October 2004 e-Newsletter | Calvary Baptist Church

Newsletter for Calvary Baptist Church
San Marcos, Texas

October 2004

Well, we missed September – and it is my fault! My apologies! Time is just flying by so fast that I lost track of it. So if missing your “Careline” has caused you a great deal of problem, blame me!

We have had a busy summer and the fall is looking just as busy. We have already had our Marriage Retreat – and it was great. Bro.

O’Guinn and Ms. Willie did a great job and I believe all who went had a great time. We are making plans for another one and even making some adjustments to make it better. Awana’s is off and going, God’s Kids is up and singing, and things are beginning to look normal again, whatever that is?

We do have several things coming up in October Men’s retreat - Ladies retreat - youth activities etc. One thing that we are starting is a Men’s Bible study on Tuesdays at noon until - 12:50 PM. We are going to be studying the book - “Beneath the Surface!” We are hoping that the men that are working in the area can come and bring some co-workers with them. We will have a simple meal, it will be free - just come and join us.

Shifting gears - I want you to think with me for a moment! We only have one life to live! That is all that God has given me and that is all He is giving you. We don’t know how long that life is - for some it may be long, for others it may seemingly be short, but it is life. We need to make the best of the life that God has given us individually. I see many that are missing their life by trying to live their life’s dream through their children, grandchildren etc. I see others missing their life because they don’t believe that their life is worth really living.

I see others that are missing their life, because they feel that they have too many problems or handicaps with which to contend. I see on the other hand, some that have realized that God has blessed them with life, regardless of life situations and they have made up their minds to run THE race – THEIR race for the glory of God. They can’t run anyone else’s race, but they can run their own. It is kind of like the old saying, “You can’t drive another man’s car with your horn!” Well, you can’t live another person’s life, but you can be an example to follow!

Because of Christ

Bro. Dennis

New Church Directory

On November 11-13, 2004 we will be taking pictures for a new church directory. Please begin making plans now to have your family photographed on one of these days. More information will be coming soon.

It seems that the last few months have brought about some changes to the dynamics of our church family. What a blessing it is to be a part of a congregation that is willing to engage in innovation! I’m also glad that at Calvary, change is not done for the sake of change, but for a desire to reach more people for Christ.

As I look at our student ministry I believe that growth we are experiencing, and need to strive for, will require us to continue to be innovative. As we look toward the future, the most important thing we must do is stay completely centered on God. We must be uncompromisingly Biblical in our approach to ministry. The Bible mandates that as followers of Christ we disciple others (Matthew 28:18-20). In order to disciple both youth and college students in the months to come we will need people committed to Christ and to mentor younger followers. While you may not be specifically suited to minister to young adults, God certainly intends for you to be serving Him in some way while on this earth. However, if you love the Lord and like students, we need you! Please contact me if you have an interest in working with the student ministry. Even if your ministry is in another are, we need your prayers. Thank you Calvary for supporting youth ministry.

In the months to come we will be developing a new leg of our youth ministry. Across the country there is a shift in youth ministry to strengthen families and minister to parents. Even in a time when the typical American family is more blended or divided than in past decades, surveys continue to reiterate that parents are the primary influence in a youth’s life. We want to facilitate more opportunities for parents to be equipped to parent well. I am excited about developing a stronger connection with the adults who most influence the lives of the students we minister to – parents. Please pray for us in this endeavor! More information will be forthcoming.

The main youth event for this month will be our Student Underground on October 29-30. During the month of October we will be studying the persecuted church and the Underground event will be a simulation of life in a country where Christians are persecuted.

Lot’s of exciting things will be coming in the months ahead! If you have any questions or would like to chat about our youth ministry, please give me a call at the church!

College Students

This month’s dinner and a movie event will be October 15 at the Naquin’s house at 6:30 pm. If you need directions please give Ken a call at the church.

Ken Naquin
Minister of Students
ken@calvarysanmarcos.com

I was perusing the information highway a while back and came across this “manifesto.” As I read over it I began to think of our worship here at Calvary. There are many different types of people here and accordingly, many different preferences of music. Church music did not arrive in the 17th century hymn, nor was it improved in the gospel songs of the 1900s, and it was not perfected in the praise choruses of today. The music we use in worship just isn’t about us. So, I challenge you, as I do myself, to sing unto the Lord for His glory alone. I pray that people’s lives are transformed as the Holy Spirit works through our songs here at Calvary!

-Fred

A Congregational Manifesto

I will sing if for no other reason than to honor the Scriptural exhortation to sing; singing in worship is a spiritual enterprise, not a musical exercise.

I will vigorously sing the songs I "like" and are most meaningful to me because it's good for my soul, and because in so doing I may encourage another person to sing as well.

I will also energetically sing the songs I "like less" because in so doing I may affirm another person in an expression of faith that's meaningful to them.

I will gladly learn a new song when the worship leader asks me to, for in doing so I may discover something new about my personal faith.

I will sing again the songs I know "all too well," recognizing that someone close to me may be hearing that song for the first time and I can assist them in learning it.

I will be responsible for my own participation in singing; I'll not depend on anyone else in order for me to be in the proper "mood," nor will I allow anyone else's attitudes or actions to prevent me from fulfilling my role as a worshiper before the Lord.

When given the opportunity, I'll speak to these issues; otherwise I will hold myself, and no one else, accountable for these standards.

The Calvary Choir is waiting for you. We rehearse @ 4:45 p.m. on Sundays.
Come join us and practice for heaven.
We will begin work on Christmas music soon.

Serving Him,

Fred and Rosanna Haddock

Greetings,

I cannot believe it is the first day of autumn! Summer flew by and actually was not too hot.

We are still getting settled into our new home, thank you all for your prayers and Brother Dennis for your help.

Summer camps were great and I would like to thank those who went as sponsors. VBS was a great high energy time, and Cheri Martin did a fantastic job as our Director, thanks to all who volunteered! Thanks also to Karen Cowan who helped me on Wed.Night Bible Study all summer. Fun Fest went very well. I had no idea what to expect and when it was over and , PTL there were no injuries, I thanked the Lord for the great turnout; not only of children, but of church members and the Calvary's Kids Staff! Good Job everyone!

Stuff in the works:
October Children's Dept Hayride and hotdog cookout with Children of Martindale Baptist date & time TBA
November 13 - Children's Department Trip Ice Skating OR Lunch and a G Movie
December - Children’s Christmas Party
Sights and Sounds of Christmas (booth work)

Veritas - Joni

10-01 Jeremiah Fajkus
10-01 Kathy Lauderdale
10-02 Ruby McKee
10-02 Kelly Turner
10-03 Sue Pharris
10-04 Linda Good
10-04 P.J.Heindl
10-05 Jack Spurlock
10-06 Marisa Delgado
10-06 Chuck Fajkus
10-06 Susan Williamson
10-07 Isaac Jaimes
10-08 Jeannie Huber
10-09 Connie Cantu
10-09 Kathy Mika
10-09 Brittany Vest
10-10 Virginia Kinser
10-10 Elias Leos
10-13 Monty Lewis

10-14 Carrie McCulley
10-14 Coy Thompson
10-14 James Williamson
10-16 Daniel Palmer
10-17 Steve Arriage
10-17 Dusty Glover
10-19 William Locke
10-20 Carolyn Allen
10-22 Helen Mottt
10-22 Kristi Patton
10-23 Rosanna Haddock
10-24 David Goff
10-24 Gay Luczkowski
10-24 Pam Sanchez
10-28 Tom Arch
10-28 Mike Myrick
10-29 Rebecca Marr
10-29 Rachel Riley
10-30 Crystal Hernandez
10-31 Marilyn Minor