Christmas 2009

Christmas "With God"

fbcadmin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:48:32 +0000

“… and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, ‘God is with us.’” - (Matthew 1:23)

“And the word became flesh and lived among us.” - (John 1:14)

What is this story? This thought that God gave up his heavenly throne, put on skin and came down to live with the human family?

Jesus was born as a child. He was a teenager. He learned a craft and served his community. He was also a well respected Rabbi – a teacher.

“Incarnation” is the word theologians use to describe God becoming human and living among us.

What difference does the incarnation make to you? Why is this important? Why is Christmas important?

Most of us don’t get it. We haven’t been looking for a God who becomes human and lives an ordinary life. Most of us would rather become like God (the first temptation – Genesis 3:5). Most of us would rather have the power and celebrity of God than our common lives.

But God chose something way different. God chose to come into our every day common lives and infuse our lives with something quite extraordinary.

When sin and evil were having its way with this world, God chose to bring his love and forgiveness into our lives.

What difference does this make? First of all, it means God didn’t give up on us.

When we, in our power, were unable to turn around, God came into our world and spoke a word of peace.

What difference does his coming make? His coming means that we have a human figure who is our model. One who shows us a new way to live.

What difference does it make? This Jesus, God walking among us, experiences the joys and sufferings of this world. When we cry out to God, he fully understands our need.

What difference does it make? By coming to us, God has invited us to live a “with-God life”. We are invited to follow Jesus. He promises to walk with us. In the with-God life, we no longer live by fear and submit to the powers of this world. Instead we live with joy and find the power to love.

During this Advent season, we will explore and hear the invitation to the “With-God life.” Come and journey with your church family as we move to the manger. Invite God to walk with you.

Faithfully,

Pastor Leon

P.S. Thank you to everyone who helped make the Thanksgiving Dinner such a great event. Especially thanks to our youth who worked on set-up, serving, and clean-up; to Greg Short our cook and Carol Davenport, who was emcee for the program.

God’s Soldiers Wreath-Making and Refreshments

fbcadmin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:37:37 +0000

Calling all k – 5th graders!

Would you like to make a wreath for yourself or for someone special? Come and make some real pine wreaths!

Refreshments at 5:30 and wreath-making from 6:00 – 7:30.

Bring a large bag or two to take your creations home!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 5:30– 7:30 PM
Chapel at First Baptist, Manlius
Call or email Barbara Brace 682-6270 or Cmillbce@aol.com by December 14, 2009

Wed, 12/16/2009 - 6:00pm

"Tangled in the Tinsel" - Dec 13 at 6pm

fbcadmin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:30:21 +0000

First Baptist Church, Manlius
Sunday, December 13, 2009
(Snow Date: December 20th)

6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Reception to follow in the Chapel

A look at Christmas through skits, readings and music

Featuring a cast of talented First Baptist
adults, youth, and children

Advent and Christmas Series and Services

fbcadmin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:24:51 +0000

Advent Focus: “Emmanuel: God With Us”

November 29: “The With-God Life” Read: Philippians 2:5-11
December 6: “Expecting the Messiah” Read: Luke 3:1-17
Communion Sunday and Reception of New Members
December 13: “The Word Became Flesh” Read: Philippians 2:5-11
December 20: “The New Birth” Read: Luke 2:1-7, John 3:1-15

Christmas Eve Services

5:00 p.m. Children’s Service
7:30 p.m. Candlelight Family Service
11:00 p.m. Communion Service

January Series

January 10th – “The Gift of Worship”
How can we worship in a vital way?
January 17th – “Growing in God”
How do we deepen our relationship to God and grow in the character of Christ?
January 24th – “Finding our Service”
How do we find the places God wants us to love and serve in the church and in the world around us?

Christmas Caroling

fbcadmin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:18:03 +0000

Sunday, December 20, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Everyone (young and old alike) are invited to join in singing carols to our homebound members and our neighborhood. We will return to First Baptist for hot drinks and the warmth of fellowship.

This event is being hosted by our Youth.

Sun, 12/20/2009 - 6:00pm

Operation Christmas Child

fbcadmin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:23:33 +0000

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on mission project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ. When filling up the shoe box, please remember to include $7 to cover the cost of shipping. Please wrap the box cover and bottom, place unwrapped items in the box (along with the money and/or check made out to Samaritan’s Purse), and place in the bin in the Narthex marked “Samaritan’s Purse.” If you can’t get a box together but still want to contribute, cash donations are greatly appreciated. For more details see or call Shirley Mapstone at 682-8169. All shoe boxes MUST be turned in by Sunday, November 1st!