EMMETT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
December 2023
Discover Christ's Transforming Love
126 S. Hayes Ave. Emmett, Idaho 83617
Lance Zagaris, Pastor
Pam Hodges, Worship Director
A Word From the Pastor
Dearly Beloved,
I have been reading The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks. I have been fascinated by the Biblical insights they share. For example, chapter 3 is titled, Joy: The Face of Jesus That Transforms. If you were to imagine the face of Jesus gazing at you, try to describe what you would see? What would be the expressions on His face? Is He smiling? Laughing? Is He delighted to you? What do His eyes reveal to you? Do they have a sparkle or gleam as He watches you enter His presence?
2 Cor. 4:6 says: “For God, Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, “made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” Paul says the face of Christ displays the knowledge of God’s glory! If you want to learn what God’s glory is like, study the face of Christ! Jesus “is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of His being” (Heb. 1:3). Our Creator God, Who miraculously spoke light into the dark universe, has miraculously made His light shine into our dark, distorted hearts to give us the light to see and know His magnificent glory displayed beautifully on Jesus’ face! On the first Christmas night, when the shepherds sprinted from their fields to locate the Savior who had been born to them, they found a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). When they looked on baby Jesus’ face, He was displaying God’s glory to them. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told”) Lk. 2:20). When Mary held baby Jesus in her arms, God’s glory emanated from His face and His eyes! Luke 2:19 tells us: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Numbers 6:24-26 is a blessing that God gave to Israel: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace!” Wilder & Hendricks paraphrase this verse: “May you feel the joy of God’s face shining on you because He is happy to be with you!” (ibid, p.55). They make an amazing declaration: “God designed our brains for joy, and He wants us to live in the glow of His delight” (ibid, p.55). Ps. 16:11 says something very similar: “you have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. “Being in the presence of God and seeing His face fills us with joy! We are overcome with joy when we see how delighted God is to be with us and have us in relationship with Him!!
Imagine how good and healthy it can be for us to believe these truths! Imagine how meditating on these truths and living these truths out in everyday life can bring transformation to our hearts, minds, emotions, souls, and bodies! We would have a kick in our step, a gleam in our eyes, and a smile on our faces! The Creator of the universe is enthusiastic to see me! He really wants to be with me. He wants me to feel and know how valuable I am to Him. Experiencing such joy in His presence will transform how we relate to other people as well. We will want to share that joy with us. Have a Merry Christmas!
Shepherding you in Christ’s Love,
Lance
🙏 When God saves us, all our sins are forgotten and forgiven, forever. 🙏
Mike & Ranada Hassemer Visited in November!
Mike reported on their ministry of hospitality and projects.
He is displaying a Christmas stocking they support for children in places like Russia and the Ukraine. Diane Moats and friends made 50 for them to take to Alaska.
Aspire Women's Event!
Several ladies from our congregation attended the Aspire Women's Event held on November 5 at the Payette Church of the Nazarene. This conference included worship, a inspiring speaker, and a comedian. Some of the comments from the ladies that attended are:
"Was very rewarding and enjoyable, loved the reference of being as close to Jesus as your undergarments are to you...laughing Singing and soul searching..." ~ Gerry Knight
"We all have reasons for despair. Our hope is found in where we plant ourselves. Jesus offers us stability, blessings, sweetness, and healing. He gives us hope in an unstable world. We don’t have to be perfect, just repentant. I am so glad we attended Aspire as a group. I enjoyed carpooling, having conversations, spending time with friends, and getting to know Christa and Alana!" ~Margaret Castle
"During the Aspire event, Melissa Spoelstra addressed the distractions in our lives that keep us from spending quality time with God. She used the acronym FANG which stands for Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google. This hit home for me as I realized the time I spend in God’s word, study and prayer does not come near to the time I spend on Facebook and other distractions. I need to find my affirmation, acceptance and approval from God and in His word. I am committing myself to limiting my time in the superficial trappings and devoting more time and effort in spiritual truth." ~Suzi Morgan
"This event was well worth it! The comedian was great and so was the musician. The speaker really spoke to my level and about real things! We will all always remember her reference to our underwear and clinging to Jesus!" ~Kathy Osborn
Veterans Were Honored in November
There is never a life without sadness,
There is never a heart free from pain;
If one seeks in this world for true solace,
He seeks its forever in vain.
So when to your heart comes the sorrow
Of losing some dear one you've known
Tis the touch of God's sickle at harvest
Since He reaps in the fields He has sown.
~Author unknown
Women Unite!
The women met on Dec. 11th and played games, ate goodies and shared white elephant gifts. Thank you to Margaret for coordinating the fun events!
There is meeting in January, so our next meeting will be Monday, Feb. (5th)
The Monthly Women's Group meets the first Monday of every month. Women of all ages are invited to meet at 6:30PM in the FBC Fellowship Hall for fun, fellowship, prayer, etc. New activity each month. Bring a friend!
We are stronger together!
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Good News Club
An average of 30 students attended Good News Club during the three weeks in November and first week of December. Two students prayed to receive Christ!
There were some struggles with the Audio/Video equipment which Flane Walker was able to help to solve. Good News Club will meet again on January 12th, after the holiday break.
The Good News Club are offering a free Good News Club Training on Sat., Jan. 27, 9am-3pm at Harvest Church in Meridian. Lunch Provided. Let Lance know if you are interested in attending.
Connie & granddaughter Jenni teach the Bible memory verse
Doing motions to the music!
Attentive and curious
Luke reads a verse during the Bible story
The marshmallow relay was fun!
Lara Alexander shares the Word Up at GNC!
Jolene telling the bible story
Connie and Roma teaching memory verse
Go Mason Go!
FBC Thanksgiving Dinner
The FBC Thanksgiving Dinner was held on and catered once again by Lillie and her crew from Tom's Cabin Restaurant. were in attendance with an additional take-out meals. Kenny Keene gave an inspiring testimony and some individuals shared special words and stories of thankfulness.
Multi-Church Choir, Drama and Orchestra
Several of our FBC talent participated in the Multi-Church Choir, Drama and Orchestra held the first week in December. Pam Hodges, along with her daughter Maggie, directed the Drama in which Jim Humphries, Gideon Gragg and Joe Breton all had a role. Margaret Castle, Suzi Morgan, Pam Goff and Wayne Rexford all sang and Bill Butticci played in the Orchestra. It was a beautiful and inspirational program!
Advent Season
Candles were lit each Sunday of Advent Season by some individuals/families from the church congregation:
- John and Suzi Morgan - shared a reminder to be joyful rather than grumble about the things we "get" to do.
- Margaret Castle shared about caring for her mother-in-law, singing in the multi-church choir and relating it to the song Breath of Heaven
- Kathy Osborn & Gerry Knight talked about their dad, Bob Kaiser's love of music & his coming to know the Lord at 89; they sang O Holy Night
- The Gragg's shared a little about the business of the season and showed the video, Are You Doubting God?; and Kollyns shared a poem
- The Weers shared a piano piece by Brian & Levi and Brielle sang Happy Birthday Jesus. Amanda shared a touching testimony.
You can view these on the website by clicking the picture which will take you to the related church service.
Advent Conspiracy
The Advent Conspiracy brought in $550 and the Diaconate added an additional $150 to make a total of $700 going to the Enduring Love Ministry in the Middle East where missionaries Daniel & Sarah Chetti serve.
FBC Valentine's Friendship Dinner
Catered by Lillie and her team from Tom's Cabin Restaurant.
Good Food, Games and Fellowship!
**More Details Coming Soon!**
Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, 06:00 PM
FBC Fellowship Hall
🤣 Friends are for sharing laughter and wiping tears. 🤗
BUNCO - Mark Your Calendars for Feb 15, 2024
The January Bunco Night is being cancelled due to the recent number of illnesses as of late.
We will plan to have BUNCO night on February 15, 2024 @ 6:00.
Pray for good health and invite friends and family to join in on the fun!
Samaritan's Purse - Franklin Graham December Update
Dear Friend,
I was just in Israel where Samaritan's Purse is working to help after the Hamas terrorist attacks that killed 1,200 people on Oct. 7. This is still a dangerous place. The bloodstains are still on the ground, the smell of death is still in the air, Hamas missiles are still being shot over, and fighter jets are still overhead.
I met a young woman named Lihi who had come back to her village to get a few things from her house. She and her two small children hid in their home and survived the attack. Her husband, Daniel, was a physician who heard the gunfire and ran to the medical clinic where he worked just a few hundred yards away. While he was there treating the injured and trying to save lives, he and everyone else but two people were murdered—and then Hamas threw in hand grenades to wipe out the facility and any survivors. In tears, Lihi told me that he was the love of her life.
I also met the mother of a woman who was one of the first responders who was killed as she took the wounded into a clinic attacked by Hamas. This mother and her other three adult daughters were absolutely heartbroken and devastated, as are so many there. She told me solemnly that she was thankful at least that her daughter had not been taken hostage and exposed to the torture and suffering as so many were.
When Hamas invaded, they also targeted and destroyed ambulances. Fourteen ambulances of Magen David Adom, the nation's first responder service, were destroyed and 11 of their staff were killed. Samaritan's Purse had already committed to replacing those 14, and while I was there, I saw the great need and told them we would provide seven more armored ambulances to help protect their first responders from sniper fire.
ON THE GROUND: Kristy Graham talked to two first responders who were serving on the ground when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Hadass and Uri, workers for Magen David Adom, an emergency medical service for Israel, shared how they saw God’s hand at work even in the midst of great tragedy.
We are also working with church partners in Israel as well as in Gaza and the West Bank to provide thousands of displaced families with food and other assistance.
"Generations to come will remember this help," said Uri Shacham, chief of staff for Magen David Adom, whose ambulance corps is 80 percent staffed by volunteers. It was humbling when they made me an honorary member of their organization.
As we pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), let's also lift up the families in Gaza who are living in desperate conditions, even as Hamas uses them as human shields and their hospitals as camouflage. Humanitarian access in Gaza has been limited, but Samaritan's Purse has long-standing Christian partners there, and we are working hard to equip them to help their neighbors.
As we wrap up this year, I want to thank you for your prayers and support for Samaritan's Purse as we work to save lives, relieve suffering, and share the hope of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God richly bless you this Christmas season.
Sincerely,
Franklin Graham
(Visit https://samaritanspurse.org/franklin-graham/december23/ to view a video and find any further information on this topic.)
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
Pray
Pray for peace in Israel and other hot spots around the world. Lift up the children who are about to receive Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts, that the Lord might use these gifts in powerful ways to demonstrate his love to children around the world. Please pray for our teams who are away from home this Christmas as they work to help others and lift up the cross of Jesus Christ.
ISRAEL RESPONSE Samaritan's Purse is helping meet the physical and spiritual needs of people on both sides of the Israel-Hamas war. Your gift will help us provide medical care, food, and other vital relief in Israel as well as Gaza; as we work with church partners to strengthen their ministry and share the hope we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
WHERE MOST NEEDED Samaritan's Purse works in more than 100 nations to save lives, relieve suffering, and share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your gift to "Where Most Needed" equips us with the resources—including personnel, materials, supporting services, and equipment—to fulfill our mission of relief and evangelism.
You can also make a donation by mail. Send to: Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607
Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup
Ingredients
10 stalks celery, chopped
5 carrots, chopped
3 onions, chopped
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 large head cabbage, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
2 quarts tomato juice
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
cold water, to cover
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
Directions
Place celery, carrots, onions, cabbage, bell peppers, and green beans in a large soup pot.
Add tomato juice, tomatoes, beef broth, and enough water to cover vegetables; add onion soup mix and stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat to low and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
90 Calories 1g Fat 21g Carbs 4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label
Chuckles
A husband and wife were involved in a petty argument, both unwilling to admit they might be in error.
"I'll admit I'm wrong, " the wife told her husband. "If you'll admit I'm right."
He agreed and like a gentleman insisted she go first.
"I'm wrong." she said.
Without pausing, he responded, "You're right!"
Calendar of Events at FBC
Jan 15 .... Outreach Meeting 2pm
Jan 21 .... Church Annual Meeting & Potluck after church services
Feb 5 ...... Women's Gathering 6:30pm
Feb 8 ...... Church Boards meet 6:30
Feb 11 .... Knitting/crocheting at Janet Holland's house 6:30 pm
Feb 15 .... BUNCO Night at 6pm
Feb 17 .... Valentine's Dinner
Every Sunday.......... coffee, juice, munchies and game for kids 9:30am in the FBC Teen Room
Every Wednesday ... Draw Near To God In Prayer 7pm
Every Thursday ....... men's small group 9:30am
Want to read past newsletters?
All newsletters are posted to the FBC Website. Go to www.FBCemmett.org and click on the 'News' dropdown, then 'Church Newsletters". There you will find a list of all the past newsletters that have been posted to the website.
Note: you can click on any picture within the newsletter to enlarge it!