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Sunday Mornings with Us . . .

Welcome Center and Coffee BarKansas Street Entrance (South)

8:30 a.m. WorshipTutt Chapel

Leonard Street Entrance (West)

9:45–10:45 a.m.Bible Study for All Ages

11:00 a.m. WorshipSanctuary

Franklin Street Entrance(North)

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RwinterQUARTERLY EDITION 2015

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As we enter into a new year, would you take a few moments to meditate on these words from Acts 2, and as you do, would you ask God to speak through the text to you about how you might approach the this new year newly, with a fresh commitment to Jesus and His Church.

“41So those who welcomed his message (the gospel of Jesus Christ) were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:41–47).

Life is fi lled with so many complexities. Faith is fi lled with so many complexities. Sometimes it’s helpful to identify simple, transcendent patterns for faithfulness within this wonderful Christ-life we’ve been created and redeemed to live.

Within this narrative snippet in Acts, we can identify simple, practicable patterns. Devote yourselves to the apostles teaching. Devote yourself to Christian community. Devote yourself to Christ-centered worship. Devote yourself to gospel sharing service. Devote yourself to sharing what you’ve been given as a catalyst for Christ-shaped ministry.

As we move into this new year together, my prayer is that each of us might choose this kind of Christ-shaped and Christ-centered devotion. Might 2015 be the year you resolve to devote yourself more deeply to the Risen Christ and God’s mission in this world?

Imagining the possibilities,

Jason

A New Year’s DevotionFrom Senior Pastor, Jason Edwards

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Senior Adults

Game Night @ 2BC | Feb. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | Social RoomIf you have a great board game, bring it! We will also have other games available that all ages can enjoy. Join us in the Social Room any time between 7:00–9:00 p.m., and come and go as you need! Childcare for birth–age 3 is available.

all-church

Church conference | Jan. 26 | 12:00 p.m. | Social Room

Movie Night @ 2BC | Jan. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | Social RoomAll ages are invited to our movie night. The movie is shown in the Social Room and begins at 7:00 p.m. The movie will be for children and adults. Popcorn and other typical movie “food” will be available. Childcare is available for birth–age 3.

Coffee & Conversation | Social RoomOur Senior Adult Ministry hosts a twice-monthly Coffee & Conversation open to all. No reservations needed, just bring a friend and your coffee mug! The fi rst Monday of each month features donuts (bring a dollar if you’d like some); the third Monday, homemade treats are shared.

Monday, Jan. 5 | 10:00 a.m.Monday, Jan. 19 | 1:00 p.m.

Deacon Retreat 2014 | Friday & Saturday, February 6–7Second Baptist Church

Deacons, mark your calendar for the 2015 Deacon’s Retreat. The retreat will be held February 6–7 at Second Baptist Church. Dinner will be served the evening of Friday, February 6, to kick off the weekend. The retreat will continue Saturday morning, February 7, with a breakfast and a morning session of working, learning and planning together.

We hope you will plan to join us! More details to come.

deacons

Financial Peace University Jan. 11–Mar. 29 (Sundays) 4:00 p.m. | Social Room | register @2bcliberty.org/fpuThe church will be offering Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University starting in January. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

Membership packets may be purchased through the church offi ce at a discounted rate of $75 for the fi rst 20 to register (compared to $99 on the Dave Ramsey website). The course will begin January 11 in the church Social Room and will run from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided. Contact Jessica Greason for more information at 816-898-7234.

Register at 2bcliberty.org/fpu

annual Church-wide New Year’s Breakfast | Dec. 28 | 9:30 a.m.(There will NOT be an 8:30 a.m. worship service or Bible study this morning.)

Please join us for a casual continental breakfast featuring fresh pastries, muffi ns, fruit, juice, and specialty coffees. Breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by our 11:00 a.m. worship.

Our Quarterly Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, immediately following 11:00 a.m. worship. Please plan to join us! Lunch will be provided for a donation of $5.Childcare will be available.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: CABIN FEVER NIGHTS

COMING UP . . .

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Children’s Valentine Party | Feb. 1 | 3:00–4:00 p.m.

For the past several years, our children have made valentines for the patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital. It’s been a great success, and we have contributed some awesome valentines for those kiddos who won’t be participating in a valentine party at their school.

We will continue the tradition again this year! Children from K – fi fth grade will meet in the Assembly Room on Sunday afternoon to create all sorts of wonderful cards and messages. Come join us!

Megan Yohe will be in town during the Christmas holidays and the Missions Committee is hosting a lunch with her following worship Sunday, January 4, in the Social Room.

She will be sharing about her experience teaching at the El Camino Academy in Bogota, Columbia. All are invited.

SHARING OUR MISSION

Lunch with Megan Yohe | Jan. 4 | following 11:00 service | social room

` students

DISCIPLE NOW

February 20-22

Save the Date

Student Disciple Now | Feb. 20-22 | Second Baptist ChurchDisciple Now is an in-home, local discipleship retreat for students in grades 6-12. The students will spend an entire weekend with their friends and small group leader(s) hosted overnight by 2BC member families.

The weekend is fi lled with good food, fellowship and formation designed to shape discipleship in Christ. For all middle school and high school students. Invite your friends and SAVE THE DATES!

Holiday Schedule ReminderThe student ministry at 2bc takes time off over winter break. Please note that we will not have Innermission or Wednesday night activities from December 21 through January 6. On Wednesday January 7 we will resume activities with normal Wednesday night activities.

Second Baptist Church

Life Together 2015Church-wide Adult RetreatMay 29–30at Second Baptist Church

save the date

children

Megan Yohe with her Second Grade class at El Camino Academy in Bogota, Columbia.

COMING UP . . .

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For 2015, 2BC has once again identifi ed the following opportunities for our SEND Initiative. We hope you’ll review the opportunities and contact the people listed for more information and to explore how you might serve. Remember if you engage in any of these opportunities for the fi rst time, SEND will provide you with a supplemental amount of funding.

If you would like more information on a trip such as cost, scheduling, and more, it can be found at 2bcliberty.org/send (Visit our homepage, click on the Serve drop down tab and then click SEND) or contact Mike Lassiter, Associate Pastor at mlassiter@2bcliberty.org | 816.781.2824 ext. 307.

Denise, Haiti | February 14–21, 2015A group will be traveling to this remote mountain community to talk with community leaders and school leaders about education needs and possibilities as well as other community development ideas. There could be some light carpentry work such as building desks and tables. For more information or to sign up, contact trip leader: Jeremy Huffman at jnhuffman@gmail.com

SEND initiative

2015 send opportunities

Heifer International Ranch | April 17–19, 2015This weekend trip is for anyone, but last year was enjoyed by families. We will learn from a mission organization involved in good practices of community development and sharing the Good News. Last year we milked goats and fed chickens, we heard from international staff, and we even saw the weight of the food we didn’t eat and threw away after each meal—and it was eye-opening for everyone. (Heifer’s website is heifer.org) For more information or to sign up, contact trip leader: Mike Lassiter at mlassiter@2bcliberty.org.

SEND INITIATIVE 2015

second baptist church

Making space for God’s transforming presence.

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Rebuilding Together Clay County | October 3, 2015Led by Mark Davis, Second Baptist participates in this ministry, joining with other organizations and churches to do small and medium-size projects on homes of people with the goal of helping them to be able to stay in their homes. The event day is October 3, 2015. For more information or to sign up, contact trip leader: Mark Davis at mdavisconstr@yahoo.com.

Bridger, South Dakota | June (tbd) & July 25-30, 2015Our partnership with our Lakota friends on the Cheyenne River Reservation provides an opportunity for our students in June, 2015 (dates TBA)and anyone July 25-30, 2015. In addition to hosting a rummage sale, spending time with the community, and tutoring students, we will be adding a large addition to the Fellowship Hall at the Bridger UCC Church. For more information or to sign up, contact trip leaders: (June Trip) Ashton Wells at awells@2bcliberty.org or (July Trip) Mike Lassiter at mlassiter@2bcliberty.org.

Slovakia | August 28, 2015This trip departs the USA on Friday, August 28, 2015. The primary ministry will be working with Roma women teaching quilting and other skills for making items that can be a source for income through United Way Romania. For more information or to sign up, contact trip leader: Harold Phillips hap@cbfhearltland.org.

Windermere Conference Center | JUNE 2015Windermere uses volunteer help during the busy summer season of hosting Christian camps. Volunteer opportunities range from helping with the grounds and fl ower gardens to serving food in the cafeteria or working at the boat dock.

Lodging and food is provided and the hours are reasonable, so you can enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks, pool or nearby communities. Second Baptist will send a team for a Monday-Friday in June. For more information or to sign up, contact trip leader: Mike Lassiter at mlassiter@2bcliberty.org.

OTHER send opportunities

missions @ 2bc

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the inside scoop

2BC winter weather policy reminder

Please be aware that when Liberty Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, our policy is to cancel all normal afternoon and evening activities at the church. If the weather event occurs on Wednesday,

this does include the evening Wednesday Second Serving meals and Second Sessions activities. In the event of cancellation, every effort will be made to send an e-mail to those subscribed (go to our website to sign up), post it on our website calendar, and send notices to the local broadcast news media outlets. Also, please be aware that the ministry team and offi ce staff have the capability of logging onto our computer network and our telephone voice mail system remotely and working from home in the case of inclement weather. Therefore, the church offi ce being open during bad weather is contingent on the staff’s ability to travel safely to the church. If you need to reach a staff member during inclement weather, you may e-mail a staff members or call the church and leave a message.

RESULTS OF SPECIAL church conferenceResults of Special Called Church Conference | Dec. 21In our Special Called Church Conference on Sunday, December 21, our congregation approved all four motions for consideration which:

1. Creates the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping and Student Pastor positions 2. Amended Catalyst 2.0 to make funding available for both pastoral position 3. Calls Connie McNeill to be our Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping 4. Elected the Student Pastor Search Committee.

We celebrate Connie McNeill joining our pastoral ministry team in 2015 and pray God’s blessing upon her ministry. Let us also celebrate with the members of the Student Pastor Search Committee and pray for God’s blessing upon their work in the coming year.

We have much for which to be grateful and hopeful as we celebrate Christmas this week and look ahead to the New Year.

“Without Hillcrest and the love, support and guidance we received, my family wouldn’t be where we are today. We are grateful.” Lesley, 38, mother of 4

Here at Hillcrest Hope, we have many volunteers and donors that sacrifi cially give of their time and talents to show love and support to the many families that we serve each year. Because of their generosity, our fami-lies had plenty of food, a warm home, and qualifi ed staff that could help them reach their goal of personal inde-pendence.

This year at Hillcrest Hope, we were able to:

Provide transitional housing for 46 families

22,110 Meals were Served

$65,876 Placed in savings

$82,794 Debt resolved

Miracles are happening at Hillcrest Hope. Lives are being changed by love and sacrifi ce. Please join us in “breaking the cycle of poverty” and providing homeless families the ‘Hope’ they need.

Learn more about Hillcrest Hope at our website

www.hillcresthope.org

a note from OUR PARTNER

7

equipping MINISTRY

Dear Church Family,

As I write this, I am gazing out the window at a barren fi eld

covered in white snow—not a site this Florida girl is used to

seeing. In Florida there are typically two seasons, hot and

HOTTER! Our family is enjoying Missouri’s seasons, and I

am reminded as the days since our move have turned into

months, that there really is a season for everything. We are

in the midst of an exciting season in the life of Second Baptist

also, as we move forward with the equipping initiative.

The purpose of the equipping initiative is to nurture one

another towards becoming more Christ-like according to our God-given design and

purpose. In order to do so, it is important to recognize how different ministries in our

church serve as on-ramps for engaging individuals at varying points along their walk with

Christ. Remember the fi rst time you found the unique place where you “fi t” at 2BC? Each

of us has a role to play in connecting those who are already part of our church family and

those who will be for generations to come to the ministries that will foster their spiritual

growth, so that they, too, may fi nd joy and fulfi llment that comes from service to Christ.

In the days ahead, I look forward to working with many of you as we develop the systems

and processes to engage our members in meaningful volunteer experiences that will

allow them to become more Christ-like through service. In doing so, we will answer some

important questions as a congregation.

• How can we help one another discover our spiritual gifts?

• How can we help connect volunteers into the ministries where they best fi t,

according to their design?

• How can we develop volunteers to their fullest capacity through resources

and training?

• How can we provide feedback for volunteers to show appreciation for their

contributions and help them continue to grow?

I hope that you will join me in praying with and for one another as we prepare our hearts

and minds “for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:

12b). What an exciting time in the life of Second Baptist!

In His Grace,

Kim Halfhill

Volunteer Director of Equipping

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Kim Halfhill

A Message from Kim . . .

To learn more about our Equipping Ministry or get engaged contact:

Kim Halfhill, Volunteer Director of Equipping | khalfhill@2bcliberty.org

Connie McNeill, Associate Pastor of Discipleship & Equippingcmcneill@2bcliberty.org

8connect

Mid-Week Retreat @ 2BC

Second ServingsMEAL & FELLOWSHIPOur 2BC Cooking Teams are back for Wednesday night meals. How does home cooking sound?

Five teams of Second Baptist talent (no awards have been won YET, but that could change quickly!) have been assembled to rotate the preparation of our meal. It’s going to be good, so join if you can on Wednesday nights for a time of great food and fellowship before moving to the evening formation options.

Join us weekly from 5:45–6:30 p.m.

MEAL COSTS$5: adults | $3: children age 4–12 No cost for birth–3 year olds$15/family maximum

We are requesting reservations by Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. each week.

To make a reservation: • Visit 2bcliberty.org/secondservings • Use the 2BC Mobile App: events/RSVP • Contact the church offi ce: 781-2824 or mhenderson@2bcliberty.org

Wednesdays this winter and spring will be some of this and some of that, some familiar and some new, but all with a single focus.

We call it Sanctuary.

Pause with us. Take a breath. Slow down your week and stop by. Eat a meal, have a conversation, renew, turn off the technology, and just pause . . . reconnect with Christ.

Practice His presence with us.

Sanctuary is a mid-week oasis, a reset button on life—they’re hard to come by these days. We have something for everyone in the family, a spot just for you to do what youyou need to connect with Christ. Everything is optional; you choose. It’s a sanctuary.

Nourish | Connect | Escape | Refl ect | Renew | Engage | Explore | Contemplate

SANCTUARYMid-Week Retreat @ 2BC

options on Wednesday Nights . . .

nourish

mid-week sanctuary

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Mid-week sanctuary

explore

renew

mid-week sanctuary

GAP 4.0 | Jan. 7Our Hospitality Ministry w/ Greg Mees Room. 302 | Assembly Room

Sessions 4.0 (Jan. 14, 21, 28 Feb. 4)

Yoga w/ Kathy Benavidez | Room 611

Luke w/ Joshua Smith | Room 304-305

Senior Gems w/ Vivian Bunch | Room 306

Bullying w/ Beth Dusin | 308

The Art of Writing W/ Sue Wright | Oak Room

The HAITI EXPERIENCE W/ Mission Team | Room 505

GAP 5.0 | February 11Stephen Ministry w/ Sara Langford | Room 302Assembly Room

Sessions 5.0 (Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25)

ASH WEDNESDAY | Feb. 18 | Sanctuary w/ Jason Edwards

Evensong For Lent | Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25

April 1: Holy Week | Lenten Lunch Social Room 12:00 p.m. | (No Evening Sessions)

Sessions 6.0 | April 8, 15, 22, 29

Yoga w/ Kathy Benavidez | Room 611

Grilling w/Nick Bartlow & Brandon Greason | TBA

Ecclesiastes w/ Milton Horne | Room 304-305

Financial Stewardship w/ Rich Groves | Room 505

Stephen Ministry Lite w/ Blane Baker & Sara Langford | Room 308

____________________

May 6 Children’s Musical | Sanctuary

May 13 Last Wednesday

What is a GaP?GaPs are for everyone. We’ll come together as a group to share, listen, learn, explore and pause every fi fth week. It’ll let us be in community together before we begin again with our next round of Sessions.

Second SessionsAdult Wednesday Evening 4-week sessions +GaPs

We’ve restructured our adult offerings into the new Second Sessions. These sessions are in blocks of four-week offerings with a “GaP” (Gather and Pause) week in between, where we’ll all get together for one special session before we begin again. Here is a sneak peek at the rest of our 2015 GaP and Session blocks.

Join us weekly from 6:30–7:15 p.m.

10

LENTEN PREVIEW 2015

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Lenten Series: The SevenThe letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation

February 18 | Ash WednesdayThe Seven

Revelation 1:4–20

February 22 | First Sunday in LentTo the Church in Ephesus

Revelation 2:1–7 | Psalm 25:1–10

March 1 | Second Sunday in LentTo the Church in SmyrnaRevelation 2:8–11 | Psalm 22:23–31

March 8 | Third Sunday in LentTo the Churches in Pergamum and Thyatira

Revelation 2:12–29 | Psalm 19

March 15 | Fourth Sunday in LentTo the Church in Sardis

Revelation 3:1–6 | Psalm 107:1–3; 17–22

Second Baptist Church

LENT 2015

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lenten preview 2015

March 22 | Fifth Sunday in LentTo the Church in Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7–13 | Psalm 119:9–16

March 29 | Palm/Passion SundayTo the Church in Laodicea

Revelation 3:14–22 | Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29

HOLY WEEKWEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Lenten Lunch | Guest TBA12:00 p.m.

APRIL 2 | MAUNDY THURSDAYCommunion & Drama

John 13:1–17, 31b–35

APRIL 3 | GOOD FRIDAYDrama Message

in collaboration with music ministry

SATURDAY, APRIL 4Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast

9:00 a.m. (Social Room) | Breakfast is for everyone!Hunt is for children through fi fth grade.

APRIL 5 | EASTER SUNDAYWorthy is the Lamb!

Revelation 5:1–14 | John 20:1–18

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LENT 2015Second Baptist Church

2bcliberty.org/lent

> Meaningful, Christ-centered community

> Whole-life faith

> A transforming missional presence

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Second Baptist Church is committed to fostering:

MISSION STATEMENT

2bcliberty.org

PRAYER REQUESTS

300 E. Kansas | Liberty, MO 64068

calendar

816-781-2824

> Meaningful, Christ-centered community

> Whole-life faith

> A transforming missional presence

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Second Baptist Church is committed to fostering:

esenceesence............................

Stay Plugged in via the HUB3

2BC ONLINE COMMUNITY

Connect via Social Media

Find all you need to know online at

2bcliberty.orgor on our 2BC mobile APP

2BC MOBILE APPFOR iPHONE and ANDROID

> FOR IPHONE USERS: Visit the App Store, type in 2BCLIBERTY, click FREE icon to download.

> FOR ANDROID USERS: Through the Google Play Store: Apps – type in Second Baptist Church Liberty. Follow the instructions to download.

Follow @2bcliberty

Look up member contact information, check event dates and start times, get the latest news from the church, watch sermon videos, quickly visit our website’s mobile view, and much more.

Key Features:Empowered Serving

Communicating NeedsPersonal Page for Everyone

Reminder Notifi cationsEasily Connect with New Friends and Old

2bcliberty.org/onlinecommunity

THE LOOPPick up your copy each Sunday morning or read it online.

Both Weekly and Monthy editions for the fall.

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Sunday Mornings with Us . . .

Welcome Center and Coffee BarKansas Street Entrance (South)

8:30 a.m. WorshipTutt Chapel

Leonard Street Entrance (West)

9:45–10:45 a.m.Bible Study for All Ages

11:00 a.m. WorshipSanctuary

Franklin Street Entrance(North)

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ADVENTSPECIAL DECEMBER EDITION

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DECEMBER | January | February

I love the way we celebrate Advent, because our preparation makes it very

Robes come on, sanctuary colors change, liturgy shifts, and our worship becomes

Songs crafted to help us remember the holy one who came into our lives so many

the holy one who continues to weave our lives together with the thread of His life

the holy one who has promised to come again, so that ultimately heaven and

This Advent our attention will be focused

of this hymn are based on a piece of

These are 7 sayings, rooted mostly in Isaiah, that offer us 7 names for the

focus, build anticipation, and enrich our understanding of the one we are all waiting for this season and beyond

Messianic hope, my hope is that we will come to know more fully the one who was and will be as Emmanuel: the God

Watching and waiting with you, Jason

ADVENT 2014

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Visit our website: 2bcliberty.org

December 14, 2014

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WEEKLY EditionSECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Special Q&A Session w/ Connie McNeill

Special Called Church Conference

The Personnel Committee (with the approval of the Church Council) is recommending that we divide the Discipleship and Student Pastor position into two full-time pastoral roles. To that end—and pending your approval—we hope to

So, we are quite pleased to recommend Connie McNeill as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping.

Please do not miss an informal Q&A session today in the Social Room immediately following

provided while we get to know Connie better. She and the Personnel Committee will be on hand to answer questions about her calling,

experience, pastoral role, as well as the process.

Discipleship and Equipping position and to approve the selection of the Student Pastor Search Committee. That meeting will take place

Connie McNeill

Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping