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1300 Anderson Drive

Williamston, SC 29697

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“Preparing Lives for Today, Tomorrow and Eternity”

CHURCH News December 2019

Hillcrest Staff

Rev. Larry Baldwin Pastor Phone 934-4487

Mrs. Fran Broome Minister of Music Phone: 221-1194

Tommy Bennett Pianist

Linda Barrett Ministry Assistant

Ellen Tierce Custodian

Office Phone: (864) 847-7521 Email: info@myhillcrest.org Website: www.myhillcrest.org

From The Pastor’s Pen December 2019 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Everyone knows how much I love all the Christmas decorations and festivities

during the holiday season. But, hold on a minute! I’ve been hearing of church members that have been watching Hallmark

Christmas movies for the past couple of months. Also, Christmas music has been playing for weeks now on the radio. Doesn’t it

seem like everyone wants Christmas to hurry up and get here? Or, maybe not Christmas day itself, but the feeling we get when it’s

the Christmas season. During this time of year, it’s seems like most people are happier. You see a few more smiles than normal.

People are willing to give a little more to help out those who are in need. The atmosphere is totally different. Wouldn’t it be great

if everyone could keep what we feel at Christmas all year long?

Let’s just take a moment and think about Christmas. Why do we celebrate? What is the true meaning? I recently ran

across a poem that I thought said a lot about the true meaning and it will really make you think. The poem is by Anthony J. Croker.

God I wonder how you feel, Up above the stable,

When you see what we have done. A star shimmered big and bright,

Have we forgot the reason for Christmas, To lead a world of followers,

Is to celebrate your son? Through the darkness of the night.

God, please don’t get me wrong, The people came to see Him,

I love Santa and his sleigh. They traveled far and wide,

Decorating the tree, To look into the stable,

And opening gifts on Christmas Day. At our Lord and Savior inside.

Times with friends and family, A Savior who is there beside us,

Full of happiness and cheer. Whenever we stumble and fall.

God, you may look at the celebration, Even when times are good,

And say, “Why is my Son not here?” He is with us through it all.

Is He being forgotten now, So teach your sons and daughters,

As He was that early morn? To love the Lord with all their heart.

No room was found at the Inn, When you share the word of Jesus,

So in a stable He was born. You have truly done your part.

Born and laid in a manger, So before the celebrations are over,

A manger found within. Please, don’t forget to say.

Who knew that the little Christ Child, Thanks to our Lord Jesus,

Would one day die, for all our sin. The true reason for Christmas Day.

The season is all about the Savior! Let us not forget that Hillcrest Baptist Church. Let our arms be open to all who enter our doors

this holiday season. Let us also carry His love outside the walls of this church to a lost and dying world. From our house to yours,

Kim and I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Laboring and Loving it!

Preacher Larry

NOTES FROM THE OFFICE

Please have articles and information for the January Newsletter in the office by Sunday,

December 22nd. Thank You!

The Church office will be closed for Christmas

Tuesday, December 24th

Wednesday, December 25th

2020 Calendars for Sale

Perfect for Personal use or to give as a gift. The scenic calendar comes with a matching envelope and pen.

See Connie Turner to purchase. Cost is $5.00

The Church Library is open on Wednesday evening

from 6:30-7:00. Closed Sunday. Our Librarians are

Tina and Travis Smith.

Month Twelve - A Two Year Journey to Read The Bible

Rotations for Ushers and Greeters

Ushers December

Robert Harrison

Andy Brown

Tim Broome

Tony Cooley

Harold Martin

James Ford

Alternate Usher Jerry Hill

Greg Paige

Greeters Front

Jerry Hill

Back

Harold Martin

Robert Harrison

Contact Jerry Hill or Robert Harrison if unable to serve during rotation.

Date Scriptures Date Scriptures

Sunday, December 1 Catch Up Day, Psalms 149 Tuesday, December 17 Isaiah 30-31, Proverbs 14

Monday, December 2 Catch Up Day, Psalms 150 Wednesday, December 18 Isaiah 32-33, Proverbs 15:1-29

Tuesday, December 3 Isaiah 1:1-2:5, Proverbs 1:1-7 Thursday, December 19 Isaiah 34-35, Proverbs 15:30-33

Wednesday, December 4 Isaiah 2:6-4:1, Proverbs 1:8-33 Friday, December 20 Isaiah 36-37, Proverbs 16

Thursday, December 5 Isaiah 4:2-5:30, Proverbs 2 Saturday, December 21 Isaiah 38-39, Proverbs 17

Friday, December 6 Isaiah 6, Proverbs 3 Sunday, December 22 Isaiah 40:1-11, Proverbs 18

Saturday, December 7 Isaiah 7-8, Proverbs 4 Monday, December 23 Isaiah 40:12-41:29, Proverbs 19

Sunday, December 8 Isaiah 9-10, Proverbs 5:1-6:19 Tuesday, December 24 Isaiah 42-43, Proverbs 20

Monday, December 9 Isaiah 11-12, Proverbs 6:20-35 Wednesday, December 25 Isaiah 44:1-23, Proverbs 21

Tuesday, December 10 Isaiah 13:1-14:27, Proverbs 7 Thursday, December 26 Isaiah 44:24-45:25, Proverbs 22:1-16

Wednesday, December 11 Isaiah 14:28-17:14, Proverbs 8 Friday, December 27 Isaiah 46-47, Proverbs 22:17-29

Thursday, December 12 Isaiah 18-20, Proverbs 9 Saturday, December 28 Isaiah 48, Proverbs 23

Friday, December 13 Isaiah 21-23, Proverbs 10 Sunday, December 29 Isaiah 49-50, Proverbs 24:1-22

Saturday, December 14 Isaiah 24-25, Proverbs 11 Monday, December 30 Isaiah 51:1-52:12, Proverbs 24:23-34

Sunday, December 15 Isaiah 26-27, Proverbs 12 Tuesday, December 31 Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Proverbs 25

Monday, December 16 Isaiah 28-29, Proverbs 13 Wednesday, January 1 Isaiah 54-55, Proverbs 26

Just a reminder. Let the Church Office know if

you have any additions or changes to your

information. (address, telephone number,

birthday, or anniversary). Thank you!

Fidelis Sunday School Class invites any Ladies not in a Sunday School class to please come visit! Marie Ford, Teacher and Nina Adams, Assistant Teacher.

Join us Sundays evenings at 5:00 in the Mosaic Classroom for Encore Sunday School. An alternative time for when you can’t make the 10:00 class. Invite your friends to join us!

Nursery Ministries

12/01 Christy Havird &

David Havird

12/08 Bell Jennings &

Ryan Jennings

12/15 Kelly Driver &

William Driver

12/22 Ellen Tierce &

Melissa Smith

12/29 Gloria Martin &

Tina Smith

Children’s Church

12/01 Ellen Tierce

12/08 Donna Frady

12/15 No Children’s Church

12/22 Sherry Clardy

12/29 EllenTierce

Nursery and Children’s Church Ministry Volunteers Are Needed

Sign up sheets for Nursery and Children’s Church volunteers are on the Mission Hall Table. Please

prayerfully consider helping in these important Ministries. We have a couple of Volunteers not avail-

able after the holiday. More help would be great!

Kid’s Ministry Activity (1st-6th grades)

Friday Night, December 13th, 6:00-9:00

Parents Night Out/ PJs and Pancakes

The Children’s Ministry will celebrate

Christmas together dressed in PJs and having

a pancake supper. The night will be filled

with games, crafts and fun.

A signup sheet is on the Mission Hallway

Happy

Anniversary

Ken & Karen Blystone 12/06

James & Dora Jackson 12/06

Tina & Louis Inzeo 12/08

William & Kelly Driver 12/24

Amee Barton 12/15

Tim Harmon 12/16

Christi Dahl 12/18

Brenda Strader 12/21

Carol Sargent 12/23

Happy Birthday Jesus 12/25

Lakon Newby 12/25

Frances Crowe 12/27

Harold Marton 12/29

Tammy Taylor 12/29

James Ford 12/01

Catherine Medlock 12/03

Kayla Frady 12/08

Nicole Spruell 12/08

Lishawn Pickens 12/10

Gladys Reece 12/12

Emory Brown 12/13

Mary Ann Bunton 12/13

Melissa Smith 12/13

Susan Poole 12/15

December Celebrations

Happy

Birthday!

We will have a short service at 6:00PM. Following the service we will have soup,

chili beans and cornbread. Then, we will be off to sing carols for our Homebound.

We will have a “Gingerbread House Contest”. Anyone can take part in this

contest. From our youngsters to our oldsters, all ages can participate in this time

of fun. Prizes will be awarded in the different age categories.

Christmas Celebration

Sunday, December 22nd, 6:00PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS, UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS

Wednesday, December 4th

@ 6:50PM

Starts @ 7:00PM

No Drama Practice in December

We will resume, Sunday, January 19th

after evening service.

Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays at 7:30

We will meet at Hardees during the colder weather. Come join us!

PBA Senior Adult Luncheon Tuesday, December 10th

Starts at 10 AM with Lunch at Noon Washington Baptist Church

Washington Baptist will provide the mail dish. Each Church is asked to bring sides, a sign up

sheet is on the back bulletin board. Each church is also asked to bring 2 gifts for door prizes. An

attendance count is requested by December 6th. Invite someone to come along!

Christmas Party

Christmas Sock Exchange

Bring a pair of Christmas socks stuffed with candy, chapstick, lotion, etc. Bring Christmas finger foods to share. Drinks are furnished. Bring a friend!

Monday, December 9th at 6:30 King and Queen Christmas Party

(Ages 50 and older) Food: Catered meal for $3.00 per person

The money is due by Sunday, Dec. 1st to Pat Brown or Faye Bennett.

Activities: Dirty Santa - Bring a $5.00 gift to play. Ugly Christmas Sweater and Festive Wear Contests. Hosts/Hostesses: Pat & Brad Brown and Faye & Tommy Bennett Senior of the Month: Kathy Smith A Signup Sheet is on the back bulletin board.

Choir Practice Saturday,

December, 14th, 9:00 AM

Christmas Choir Musical

Sunday, Dec.ember 15th

11:00 AM Service

Sunday December 15th

Secret Sisters Reminder

Christian Learning Center February Snacks and Drinks

Hillcrest has signed up to provide snacks and drinks for

the Children at Christian Learning Center for 2 Fridays

in February. To prepare a little in advance, we will be

collecting juice boxes in December and Little Debbie

Cakes in January. In the prior semester they needed

210 snacks. A box will be in the Mission Hallway.

Missions, Outreach and Serving Opportunities

ACTS 1:8 is a designated fund that combines several of our mission opportunities into one fund. If you would like to give, just put ACTS 1:8 on the envelope (instead of Ocoee Outreach, West Virginia, etc.) and it will be used to fund the mission trips and mission efforts of Hillcrest Baptist Church. This will help to make it simple!

Thank You For

Supporting The Needs

Of Our Local Communities

OPERATION CARE FOOD MINISTRIES FOR DECEMBER

We will be collecting food bank donations of canned vegetables, soups and dried beans. However, The Food Bank is in need of all items.

Weekend Backpack Food Donations

We will be collecting Soups with pull top lids, crackers and pudding cups for the weekend backpacks.

Items for Food Bags and Gift Bags for Seniors

Operation Care is asking for food and supplies to fill food baskets and gift bags for Seniors. See the Bulletin Board for a list of items. The items are needed by December 4th. Boxes for donations are in the Mission Hallway.

Boston Church Plant— South Coast Church

Checks can be made payable to Hillcrest Baptist Church and write South

Coast Church or Boston Fund on your offering envelope. Thank you for

faithfully supporting the Hartis Family financially and with prayer.

Notes of support or Christmas cards can be mailed to the The Hartis

Family (Chad, Jodi & Brayden) 19 Gorham St., Dartmouth, MA

Sunday, December 1st at Hillcrest Baptist Church Associational Church-Wide Mission Study

5:15 – Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a Taste of Rohingya. 6:00 - Meeting will be in the Sanctuary

Our Study Focus will be on Rohingya Refugees Bangladesh. The Guest Speaker will be Alice Crocker, IMB Missionary. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend

IMB – Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Our Goal is $3,000

“I saw a great multitude from every nation and all tribes and peoples and languages standing before the throne.” Revelation 7:9

Week of Prayer December 1-8 Mission March December 8th