Happy New Year

I Am the New Year

I am the new year. I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.

I am your next chance at the art of living. I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.

All that you sought and didn’t find is hidden in me, waiting for you to search it but with more determination.

All the good that you tried for and didn’t achieve is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn’t dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will, all the faith that you claimed but did not have—these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened by the touch of a strong purpose. I am your opportunity to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "Behold, I make all things new."

Star of Wonder

Our children presented Star of Wonder – a Christmas play which brought delight and joy to our church family.  They did a super job sharing the true meaning of Christmas.  Thank you to the kids for their faithfulness in practicing and to those who lead them.  Great job everyone!

Prayer Requests

Well here we are the week after Christmas!  How time files!  It is our hope that you had a great Christmas and are eagerly looking forward to a New Year. There are a few prayer request to share with the church family.

• Buddy Starling passed away Christmas Eve.  The services were held yesterday, but your continued prayers for the family are appreciated.
• Norine B. requested prayer for three of her grandchildren who are battling sickness and health problems.
• Georgette R.'s brother in law Mel M. was diagnosed with lung cancer.
• Harry S. is again battling some mouth cancer and will again face surgery.
• Bro. Dave is battling sickness, but is recovering.

May we continue to lift one another up in prayer and express our love through kindness.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!  May the birth of our Savior bring joy, peace and gratitude to all.  He is the Greatest Gift, our Everlasting Lord, our Messiah and Prince of Peace.  May He reign in your heart and home. 

Verse of the Day

Christmas Quiz

How much do you really know about Christmas?

Our culture has influenced our understanding of the story of the birth of Jesus. A lot of misconceptions have arisen due to this. The more difficult questions help clarify the difference between the original Bible story and modern ideas.

1. The name of the mother of Jesus was:

Martha
Mary
Eve
Deborah

2. Jesus was born in what town?
Jerusalem
Nazareth
Bethlehem
New York

3. Joseph was a:

Carpenter
Doctor
Engineer
Fisherman

4. Why didn’t Joseph and Mary stay at the inn?
It was too expensive
There was no inn
There was no room
None of the above

5. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
Colt
Mary rode a donkey and Joseph walked
wagon
Who knows?

6. After being born, Jesus was placed in a:

Basket
Manger
Pile of hay
On the back of a donkey

7. A manger is a:
stable
feeding trough
wooden table
barn

8. Which animals does the Bible say were housed in the stable?

cows, donkeys, sheep
lions, tigers and bears
goats, sheep and cows
The Bible doesn’t say.

9. From what area were the three kings that visited Jesus?
the west
the east
the orient
none of the above

10. What sign were the shepherds told to look for by the angel?
a lion and a sheep together in peace
a tree with a star on top
a star over Bethlehem
none of the above

11. With what words did the heavenly host of angels praise God?

"Joy to the World, the Lord is Come"
"Glory, Glory, Hallelujah”
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords”
"Glory to God in the highest,"

12. What is frankincense?
a form of gold
an incense from a tree
a jewel
none of the above.
13. What is myrrh?
a musical instrument
a spice used for burial
a valuable wine
none of the above

14. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
One
Two
Three
The Bible doesn’t say

15. What does "wise men" most likely refer to?
lawyers
star gazers.
priests
doctors

16. The wise men met Jesus in a:

manger.
castle.
stable.
house.
17. Who told Joseph and Mary to go to Bethlehem?

an angel
Caesar Augustus.
Herod
No one told them to go.

18. The child Jesus went to Egypt:
to meet pharaoh
because Joseph was told in a dream to take him
Joseph did not take Jesus to Egypt
none of the above

19. According to the Bible, the little drummer boy met Jesus:
when Jesus was in the manger
at a house
When Jesus was about two years old
none of the above

20. In which books do we find the story of Jesus’ birth
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

21. December 25th has been celebrated as Christmas since the Bible was written.
True
False

ANSWERS:

1. Mary

2.  Bethlehem 

3. Carpenter

4.  There was no room

5.  We don’t know.  The Bible doesn't say. 

6.  Manger.

7.  Feeding Trough 

8. The Bible doesn't say.

9.  None of the above.  The Bible only talks about the wise (magi) coming to see Jesus.  The Bible never describes them as kings. 

10.  None of the Above Luke 2:12  "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

11.  Glory to God... 

12.  A valuable incense made from the sap of a tree

13.  A valuable spice sometimes used in burials.

14.  No one knows, but more than one.  Some SUPPOSE that there were three since there were three gifts, but that is just a guess. 

15.  Star Gazers. 

16. House. 

17.  Caesar

18.  Joseph was told in a dream to do it. Augustus

19.  None of the above.  The story of a drummer boy meeting Jesus is not in the Bible.

20.   Matthew and Luke only

21.  False

Caroling This Week

Yesterday at Antioch was a day filled with the beauty of Christmas.  In the morning service, the choir blessed with a beautiful presentation of "The Gift Goes On', where God's Gift of His Son Jesus was shared, adored and passed along.  In the evening service, the children did a wonderful job on the play "Star of Wonder".  Thank you to all who were involved in bringing the true Christmas spirit to life.

On Wednesday night, instead of regular prayer meeting at the church, we will go Christmas caroling!  You are encouraged to meet at the church and be ready to leave at 5:30 PM to visit several of our local shut in members and bring some Christmas cheer to them.  Following the caroling, we will meet at the home of Dave and Kathy B. for some refreshments and fellowship.

A special treat will be for our children to pass out goodie bags to the shut ins. Parents, please bring the children at 4:30 PM and send along a baked treat (cookie, candy etc.).  The children will package the goodie bags and present them while caroling. 

Hope that you will take part in a great opportunity to spread the joy of Christmas!

More Christmas Party Fun

Christmas Funnies

Children's Christmas Dress Rehearsal

There will be a dress rehearsal for the children who are participating in the Children's Christmas Program on Saturday from 2:00 - 5:00 PM.  The children will go over the play in costume and following the practice, there will be a small Christmas party.  Children will be ready for pick up at 5:00 PM.  Parents, you are encouraged to bring a small dessert or finger food for the kids to share at the party.

Christmas Party Fun

What a wonderful time was had last Friday night at the Sunday School Christmas party!  Thank you to all who worked hard to make this an enjoyable evening!

Here is a rousing rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas:

Lots of smiles and fun:

Stay tuned, more coming later this week!!

Worth the Risk

 Worth the risk

God is doing some incredible things in the North African region of Kabylia. Neither Islam nor the heightened level of persecution aimed at believers like Pastor Karim* can stop His desire to bring the Kabyle Berbers to salvation through Jesus Christ. Southern Baptists are privileged to be used by God in this region and to witness the power of the Holy Spirit among this people group. For just $4, Christian workers can buy a New Testament in the Kabyle language. When they read the living Word of God, they are filled with a boldness and strength that comes only from the Lord.

When Karim reads the words of the apostle Paul from his Bible, he identifies with an insight greater than most Christians in the U.S. will ever have. Like Paul, Karim has been beaten, threatened with death and spit upon. He’s witnessed the intense persecution of fellow believers and walked through the ashes and rubble of the building where his church worshipped. Still his faith, and the faith of fellow Christians, remains strong. This is not a church in hiding. This is a church witnessing and evangelizing its own people, even those who persecute them.

For every Bible that’s taken away and burned, they pray that God will provide the means to replace it. Through our faithful giving to Lottie Moon, we provide not only Bibles in the Kabyle language but Christian radio and television programs and an ongoing structure that allows Christian workers to engage Northern African and Middle Eastern peoples.

Sunday School Party

Friday night all adult Sunday School Classes are invited for a time of Christmas fellowship.  We will meet at 6:30 PM in the church fellowship hall and enjoy a meal, fun, games and a gift exchange. You are asked to bring a covered food dish to share and a 'white elephant' gift (something found around the house to share) to exchange.  Children are welcome and there will be great fun for all!

Men On A Journey

Men are invited to "Men On A Journey" which will meet Tuesday mornings at 6:00 AM in the church fellowship hall.  Please see Rex. Mc. for more information. 

Where Does the Money Go?

When we give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, where does the money go?
Every penny given to Lottie Moon is used to support Southern Baptist missionaries as they share the Gospel overseas. The offering represents 55 percent of the International Mission Board’s total income.

The "New" Other Half...

A first grade teacher collected old, well-known proverbs. She gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb, and had them come up with the rest. Here are some interesting results:

It's always darkest before... daylight savings time.

Don't bite the hand that... looks dirty.

You can't teach an old dog new... math.

Happy is the bride who... gets all the presents!

A penny saved is... not much.

Children should be seen and not... spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed... get new batteries.

Are You Prepared To Fight?

"The Christian life is a battleground instead of a playground."

Christians face three enemies:
1.  The World - All around us that is opposed to God.
2.  The Flesh - Our old nature inherited from Adam.
3.  The Devil - The enemy of God and all Christians who roams and seeks who he may devour.

Truths To Help Us Walk In In Victory

1.  We Must Know Our Enemy:  Never underestimate the power of the enemy.
2.  We Must Have the Proper Equipment To Fight:  God has provided armor for us to be effective as a soldier of God.  (Ephesians 6:13-147)
3.  We Must Be Energized:  Prayer is the energy that equips us to be in God's strength.  Always pray as we are always subject to temptation. 
4.  We Must Be An Encouragement:  We as Christians are not alone in the battle.  We are soldiers together and should encourage one another.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®?

Southern Baptist churches collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the sole purpose of supporting international missions. Every penny of the offering goes to the International Mission Board’s overseas budget, thus supporting our missionaries and their work.

What is the 2010 theme?

The 2010 theme is "Are we there yet?" For the first time in history, we can identify the people groups that remain untouched by the Gospel. We can get there in our generation! But that last part of the journey may be the hardest. It will take all of us - our churches, our missionaries, our national partners, our Great Commission partners.

What Can Our Church Do?

 Our church members’ dollars in the offering plate translate to souls saved for the kingdom of heaven. It’s the biggest reason to celebrate the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®. Join us on (date) at (time) as we celebrate our offering with a (dinner, festival etc.). We’ll have (video, drama, music, testimonies, etc.) as we witness God’s hand at work around the world.  The goal for our church is $4,000.00. 

Activities This Week

This Wednesday night will be our monthly Family Meal.  The meal this month will feature a festive flair and you are asked to bring your favorite Christmas food to share!  Dinner will begin at 6:00 PM and will be followed by activities for the entire family.  Come, be a part of some great fellowship, food and a time to hear and receive God's Word.

Friday night the youth will have their Christmas party at the home of Buddy and Liz H.  There will be a bonfire and time of fun and fellowship.  All youth are encouraged to be at the H. home at 5:30 and to bring a fun Dollar Tree gift to exchange.  Please see Liz for more information.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Can you believe it will be December this week?  This year seems to have flown by!  Before the rush and frantic pace of the holidays come upon us, may we quiet our hearts and purpose to make this a meaningful Christmas - where we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior.  Here is a list of dates in December where we can enjoy some church festivities and fellowship with one another.  Please mark the dates of those you can attend. 

December Events:

December 3 ~ Youth Christmas Party

December 10 ~ Adult (all adult classes) Sunday School Party

December 11 ~ Choir Fellowship

December 17 ~ Deacon’s Christmas Banquet

December 18 ~ Children’s Dress Rehearsal/Party

December 19 ~ Christmas Cantata (AM service)

December 19 ~ Children’s Christmas Program (PM service)

December 22 ~ Church wide Christmas Caroling

Choose the activities that you can participate in, but remember to keep our JOY this season -

Jesus
Others
Yourself

Happy Thanksgiving

It is our hope and prayer that this will be a blessed Thanksgiving for you and your family.  There won't be much blog posting this week, but come back next week to keep up with the activities at Antioch. 
Happy Thanksgiving!

Ten Commandments For Marriage

The Ten Commandments of Marriage:

1. Do not place others before one another. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.

2. Let nothing on earth become more important than your marriage. Seek first God’s will in your marriage and the other things will come as He desired.

3. Speak to one another with kindness and love. Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word kindly spoken.

4. Remember to worship together. Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God.

5. Love and accept one another’s family as your own. Your people shall be my people.

6. Do not harm one another with words, attitudes, or action. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.

7. Be faithful to one another. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And the two shall become one flesh.

8. Never take joy for one another. Above all things put on love, which holds everything together in perfect harmony.

9. Always speak the truth in love. The Lord will show you what is right and true, that you may always speak with integrity.

10. Do not desire or be envious of what others may have. I have learned that in whatsoever state I may be, to be content.

Community Thanksgiving Service

This week's prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.  We will be joining some other local churches for a Community Thanksgiving Service which will be held at Wellborn Baptist at 6:30 PM on Tuesday.  There will be a time of praise and thankful testimony and a message from God's Word.  Following the service there will be a time of refreshments.  If you plan to stay for the fellowship, you are encouraged to bring a dessert to share. 

We hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity to fellowship and express our gratitude.  The church van will be leaving at 5:45 PM from Antioch. 

Church Thanksgiving Lunch

Sunday after morning worship will be a Church Thanksgiving Lunch.  All are welcome to stay and enjoy some great fellowship as we reflect on God's goodness and blessings on Antioch.  This is always a special time to share with the church family.  The church will provide the ham and turkery and you are asked to bring a traditional Thanksgiving food dish or dessert to share.  Make plans to stay Sunday and enjoy a great time together.

Operation Christmas Child

Hope you have planned to pack a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child!  Please bring the shoe boxes in this Sunday.  There will be a special prayer of dedication for the boxes to reach and share the gospel with children.  The boxes will be delivered to our local distribution site on Monday. 

Prayer Requests

You are encouraged to keep some needs from our church family in your prayers:

Liz H.'s father is recovering from surgery at home and being treated for cancer.
Janet W.'s mom had a stay in the hospital last week and has been having a lot of pain.
Nancy B. and many others are battling sickness.
Lavon M.'s granddaughter has been diagnosed with mono.
Roy L. has received the diagnosis of lung cancer in both lungs. He and his family surely need our prayers.
Bridget M. is undergoing chemo treatments this week.

Please continue to show love, prayers and support for one another.

ABC's of Marriage

Sunday morning our church heard a sermon based on Ephesians 5 relating to marriage.  God has created a beautiful harmony and balance in marriage, parenting, the chain of authority for us to follow.  Here are some "ABC's" for marriage:

Accept one another as he or she is
Be sensitive to each other's needs
Compliment each other regularly
Don't go to bed angry or with an argument unsettled
Express your love and appreciation for each other daily
Forgive one another totally and unconditionally
Give 100% of yourself to the marriage relationship
Honor one another
Identify areas of conflict and work on root causes
Judge not
Keep courting
Listen to one another
Measure up to your God-assigned role in the marriage
Never drag up past mistakes
Open your heart to one another in honesty and understanding
Pray together
Quit nagging
Renew your commitment to God and to each other
Speak the truth in love
Treat each other as friends and lovers
Undergird one another in child-rearing, work and responsibilities
View your marriage as a covenant before God
Worship together and become involved in a local Bible believing church
X-ray your heart with the prayer, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me,
and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Yield yourselves daily to the will of God
Zero in on common goals and interests and enjoy each other for life

"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it"

(Psalm 127:1).

Thank You, Veterans

Veterans Day was originally established to honor Americans who had served in World War I. The national holiday is celebrated on November 11, the anniversary of the day World War I ended in 1918. Today Veterans Day honors veterans of all wars for their patriotism and willingness to serve in the military and sacrifice for our country.

Beautiful Inside and Out

Ladies, remember the retreat this Friday night.  "Beautiful Inside and Out" is the theme for an evening full of fellowship and spiritual and physical refreshment.  There will be opportunities to enhance your physical beauty with manicures, facials, massages etc. along with encouragement to enhance and bring out the inner spiritual beauty that the Lord gives to each one. 

A dinner will be served of delicious soup and you are asked to bring a complimentary salad to share.  If you have not signed the sign up sheet, please let Caroline know that you will be attending to help with the proper amount of food preparation. 

Make Me A Blessing

Our church is blessed to have so many who share God's love, grace and kindness to one another.  In our day and time, life demands and drains us at times.  Every now and again, it may benefit us to reflect on ways to be a blessing to one another.  Here is a little checklist to assess your success in being a blessing at church.  May it motivate us to seek out and purposefully be a blessing.

1. Do you take the time to greet other church members warmly?
2.  Do you regularly share a friendly hug or hearty handshake?
3.  Do you pray for members of the congregation?
4.  Do you let the pastor and other leaders know when they have done a good job?
5.  Do you encourage the younger members?
6.  Do you fellowship (socialize) with any members outside of church?
7.  Do you bring others to church?
8.  Do you share what you are learning in Sunday School/church with others?
9.  Does someone in the congregation make you feel important?
10.  Is there someone whom you feel could benefit from you being a blessing to them?

"The blessing of a church is only as strong as each member's commitment. "

Prayer and Updates This Week

As we begin a new week (don't they just seem to fly by?), there are a few updates and prayer requests to share.

• Chip C. suffered an injury to his hip and is having some trouble with his sugar levels.
• Rufus S. has cancer and also some blood clots they need to treat.
• Beulah S.'s niece will undergo a chemo treatment this week.
• Beulah is having some hip and knee trouble while Robert is sick and Mark is trying to get his sugar levels regulated.  Please keep the family in your prayers.
• Kay B. is recovering from surgery at home, but has doctor appointments this week to determine a course of treatment for her.
• Ida D.'s son's wife passed away suddenly this weekend.  Please pray for this family in their time of loss.
• Bro. Dave and  Caroline are attending the Florida Baptist Convention this week.  Please keep this in your prayers.

Remember how powerful love expressed through our prayers and actions is to those in our church family and community.  May the loving kindness and grace of God flow from our lives into the lives of those around us.

Verse of the Day

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.  James 3:18

Imitating Our Heavenly Father

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.  As followers of God, we should imitate God and live our lives as to reflect the things of God to the world around us.

Ephesians 5:1-3 gives encouragement to:

Walk In Love - Love is the fundamental basis in a Christian's life.

a. We are God's children, our new nature as Christians should be to show God's love to others.

b.  We are God's beloved children.  We should show our love to God by the way we live our life.

c.  We have been purchased by a great cost.

Walk As Children of the Light

Christians should not have anything to do with darkness.  We should be set apart.  Through salvation, we have been called out of darkness and into the light of Christ.  It is important to gage what we allow into our lives and homes.  Our lives should be different from those who do not know Christ.  Light produces righteousness, reveals truth and when we walk in God's light, it reveals God's light to others.

Beautiful Inside and Out

Ladies, you won't want to miss the Ladies Retreat on November 12.  There are lots of great plans being made to create a special evening.  There will be a guest speaker, pampering for the face and nails, food and some great fellowship.

There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board for you to sign.  This is an overnight retreat, or you can leave early after the activities.

Hope you will make plans to attend!

Jefferson's Ten Rules

Never put off until tomorrow  what you can do today.

Never trouble another for what you can do yourself.

Never spend your money before you earned it.

Never buy what you don't want because it is cheap.

Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.

We seldom repent of having eaten too little.

Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.

How much pain the evils have cost us
that have never happened.

Take things always by the smooth handle.

When angry, count ten before you speak
if very angry, count a hundred.

President Thomas Jefferson

Welcome, November

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1,2

Today is recognized as All Saint's Day where the church has traditionally set aside to honor the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in the faith.  God's Word shares a number of ordinary people equipped with God's power and presence to do extra ordinary things for God's glory.  These men and women of God are examples to us today of diligence, faithfulness, boldness and wisdom.  

Here is a brief look at the coming events in November for our church.  Traditionally, this month jump starts the busiest time of the year.   Before that starts, may be begin cultivating a heart of gratitude for all of God's blessings and enjoy the beauty of opportunity with our church family.

• November 3 ~ Family Meal ~ Soup, Salad, Sandwich Night!  6:00 PM
• November 6 ~ Daylight Saving Time ends - set clocks back one hour
• November 12 ~ Ladies Retreat - Beautiful Inside and Out ~ 6:30 PM
• November 13 ~ Cross Heirs men's event - Branford
• November 21 ~ Church Thanksgiving Meal
• November 21 ~ Bring in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes
• November 23 ~ Prayer Meeting (Tuesday night)

Mark your calendars and take part in the activities you are able to.

Urgent Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for Janet W.'s brother.  He collapsed Friday night at a ball field, stopped breathing for a few moments, was revived and taken to hospital by ambulance.  Once at the hospital, he had a heart attack and was life flighted to Gainesville.  The hospital advised the family to go be with him as he is in very critical condition.  Please pray for him and the entire family. 

Prayer Requests and Updates

Here is an update on some from our church family we have held close in our thoughts and prayers.

• Kay B. is home recuperating from surgery.  Please pray for a smooth recovery and wisdom for further treatment.
• Mark S. is home from the hospital recovering.
• Liz H.'s father was diagnosed with lung cancer.  He will undergo surgery today.  Please pray for him, his family and the doctors as they plan a course of treatment.
• Betty G.'s sister passed away earlier this week.  Please pray for her and the family for comfort and strength during this time.

The love, care and support of one another is one way God's love is manifested in our lives and church!

Be A Prepared Voter

Election Day is just a few days away!  What an urgent time this is for voters.  You are encouraged to do research on the candidates and vote with wisdom.  Please be much in prayer for the Lord's guidance and leading for your voter choices.

Here are a few links that show where our local candidates stand on some issues:

Christian Coalition

United Christians of Florida

Christian Family Coalition

Iron Sharpens Iron

Several of our men attended an Iron Sharpens Iron conference last weekend.  They were encouraged and equipped to face the challenges of life and strive to be a man of God in the home, church and community.  Here are some scenes from the conference.

 

Prayer Requests

You are encouraged to be in prayer for some in our church family this week.

• Kay  B. will undergo surgery for breast cancer today (Tuesday).
• Caroline's parents are battling illness and facing important decisions.
• Liz H.' father is in the hospital with lung problems.
• Little Bridget is released from the hospital for a few days, but chemo treatments will continue.
• Family Fall Festival this Saturday

Be blessed and reach out to be a blessing!

Hometown Parade

Recently the Homecoming Parade was held and several of our church family was involved in it and watched and enjoyed from the sidelines. 

The Cheering Section:

Ty passing out candy:

Jimmy with the football team:

Abigail leading her group:

 

Josh and the Junior Class:
 

Dale and Caleb with their football teams:
 

Did someone say CANDY?
 

What a great day of fun and hometown  pride!