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1. Tates Creek Current October 2017 2. Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 2 Contents Feature Article 10-11 “Focus on the Word” In Every Issue 3-7 Minister Articles 12 Prayer Ministry 12 Guided Prayer Topics 13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule 18-21 Devotional thoughts each week 22 August Statistics 23 New Members 24 Calendar Ministry News 14- 15 Missions Moment Events 8 Operation Christmas Child 9 One Church One Body; Oasis 16-17 October Events Mission Tates Creek Christian Church exists to win people to Christ (evangelism), build up believers in faith, knowledge, and service (encouragement), to help those in need (benevolence), and to stand up for Christian values in the community (witness). Contact Tates Creek Christian 3150 Tates Creek Road Lexington, KY 40502 (859) 266-1621
[email protected] Visit Online www.tatescreek.org instagram: tatescreekcc facebook.com/tatescreekcc Worship Sunday First Service - 9:30 am Second Service - 11 am Sunday School - 8:30, 9:30, 11:00 am Swahili Service - 3:00 pm Evening - 6:30 pm Wednesday Oasis Classes - 6:30 pm Staff Tommy Simpson Kim Beckwith Billy Bishop John Davis David Eversole Geoff Lawson Matt Lee Don Seevers Lesley Tipton Office Staff Jenni Gregg Kim Jones Jan Sproul (Monday) Vicki Wesley (Friday) 3. While growing up on the farm, cultivating crops required intense focus. I had to concentrate and give full attention to the task of cultivating. I disciplined myself to look forward! The cardinal rule with cultivating was“Always look forward! Never look back!” Looking back was always disastrous for cultivating crops. Just as sure as I would look back, I would plow up some of the crop or some of the garden which did not set well with Dad or Mom! Cultivating crops reminds me of the teaching of Jesus! Jesus said, “No one, after putting his hand to the plan and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). It is impossible for a follower of Jesus to work in His Kingdom and still be holding on to his/her past life whether the past includes worldly friends, sin, or negative habits. The same principle is true for a church. It is impossible for a church to go forward and be effective while trying to live in the past. For example, implementing traditions are well and good as long as those traditions continue to fulfill purpose and meaning. If traditions are perpetuated just because that is‘what we have always done,’then the church becomes inward focused, ineffective, stale, and stagnant. Who wants to be a part of a church with those characteristics? No one! On a regular basis, every program/ ministry of the church should be examined to see if that program/ministry is fulfilling the purpose the Lord has given to the church. Our next sermon series is entitled,“Forward with Focus.” We will examine the goals that speak to the purpose that our Lord has given to the church! One of the purposes that He gives to the church is evangelism. The goal for Tates Creek in this purpose is thirty baptisms! Once a person becomes a Christian, there are three goals a Christian should pursue. Those goals may be stated as: one hour in worship, one hour in study, and one hour in service each week. Christians should involve themselves in one hour of worship every week. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Christians should also involve themselves in one hour of study whether that is one hour in Sunday school or one hour in small group. The third goal Christians should involve themselves in is one hour in serving each week, whether that is service in the church or outside the church. Remaining committed to these three goals strongly assist us going “Forward with Focus!” Press On! ~ Tommy Simpson Senior Minister,
[email protected] 3 Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org Looking Forward 4. We have all heard this imperative given by our parents or a teacher. As students, we are often distracted from keeping our focus on matters of importance by outside distractions in the classroom. Not only do school students struggle with focus, but adults do as well. I really like my iPhone 7, but I realize that I must keep attention focused on what is important at the time. I confess that it is easy to become distracted when one or more chimes or sounds are emitted from the phone tempting me to look at it. After all, studies show that most of use our phones more for other things than talking to someone! We have work email, Facebook, and text messages, other apps, etc. I also must say how aggravated I become when I am in conversation with someone and they make the phone their priority. I understand that emergencies occur, but if we are honest, most of those“phone chimes”can wait. Throughout my 40+ years of leading music and worship ministry, I have been asked on many occasions,“how do you keep your focus and still worship when leading from the platform?” Well, I will be honest and tell you that it takes a lot of work! On many Sundays, it is not easy especially when something goes wrong with the sound system, a CD won’t play, a microphone won’t work, a soloist is ill or people come to me with lots of questions and sometime concerns that probably could wait until after the service. It does take work to worship! It takes lots of work and not only for me, but for all of us. As I move through the different responsibilities of being a leader in worship, I still must also worship. It can be done and I can still enjoy worship. I mention these two examples as a reminder that as Christians and as a Church, it is easy for us to be distracted from what should be our main focus. We must focus on the lost! Any church that forgets that will soon die! We must focus on serving Christ and others! A church that focuses on itself will also soon die. We must focus on study as we open the Word and see what God has to say to us. A church that focuses on other things other than the Word will die at some point. Finally, we must focus on the example of Jesus Christ. Some churches are distracted with doing good things in the community and around the world but forget to keep the focus on Christ. May we all learn to focus AND focus on the right things. Focus! Focus! ~ Don Seevers Worship Minister,
[email protected] Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 4 Focus! Focus! 5. 5 Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org Focus on Example Recently my daughter came home excited about being chosen as the“bee buddy”for her classroom at school. What is a“bee buddy?” They are the student in each class that helps new students become adjusted to their new room, school, etc. My daughter was chosen for this by her teacher because she was seen being thoughtful, caring about other students, helpful, and willing to play with those who might not normally have a friend. I can’t tell you how proud I was. But this isn’t the first time I’ve been told about these positive qualities. Since she was in preschool I have been told how friendly and caring she is to her peers and teachers. My son is beginning to be the same way, always making sure to get candy for his sister or his friends when he gets a piece, being appreciative of things he’s been given, and asking what’s wrong if someone is hurt. I’d like to say that my husband and I can take all the credit for this, and we’ve worked with both of them, but we aren’t the only ones. My children have numerous role models in their lives that they watch each and every day, and who care for them unconditionally. Adults (and teens) who show them kindness, who treat them as human beings, who listen to them. I pray that these people continue to stay in their lives into adulthood, so they are able to be led in a Godly way through their own teen years. We have quite a large pre-teen group right now at TCCC, and they are in the absolutely capable hands of the Stretch 456 ministry. But shaping those children goes beyond the walls of their Sunday classroom. It extends to each and every one of us in this building, and I ask that you take the time to continue investing in this next generation of believers. Trust me, it’s worth it. ~ Lesley Tipton Preschool Director
[email protected] 6. Branson Missouri October 8-15 Sight & Sound Theater’s“Moses” The Showboat Branson Belle and so much more! Last minute reservations are still available. Contact Kim Beckwith at 859-537-2537 or
[email protected]. November 11 Tickets are still available for The Gaither Vocal Band concert at the EKU Center for the Arts. Tickets are $27.50. Contact Kim Beckwith if you would like to attend with a group from TCCC. ~ Bro. Kim Beckwith Senior Adult Minister
[email protected] Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 6 Senior Adults Ministry 7. It’s unbelievable that we are already into the fall semester of 2017! Summer was great and the student ministry had a lot of fun. As summer fades and fall nears, I am excited for all that we have planned for this semester. As you read this, we have already had our High School Fall retreat and fall kickoff and have lots more planned. If you haven’t grabbed a copy the fall calendar for either the Middle School or High School groups, please make sure to pick one up. Copies can be found in each area and have also been posted in our Facebook group for students and parents. For Middle School ONLY, I wanted to highlight our Nerf Wars coming up on Wednesday, October 4th from 6-10 PM. This event is for all students in grades 6-8 and totally FREE. Students can bring their own gear. Please make sure to label all personal gear that is brought. Please RSVP to
[email protected] or send me a text at 859.221.5605. The second event I would like to highlight for Middle School ONLY is the fall retreat October 20-21. Any middle school student is invited to join us as we head to Camp Calvary for a weekend of fun. Early bird registration is $35 and any registrations after September 30 jump to $45. Sign up with Geoff as soon as possible. The High School ministry has lots of activities planned as well. Periodically through the fall semester, the High School Ministry will meet off-site on Sunday nights. For the fall semester, we will meet at home of Russell & Lora Brown from 6-8 PM. These nights are set aside as opportunities to build relationships in a different environment. See the HSM calendar for specific dates! Both groups will be having Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse) packing parties. We will have the opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in some very tangible ways to children in need around the world through filling shoeboxes with gifts. Please plan on purchasing supplies for a shoebox. Our goal for the Student Ministry is to pack 35 boxes. See both calendars for specific dates and times. Lastly, if your student is involved in anything extracurricular, I would love to come and support them. Please share calendars or event dates so our student ministry can come support our students. ~ Geoff Lawson Student Minister
[email protected] Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org 7 Student Ministry 8. Multiplication through a Shoebox! In recent months at Tates Creek Christian Church we have focused on multiplication in the Body of Christ and one way we can continue that focus is to participate in the ministry of Operation Christmas Child! Our shoebox gifts allow us to “go and make disciples of all nations” as children receiving a gift hear the Gospel and then are invited to participate in “The Greatest Journey,” a 12- week follow-up discipleship program. This past year, 3 children came to Christ every minute as a result of this program which also encourages them to boldly share their new faith with others. As a result God is growing and multiplying the Body of Christ all over the world! The TCCC Women’s Ministry invites our church during the month of October to join together to pack 250 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child. You may use a standard size shoebox or pick up free boxes in the Main Foyer beginning October 8. Please plan to return shoeboxes to the Worship Center by November 6. If questions, contact Shelley Maxwell via email at
[email protected] or Kim Jones in the church office. For more information about Operation Christmas Child or to learn how to follow your box, visit samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ A quality shoebox will include a“wow”item such as a stuffed animal, toy car, ball, or doll along with a few school supplies, hygiene items, and other small toys. A note to the recipient is treasured! OCC brochures are available to provide a boy/girl label to tape to the top of your box and an envelope for a $9 shipping donation (write checks to Samaritan’s Purse) which can be placed on top of the contents inside the box. The most important thing you can put into your box is PRAYER. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the heart of the child who will receive your box! Impact Story: For Luis Gonzales, a shoebox recipient raised by a single mother in the ghetto of Panama City, Panama, his gift had a special impact. When he was 6 years old, his family did not have the money to buy school supplies so that he could attend school. When he received a gift-filled shoebox and found it filled with the school supplies he needed he came to know a God who cares about him personally! Today, as a follower of Jesus Christ, Gonzalez is committed to sharing his story to encourage others to pack shoebox gifts because he knows the difference it can make in a child’s life both physically and spiritually. Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road Operation Christmas Child 9. Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org Fall Oasis September 13 - November 15 9 “How is Our Church Different from Other Denominations?” Led by John Davis Have you ever wondered why our church does things a certain way while other churches are much different? What are the reasons and does it really matter? Come on Wednesday nights this fall as we discuss the distinctive beliefs and practices of the Christian Church. “Value-packed Parenting” by Dr. Kevin Leman Led by Tommy Simpson How do you raise rock-solid kids in a pleasure-driven world? Discussion topics will include talking and listening, self-confidence, anger, discipline, technology, and more. Workbooks are $9. “A Living Hope in Christ” Women’s Study, Led by Jennifer Davis Come discover what it means to experience the Living Hope we have in Christ. Key themes of humility, submission, and identity in Christ will be discussed in this study of 1 Peter. Workbooks are $13. “Hands and Feet Ministry” Matthew 25:35-40 What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Each week, participants will invest themselves in a choice of community outreach ministries demonstrating their love for God by pouring themselves into the lives of others. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 Join us! It is not to late to participate! One Church One Body October 1, 2017 Combined Worship Service at 10 am Picnic Meal, 5 pm 10. “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” (Psalm 119:15, ESV) Look. Keep looking. Then look some more. And when you’re tempted to stop, push past it and just keep looking. That’s focus. There was once a very wise and respected professor who was approached by a student curious about scientific observation. “Very well,”said the professor, taking out a huge jar. “Take this fish and look at it. Eventually I’ll test you. ”The student sat down and started looking at the fish. After about ten minutes he thought he saw everything there was to be seen. He looked for the professor but he was no where to be found. So the student kept looking at the fish. Thirty minutes passed. An hour. Two hours. The professor returned. “What have you observed?” The student rehearsed it all. The fleshy lips, the lidless eyes, the shimmering scales, the lateral line, the spinous fin, the forked tail. The professor seemed disappointed.“You haven’t looked very carefully. You haven’t even seen some of the most obvious features. Keep looking.” The student wanted nothing more to do with the fish. He was miserable. But he wanted to please the professor. So he kept looking. Slowly he discovered one new feature after another. Soon time began to fly by as the student observed that fish. He discovered all kinds of things he’d never noticed before. He realized just how right the professor had been. After an hour the professor returned to a new list. “That’s good. But that’s not all. Go on. Keep looking.” And so for three long days he put that fish before the student’s eyes, forbidding him to study anything else, repeating the same chorus each time. “Look… look… look.” There are great rewards to those who will focus over the course of long periods of time. This is especially true in studying God’s word. David was focused in Psalm 119:15. He vowed to fix his eyes on the word. To look and to keep looking. And oh, the riches he found there! Read Psalm 119 for yourself and witness all the goodness and satisfaction that David found in God’s word. In the same way we should commit to fixing our eyes on Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 10 Focus on the Word 11. God’s word consistently, day after day. Look at it. Pour over it. Meditate on it. Ask questions of it. Be amazed at what you find. Rejoice in it. And do it all again the next day. In Psalm 119:96 David writes, “I see a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.” In other words, you can look and look and look at God’s word for the rest of your life and never mine all the gold that is buried under the soil of its words. That gets me excited. It’s like a project that is always satisfying but never completed. A taste of eternal life here and now. Simply reading the Bible… looking at the word of God over and over again consistently… will change your life. It has changed mine. And it will lead you to the greatest beauty and satisfaction in the whole world - God himself. The Bible is unlike any other book ever written. In fact, it is unlike any other thing in existence because it is the primary way that God has revealed himself to us. That is a very big deal because God is the creator of the universe. Your maker, the sustainer of all atoms and electrons, the ruler of creation, and the judge of all mankind has condescended to reveal himself to us in a book we can read. So, we should spend a great deal of effort and time and energy into looking at this book. Yes, it’s sometimes hard to understand. Yes, there are times when it feels like we get very little out of our time in the word. Yes, there are other things that seem to pay quicker dividends. But over time, as we look, and look, and look some more, we find there is no greater beauty, satisfaction, or joy to experience than that which comes from knowing God through his word. The Bible is not a vending machine where you go get your sugary snack for the day. It’s not a spiritualized horoscope or magic 8-ball. And it’s not a collection of hallmark card slogans meant to boost your self-esteem. The Bible is where we meet God! So look at it. And keep looking. There’s always more of God to be found there. ~ John Davis Minister of Evangelism & Discipleship
[email protected] Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org 11 Focus on the Word continued 12. Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road 12 In Joshua 10:12-14 we read about Joshua asking the Lord to have the sun and moon stand still. After reading this passage, I began to think about how audacious Joshua was to pray such a thing and fully expect God to grant such a request. I mean he was ask
