1. family and parenting
2. children

NOVEMBER 2014
Grandin Court Baptist Church, 2660 Brambleton Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24015
ALL SAINTS DAY MEMORIAL AND BAPTISM SERVICE
Sunday, November 2nd
11:00 Service Only
If you would like to be baptized on All Saints Sunday, please contact any member of the staff or
the church office so arrangements can be made.
VETERANS RECOGNITION SUNDAY
Sunday, November 9th
11:00am Service Only
THANKSGIVING EVE “BREAKFAST FOR DINNER” AND WORSHIP
Wednesday, November 26th
5:30pm Dinner
6:30pm Worship Service
There will be no children’s activities this evening. All are welcomed to the service as we give
thanks as the family of faith.
SPRING FORWARD, FALL BACK
Daylight savings time ends November 2nd. Be sure to set your clocks back one hour.
THE ADVENT SEASON
HOLIDAY FAMILY EMPHASIS
Our Advent focus this year is on Family — yours and the Holy Family. With that in mind, we
are asking your participation in two ways:
HALL OF HOLIDAY
Each week of Advent we will hang family Christmas posters along the hallways of our church.
11 x 14 posterboard will be provided to you. A workshop to create your family’s poster will
be offered in place of bible study on Wednesday, November 12th, directed by Joan Foster
and Gina Rexrode of the Worship Committee. Please bring 4-5 of your favorite family photos,
extra wrapping paper, double sided tape or mounting dots, scrapbooking supplies or small
Christmas decorations. You will cover your posterboard with the wrapping paper and
decorate it with photos and other items. Scrapbookers Unite! This is a great opportunity to
help us with your creativity. If you would be willing to bring supplies to help, contact Joan
Foster at 797-1248 or Gina Rexrode at 529-3930. Youth and children are encouraged to help
families with this project, too. We hope you will come have dinner and then stay to play!
NATIVITIES DISPLAY
Do you have a nativity that you would be willing to display in our sanctuary during Advent?
We will be focusing our holiday decorations on the Holy Family this year and need your help.
If you are willing to loan us your nativity, please contact Melissa Fox. We will do our utmost
to be sure they are returned to you in the same condition as loaned. Open Houses are
scheduled to give opportunity for the nativities to be seen by church and public on Sunday,
December 14th, at 5:30pm, just prior to the Christmas musical and on Friday, December 19th,
at 6:00pm, just prior to the Roanoke Chamber Brass Concert. Hot chocolate and cider will be
served. Greeters are also needed to be present in the sanctuary during Open House hours.
Let Melissa know if you would like to be a greeter.
MILL MOUNTAIN RINGERS FALL CONCERT
Friday, November 21st
7:30pm
Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church on Grandin Road
Directed by Joe Kennedy
Ringers include our very own Laura Brewer, Ericka Lanier, Roma Scriven and Melissa Fox.
Selections include secular, pop and holiday tunes.
GET READY FOR
ADVENT PARTY!
Sunday, November 16th
3:00pm in the MAC
Come get your family’s ADVENT PRACTICES ready for the start
of the Advent Season. Pastor Brian will have out lots of
different materials for you to choose from:
Countdown to Christmas Trees
Advent Countdown Chains
Jesse Tree Devotionals and Ornaments
Advent Wreaths
Holy Family Displays
The First Sunday of Advent is November 30th.
“I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” DRAMATIC MUSICAL
December 12th, 13th, 14th
Friday Dinner Theatre: 6:30pm
Saturday Matinee: 2:00pm
Veterans will be our special guests for dessert. Watch for further details in the coming
weeks.
Sunday Dinner Theatre: 6:30pm
Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the Organ Renovation Fund. Table decorators are
needed as well as ushers and greeters. Let Melissa Fox know if you would like to help.
Prop Items still needed: floor lamp with regular shade; ooga horn or bicycle horn; 10
strands of white or clear large lamp Christmas lights (old fashioned bulb style); slim style
Christmas tree; strands of popcorn garland; old football jersey
AARP SAFE DRIVING COURSE
November 6th & 7th
12:30pm-4:30pm
Grandin Court Baptist Church
Fellowship Hall
If you are over 50, and would like a discount
on your car insurance, join us for this
seminar.
OFFICE CLOSINGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The offices will be closed on Thursday,
November 27th, and Friday, November 28th,
for the Thanksgiving holiday.
$15 for AARP Members and $20 for nonmembers. Bring your Driver’s License and
AARP ID with you. Sign up on the Senior
Adult Board or call the church office (540)
774-1684.
They
will
be
closed
Wednesday,
th
December 24 , through Friday, December
26th, for the Christmas holiday.
MUSIC MINISTRY AND WORSHIP
COUNCIL MEETING
Are you interested in deepening your
Tuesday, November 4
6:30pm in the Parlor
spiritual life and contributing to the future
th
of the church?
ORGAN COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, November 13th
6:30pm in the Parlor
CHILDREN’S COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, November 18th
6:30pm in the Sunshine Classroom
Sign up for a Dawnings
Group with Pastor Brian.
Meetings will
begin in January and will go for 8-10
weeks.
flexible.
Meeting day and time can be
SENIOR ADULT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Tuesday, December 2nd, at 12:00 Noon
We are excited about our Senior Adult Christmas luncheon this
year. We have a guest speaker who will be providing a program
of Christmas magic. Rev. Brannon Thompson (Brando the Great),
a retired Baptist Pastor in the valley, will be here to help us
celebrate the season in a unique way. Once again the meal will
be catered by The Roanoker Restaurant and the cost is $10.00
per person. Please sign up on the Sr. Adult bulletin board and
you can turn your money into Vicki.
CHRISTMAS TRIP
BARTER THEATRE AND HEARTWOOD IN ABINGDON VA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4th
Heartwood is considered the gateway to Southwest Virginia’s craft, music, food and local
culture. We will eat lunch there at the restaurant or coffee shop. After lunch we will take
the bus to the historic Barter Theatre and see “A Modern Christmas Carol.” This play is
adapted from Charles Dickens. It’s a Christmas story just as heartwarming as the original.
Cost: $36.00 (includes show and transportation…Lunch is on your own.)
The bus will leave at 8:30am.
The deadline to sign up with money is November 16th.
SIGN UP SHEETS ARE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD
IN THE MAIN HALLWAY NEAR THE SUNSHINE CLASSROOM.
FRUIT STOCKINGS FOR OUR SHUT–INS
We will be giving our shut-ins a stocking filled with fruit this year for the
holidays. If you would like to donate money to help cover the cost of the
stockings, please send your check to GCBC and mark it “fruit stockings for
shut-ins” in the memo line. The cost of each stocking is $20.00. We thank
you in advance for your generosity.
454 MEAL ROTATION:
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
Nov.
2nd: Fitzgerald Family
9th: Griffin Family
16th: Brewer Family
23rd: Destination X
DESTINATION X: NOVEMBER 23RD
454 will be different on November 23rd. We will meet at a different time and place (it will
be announced as time draws nearer), and parents are invited if they'd like to join us. Keep
your eyes and ears open for more information.
Location/Time: TBA
Cost: $15-$20
RSVP by November 16th
I'm very excited to be serving on the GCBC staff as MAC and
Childcare Coordinator. My family and I have already received a warm
welcome and look forward to serving alongside you. In my role as
coordinator I will be working with many volunteers as we minister
together to the community and with families of infants and
toddlers. I have already met some of you and look forward to
connecting with more of you in the coming weeks. Thanks to all those that faithfully
volunteer as ministers to share Christ's love in a variety of ways to meet a variety of needs!
I also am serving part-time as the Assistant Children's Pastor at the Rescue Mission,
Monday-Friday evenings to assist the full-time Children's Pastor in overseeing the nightly
Kid's Chapel program and creating a Preschool Chapel Program for 3-5 year olds. The Rescue
Mission houses men, women and children nightly and one of the many services they provide
is chapel services nightly. Recently they have seen a rise in the number of children coming
to stay with a parent at the mission from an average of 30-40 each night to an average of 6575 each night.
I would welcome your prayers as I begin both of these important ministries and welcome
your willingness to serve in the MAC, Sunday morning or Wednesday evening childcare or at
the Rescue Mission to help lead chapel for children. If you are interested in serving at the
Rescue Mission with me or in another area, please contact Leslie Littlefield, Volunteer
Coordinator, at 540-777-7651 or [email protected].
Blessings,
Natalie
Kids
Connection
Connecting Kids to Christ thru
Worship Arts & Missions
on Wednesday Evenings
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
6:15-6:30pm
Gathering Activities & Movement Games
Children's Worship Room
6:30-6:50pm
Station Time:
Kindergarten-2nd Grade in Music
3rd-5th Grade in Other Station
Children's Worship Room
1st-2nd Grade Classroom
Station Time:
3rd-5th Grade in Music
Kindergarten-2nd Grade in Other Station
Children's Worship Room
1st-2nd Grade Classroom
7:10-7:15pm
BREAK
Bathroom/Water Fountain
7:15-7:30pm
Recreation Time
Playground or MAC
6:50-7:10pm
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
11/05/14
11/12/14
11/19/14
11/26/14
ADVENT
HALL OF HOLIDAYS POSTER NIGHT
ADVENT
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE
Art Station
All Families in MAC
Bible Skills & Games Station
Sanctuary
NO ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER
FAMILY GAME
NIGHTS CONTINUE!
Join us at our monthly family fellowship event!!!
Friday, November 21st, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Come play strategy, card, or just-for-fun, games. The MAC will be open for kids to play,
but they can also play games, too. Pastor Brian will bring lots of games to try, but we
want you to bring your favorite games, too! Just a fun time of fellowship and sharing
with one another! Feel free to bring your dinner to church!
PACK-A-SNACK/CIA
Thank you for your continued support of our Pack-a-Snack program. We
are currently packing for 80 students in our four schools. When you are
grocery shopping, consider picking up a box of cereal bars, pudding cups, or
individual packages of oatmeal for these students who do not always have
healthy foods in their home. There is a shopping cart outside of Melissa K’s
office. Also consider volunteering in one of the schools by reading to a student or listening to
a student read. One hour a week or even one hour a month would make a difference in
their lives.
We will continue to donate canned hams this year, but we are making several changes.
We will distribute the hams at Christmastime, not Thanksgiving. The students will be out of
school from December 19th through January 5th this year. We want to provide the families
with canned hams and/or canned chicken which do NOT need refrigeration. We plan to
purchase this in bulk to reduce the cost. If you are interested in helping, please make a
donation to the Pack-a-Snack program.
If you have any questions about Pack-a-Snack or the Congregations in Action program,
please contact Betty Anderson, Sarah Watkins, or Joan Foster. Again thank you for helping
us make a difference in the lives of children in our own neighborhood.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Porter — Twos Class — His favorite color is brown and his favorite
food is brown food. He loves to play with cars at school and at home,
too. He wants to have a Lightening McQueen job when he grows up.
Maggie — Twos Class — Her favorite color is purple and she likes to eat chicken nuggets. She
also likes to play on the playground at school and go to the park at home. She wants to be a
mommy when she grows up.
Mia — Threes Class — Her favorite color is purple and she loves to eat ham and pickles. She
likes to draw at school and play with her toys at home. She wants have her mommy's job
and serve apple juice when she grows up.
Justin — PreK Class — His favorite colors are blue and black and he likes to eat French fries
and chicken nuggets. He likes to do secrets and look for mysteries at school and play Xochi
Winter Games on the Wii U at home. He wants to be like Raf (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle)
when he grows up.
Please pray for our students as they learn and grow this year!
We continue to be a growing and dynamic preschool. Our Twos class has doubled since the
beginning of the school year with a new student enrolling every week. We now have 33
students in this ministry program (73% non-GCBC church members), 4 of whom have been
able to attend thanks to your many generous scholarship donations. Thank you for investing
in these students and helping them achieve a great start to their lifelong learning journey.
GODLY PLAY SET-UP NEEDS
We are in the process of setting up
more Godly Play classrooms so that we
can use this Bible teaching method in
all of our Sunday School classes. SetUp requires a lot of particular items.
Would you be willing to donate any of
the following items?
NEW MEMBERS
Edgar, Natalie, & Amanda Kline
5021 Appletree Drive
Roanoke VA 24019
low 2-3 shelf bookshelves
baskets without handles
lumber (hobby boards, etc.)
peg people
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD (OCC)
Remember that FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21st, is the LAST DAY to
drop off your OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD shoeboxes here at
the church. On Saturday, the 22nd, OCC committee members
will deliver the shoeboxes to a local collection center.
If you still need a shoe box, you may get one from the MAC office once our next shipment
is received, purchase a plastic shoebox, or wrap a shoebox that you have at home. Place
your shoeboxes outside of Vicki’s office in the hallway. Please tape the appropriate
BOY/GIRL label to the top of the box, remember to include a $7 check made payable to
Samaritan’s Purse for shipping/other costs, and place a rubber band around each box as you
drop it off.
If you would like to contribute to the shipping costs of the 54 shoeboxes that our youth
packed this year, please make your check payable to Grandin Court Baptist Church with a
notation in the memo line — ‘SAMARITAN’S PURSE.’
Operation Christmas Child demonstrates God’s love to hurting children in a tangible way
by partnering with churches worldwide to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes and the Good News of
Jesus Christ. Thank you for being a partner in sharing the GOOD NEWS!
“Dear Church Family: Thank you for all the acts of kindness after
my recent hospitalization and surgery. I appreciate each and
every one. — Kathy Carlton”
“Thank you so much for your prayers, cards, calls, and food
during my hospitalization and recovery. You are a wonderful
church family. Sincerely, Phyllis Amos”
“I would like to thank those who donated this year for the Strollathon for Rett Syndrome
research. My granddaughter has this Syndrome which is degenerative. This year they
collected over $40,000 for research in SW VA, which is the second highest year tied almost
with last year. — Lorry Smyth”
“Thanks for all of your loving expressions of sympathy in the death of my son-in-law in
Florida. You are such a caring church family. Love, Kathy Smith”
“We wish to thank our church family for lifting us up in your prayers, for the beautiful
cards, visits, and delicious food brought to us while we have been ill. We appreciate our
pastors and friends so very much. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. — Bill & Betty
Tanner”
“Leslie and I would like to thank everyone for their cards and prayers over these last few
weeks. We are traveling some difficult roads and the support and prayers from our church
family has made the journey much smoother. Again thank you for keeping us in your
thoughts and prayers. With God as our guide our trip is that much easier. God Bless, Leslie
and Glenn Young”
We extend our deepest sympathies to those in our church family who have
recently lost loved ones:
The family of Cleve Simmons, who passed away Sunday, October 5th, in South Carolina. His
daughter’s name and address is Deb Wright, 526 Brooksong Court, Irmo SC 29066.
To Ab Jones in the loss of his father, who passed away this past weekend in Hattiesburg,
Mississippi. Their address is: Ab & Connie Jones, 2509 Crystal Spring Avenue, Roanoke VA
24014.
FINANCIAL REPORT
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30th, 2014
Budget Needs to Date:
$ 667,221.00
YTD Budget Revenue:
$ 556,585.00
YTD Budget Expenses:
$ 562,811.00
FOR ONLINE CONTRIBUTIONS
GCBC accepts contributions online via PayPal or credit cards. To contribute online, go to
www.grandincourtbaptist.org and click on “Online Contributions.”
To the Building Fund in memory of Cleve Simmons by GCBC…
To the Organ Fund in memory of Cleve Simmons by Jo Shoaf…
To the Organ Fund in honor of Gene Richardson by Yvonne
Bryant…
To the Organ Fund in memory of Cleve Simmons by Maggie
Sharpe…
November 26th
Our Traditional Thanksgiving “Breakfast for Dinner”
pancakes, eggs, bacon, biscuits & gravy
5:30pm
Donations will be accepted to support the preschool.
This will be the last Wednesday night meal until January.
6:30pm
Thanksgiving Service of Worship
No Children’s Activities or Nursery
THOSE SERVING ON NOVEMBER 2nd
Connections Team Greeters: Denise Updike Gaston, Louann Pagans,
Tom Stover, Becky Davis, Carol File, Susan Fitzgerald
Deacons: John Best, Gene Richardson, Trena Swain, Natalie Norris
Ushers: Mike Roop, Bob Girard, Jim Edgell, Pete File, Scott Huff
Extended Session: Susan Wadsworth (Babies, Ones, & Twos); Robert or
Laura Spring, Susan Burnette (Threes & Fours); Natalie Kline (Team
Leader)
THOSE SERVING ON NOVEMBER 9th
Connections Team Greeters: Carolyn Bain, Karen Griffith, Kip Foster,
Dennis Stevens, Becky Davis, Diann Rhudy, Bob Rolley, Bonnie Topping
Deacons: Anita White, Rachel Wheaton, Rosa Lee Hannabass, Becky Davis
Ushers: Jerry Perkins, Tom Wilcox, Brian Meador, Brad Fitzgerald, Scott Huff
Extended Session: Kelli Best, Bonnie Topping (Babies, Ones & Twos); Sabrina Hunsicker
(Threes & Fours); Jeanette O’Neill (Team Leader); Natalie Kline (Team Leader)
THOSE SERVING ON NOVEMBER 16th
Connections Team Greeters: Ted Griffin, Susanna Hart, Tommy Moore, Dennis Stevens, Kathy
Smith
Deacons: Wayne Weaver, Paul Denney, Alex Price, Carol File
Ushers: Tom Stover, Mike Coffman, Joe Rains, Mike Walker, Scott Huff
Extended Session: Donna Coffman, Cathy Manning (Babies, Ones, & Twos); Jessica Oliver,
Carol File (Threes & Fours); Natalie Kline (Team Leader)
THOSE SERVING ON NOVEMBER 23rd
Connections Team Greeters: Lou Bousman, Leslie Young, Paul Denney, Gene Richardson,
Phyllis Amos, Carolyn Miller, Judy Brewer
Deacons: Mike O’Neill, Pete File, Gina Rexrode, Rosa Lee Hannabass
Ushers: Steve Laughlin, Gordon Daniel, Chris Gaston, David Long, Scott Huff
Extended Session: Heather Price (Babies, Ones, & Twos); Chad or Julie Brown (Threes &
Fours); Natalie Kline (Team Leader)
THOSE SERVING ON NOVEMBER 30th
Connections Team Greeters: Lou Bousman, Leslie Young, Paul Denney, Gene Richardson,
Phyllis Amos, Carolyn Miller, Judy Brewer
Deacons: Rachel Carter, Susan Powell, Mac Obenshain, Alex Price
Ushers: Mike Roop, Bob Girard, Jim Edgell, Pete File, Scott Huff
Extended Session: Carla Selvey, Kelli Best (Babies, Ones, & Twos); Brad Brewer, Brian
Burnette (Threes & Fours); Natalie Kline (Team Leader)
Congratulations to Larry and Rosemary Dancy in the birth of their new little
grandson. Liam Sean Gary was born on October 9th in Lubbock, Texas to Heather
and Tim Gary. Siblings are Ethan, Sincere, Caelan and Alexander.
ROANOKE RESCUE MISSION
PO Box 11525, Roanoke VA 24022
www.rescuemission.net or 540-343-7227
Leslie Littlefield, Volunteer Coordinator 540-777-7651 or [email protected]
Volunteer Needs: Donation Processors at Distribution & Recycling Center weekdays; Musicians
and Road Marshals for the Drumstick Dash 8:30-10:30am; Thrift 460 and 4th Street Thrift
Merchandisers needed; Math tutors for the Learning Center; Toddler Care for the Family Shelter
6:00pm-7:30pm; Transporters Mondays 12:00pm-4:00pm
Misc. Items Needed: $1 eyeglass readers; bath towels; deodorant; diapers (size 2, 4, 5, 6); ear
plugs; flip flops; twin size sheets; Welcome Home Baskets; white crew socks for men & women
Adopt-A-Family for Christmas and provide gifts for the children in the shelter.
BAPTIST COMMUNITY CENTER
101 17th St SE, Roanoke VA 24013
Office 342-8452
Pat Carter, Site Communicator, [email protected]
Volunteer Needs: transportation needs, after school help; snow removal; bicycle repair;
handwriting skills and Bible reading on Friday; volunteers to help with Apple Butter Day on
November 8th
Misc. Items Needed: paper products (towels, cups, utensils, bowls, tall 13-gallon trash bags,
40-gallon bags); Clorox wipes; peanut butter; jams; oatmeal; pancake mixes & syrup; Ziploc
bags (gallon & quart); non-perishable food items; items for Thanksgiving baskets; cloves, pint
jars/rings & lids, sugar to make apple butter on November 8th; $10 Walmart gift certificates
BAPTIST FRIENDSHIP HOUSE
635 Elm Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24016
540-343-5437 or 540-761-2361 or [email protected]
Mon., Wed., & Fri. – 2:30-5:00 and Tues. & Thurs. – 9:00-1:00 and 2:30-5:00
Volunteer Needs: volunteers willing to serve and love on people of all ages; transportation
help
Misc. Items Needed: women’s and children’s clothing; canned and dried foods; snack food and
drinks; donations to assemble holiday meal baskets and Christmas gifts for the children
Please take your donations to either the Rescue Mission,
Community Center, or the Friendship House.
The “Messenger”
Grandin Court Baptist Church
2660 Brambleton Avenue SW
Roanoke VA 24015-4306
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT
NO. 59
ROANOKE VA
GRANDIN COURT BAPTIST CHURCH
2660 Brambleton Avenue SW, Roanoke VA 24015
540-774-1684 * Fax 540-774-9204 * www.grandincourtbaptist.org
Dr. Kevin B. Meadows, Pastor — Ext. 13, [email protected]
Mrs. Vicki K. Masters, Administrative Assistant — Ext. 10, [email protected]
Rev. Charles A. Krause, Minister to Sr. Adults and Pastoral Care — Ext. 23, [email protected]
Rev. Melissa A. Fox, Minister of Music & Worship Arts — Ext. 16, [email protected]
Rev. Brian A. Burnette, Minister to Children and Spiritual Formation — Ext. 15, [email protected]
Rev. Melissa S. Kessler, Minister to Students and Missional Activities — Ext. 18, [email protected]
Rev. Natalie A. Kline, MAC and Childcare Coordinator — Ext. 14, [email protected]
Mrs. Kimberly D. Booth and Mr. David P. Wiseman, Custodians — Ext. 11
Mr. Joseph H. Kennedy, Organist — [email protected]
Mr. Christopher F. Hubbell, Prayer Ministry Coordinator — [email protected]
Mr. John A. Best, Deacon Chair — [email protected]
Our Missionaries — Every Member
Mrs. Laura D. Brewer, Preschool Director – [email protected]
Preschool Staff, Ext. 22 — Mrs. Shannon M. Doppelt (2s), Mrs. Amy H. Dreher (3s), Mrs. Dee Dee Hartson (Pre-K),
Mrs. Susan A. Chrisley (Assistant)