Volume 21 November 2015 Number 11

2015 LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS OFFERING

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

November 29–December 6, 2015

National Goal: $175 MillionPRAY » GIVE » GO » SEND

Our missionaries minister in tough places, physically as well as culturally. They take the gospel to people living in mountains and valleys, remote villages, cities, places where refugees of war have fled, places where false religions have a stronghold. Churches are partnering in reaching a people group. Your giving enables missionaries to be sent to make disciples and multiply churches among unreached peoples and places for the glory of God. 100 percent of your gifts to the offering supports missionaries and their ministries. Your

prayers and gifts make an essential difference.

“I am the vine, you are the branches” John 15:5

The BranchNewsLETTE

RA Monthly Publication of Live Oak First Baptist ChurchPhone # 210-656-8200 FAX # 210-656-0848Web Site: http://www.liveoakfbc.org https://www.facebook.com/LiveOakFirstBaptistChurch

Donald Valenta, PastorPaul Reavis, Minister of Music &

EducationRachel Dorchester, Secretary

Remember our veterans for their service and sacrifices to preserve our heritage of freedom. Pray for the men, women, and their families serving in our armed forces.

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Deacon of the WeekNovember 1 Mario Ward November 8 Ken BeanNovember 15 Lalo PeñaNovember 22 Don StewartNovember 29 Donnie Cox

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Most Americans associate November with Thanksgiving. However, we, like most Baptist churches, emphasize Christian stewardship during this month as well. David penned a prayer of thanksgiving in I Chronicles 29:11–16 which is embedded with four precepts of biblical stewardship. First, as Sovereign Lord, God owns every-thing that is (v. 11b). God is primary and principle owner, with no conditions or limitations. Second, all resources come from God (v. 12a). We only have what God has given to us. Third, thanksgiving and praise are due God for His goodness (v. 13). Often a fresh awareness of the grace of God will result in giving back to God out of those resources He has given us. Finally, we can give only out of what God gives us (vv. 14b, 16). God may not give us millions of dollars, but we are to be faithful in giving at least a tithe of what God does provide us. The apostle Paul wrote, “God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).Thanksgiving and stewardship really do complement each other. Let’s make November a time of thanksgiving and an opportunity to grow in Christian steward-ship. Growth and maturity in stewardship requires a commitment to trust in God, take responsibility for management of our own possessions, be obedient to God’s teaching, and be a joyful tither. An old hymn says: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” God wants us to follow this teaching. The question remains, will we? I anticipate a great month as we worship, give thanks, and learn to be good stewards.

Your Pastor,

From Our PastorNovember 11

Join us for our annual banquet in the

fellowship hall for delicious food and fellowship as we

underwrite our 2016 budget.

Stewardship BanquetNovember 15 at 6:30 pm

Brother Donald

In November, we are encouraged on all sides to be thankful for everything. I would like to be more specific in my thankfulness, so please allow me!I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for my salvation and calling. I am thankful for Christian parents who nudged me in the right direction. I am thankful for a Christian soulmate who supports my ministry and has provided four sons who in turn provided the best grandchildren in the world! I am thankful for a loving church who prayerfully supports our ministry and our prayer needs. I am thankful for a faithful choir and hand bell ringers who lead in worship. I am thankful for faithful musicians who assist in worship (Nerissa and Rachel). I am thankful for a church staff who are prayer warriors. I am thankful for Sunday School teachers, for their preparation and investment in the lives of their groups. Lastly, I am thankful for YOU, for your friendship, encouragement and sup-port.As we near the official Thanksgiving Day, let us be thankful every day for all the blessings that we receive from God, our Provider.

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Agape Ministry needs volunteer workers for two hours a week. Call Lalo Peña or Dot Peacock at 590-6655.

From Our Minister of Music and Education

3 Jim Scott 22 Anna Stulsas8 Collye Washington 22 Keely Lawson9 Chris Snyder 22 Allison Ballard9 Diane Soliz 23 John Davison

11 Clifton Cranford 24 Becky Willetts12 Donald Valenta 25 Pete Mathenia14 Henrietta Glowacz 28 Becky Stewart16 Amanda Wilson 28 John Harris19 Roberta Fountain 30 Margie Bates

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *6th Annual SABA Hunger

WalkSaturday, November 7th

9 am to 12 Noon Comanche Park #2

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Help us raise funds for our 37 Baptist food pantries so they can meet the needs of the hungry in our community! Ed Essary will be participating in the 10K run. Please support him and this ministry with your prayers and donations.

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Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program reaches out to those in need and provides a food basket so they can enjoy a holiday meal. Please

help RACAP fill their Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Items needed: chicken broth, flour, sugar (4 lb. bag), brown sugar (1 lb.), evaporated milk, stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, yams, fruit cocktail, cranberry sauce, corn and green beans. Donated funds will be used to purchase turkeys and perishable items

for the baskets. Call 658-1613 for more information.

Birthdays

Food Baskets

Join us for lunch at Las Palapas. We will meet at the church at 11:30 am and carpool to the restaurant.

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November 19 Thursday, 6:30 pm

Fellowship Hall

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love. Join us we learn to fall (back) in love with God.Join us for Bible study, dinner, and fellow-ship with your sisters in Christ. Check in the foyer for the menu and sign up sheet to help with food for the meal.

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SPONSORED BY THE RUTH CLASS

Shoebox gifts are a powerful tool for sharing the life-changing messge of Jesus Christ. Along with the shoebox gifts, millions of children are given Gospel booklets in their own language. “How to Pack Your Shoebox Gift” brochures are at the Welcome Center. Please return your shoebox to the Welcome Center by November 16. If you would like to “adopt a box” for $7 to help

with shipping, it will be greatly appreciated. Lively Oaks Meeting

November 12Thursday @ 11:30

amLas Palapas

For Ages 50+

Women's Ministry Meeting LOVE

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