information
Mailing Address: 8915 Red Maple Dr., Wise, VA 24293
E-mail: MikeWinters@wisebaptist.com
Phone: 276.328.6247 Cell: 540.280.5598

Phone:(276) 328-6247 Website: www.wisebaptist.com Email: wisebaptist@verizon.net Fax: 276-328-6204

Wise Baptist Church
P.O. Box 777
Wise, VA 24293

Like us at: Wise Baptist Church and at Wise Baptist Youth

Thought for the week:
Create waves with the kindness of God.

MEALS ON WHEELS
The church is delivering meals to those who cannot attend the Wednesday evening supper & Bible study. If you would like a meal delivered or know of someone who needs a meal, please contact John Kennedy or the Church office by Tuesday at noon.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

MEALS ON WHEELS If you have a family member, neighbor, or know of someone in our congregation who we may serve, please contact Susan Davidson (328-6407) or the Church office by Tuesday at noon.

Join us for Sunday School to refresh your mind and soul. We have classes for all ages!!