Dates to Remember –  Dec 4—Deacons & Trustees Meeting @ 7:00 & All Church Business Meeting @ 7:30  Dec 7 - 2:00-7:00 – Craft Sale in Community Gym, 5:30—Lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree, 5 –7 Rotary Club Supper all at De Soto CIty Hall

2013

 Dec 8– AB Girls Annual Tea @ 4:00  Dec 14 - @ 7:30 – Men’s Prayer Breakfast  December 15—Jr. Joys lead the worship service  Dec 22- @ 7:00 – Cantata & Candlelight Services, Refreshments served in the fellowship hall afterwards

De Soto Baptist Church

ENGAGED IN THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

As I begin writing this in mid-November, my thoughts are moving between the reality of the Thanksgiving season with all its meanings and the wonderful month long celebration of the Advent of the Christ Child into not just the world, but more importantly into our worlds. And I realize that I can’t begin to write about Christmas, without ending our 2013 “Pastor’s Pens” with thoughts of gratitude. With October and memories of your expressions for “Pastor Appreciation Month” I am filled with deep appreciation for your shared thoughts and various ways of remembering Mary Etta and me. And I can return to each of you our deepest appreciation for who you are and for what you bring to the Kingdom of God. As I look back at the witness of De Soto Baptist over this past year in so many varied and countless ways to so many within our church family as well as to countless others in more distant places, not only is there great thanks in my heart for these expressions of sharing God’s love in answer to His call, but there is also great joy in being part of a people who truly know God and are living lives of obedience. So evident in this is looking first at our financial picture, with the celebration of paying off the mortgage for the new addition in barely more than a year . . . ending the year with an operating funds balance instead of a deficit . . . a projected budget with significant increases to mission outreaches, including various institutions within our Region as well as to our Regional Office needs . . . the witness of reaching out financially as well as in countless caring ways to those outside our own Church Family, giving help for both medical and basic survival needs . . . serving and blessing those from across the nation and beyond at the National Biennial Summit and Women’s Day . . . giving direct support to those in Missionary service . . . adopting children at Murrow . . . sewing for others in diverse situations . . . care of our own church facilities in ways that save major expenditures . . . making Christmas more “merry” for families at Bethel . . . encouraging our college youth and expanding programs for children and youth . . . providing for over 200 families through Thanksgiving dinners . . . sharing with families in times of loss with meals and other actions . . . and on and on the list could go. As your Pastor I thank you for making “tithes and offerings” a vital and living part of your walk with Christ; and I thank you for not only living in financial obedience to God’s leading but also in giving through the service of your lives as God has “gifted” you all in countless ways. I know I am truly blessed to be leading in a church family where never have we had to have an annual campaign to be able to carry on the Lord’s work. And I’m confident God is pleased with De Soto Baptist and filled with joy at the thought of where He’ll lead us next! As we move into Advent and Christmas, our focus throughout the entire month is on the coming of Christ into the world, with the promise of joy, hope, love, and peace becoming more real in our lives. And while in the past I’ve included weekly devotions in this communication for you to use throughout the season of Advent, we decided this year to give each family a book – “Celebrating Advent” – with 2 years of devotions for this time of year, as well as activities and practical steps to truly focus on the meaning this time can bring to our lives. By the time you’re reading this you should have the book in your hands and hopefully are making some plans of celebration in accordance with some of the suggestions. Sending our appreciation and love to each and every one of you for being a part of our lives, and letting us be a part of yours . . . and praising God for His presence and leading in and through our De Soto Baptist Family

Pastor Richard and Mary Etta

December 2013

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHUR CH

The Doers”

Monday Evening Bible Study Monday evenings @ 6:30 in the new conference room

Karen Wall or Mary Etta Copeland

Dec 14th at 7:30 A.M. Meet for breakfast at JT’s in De Soto All men welcome!

Monday evenings @ 6:30 P.M. in the Galen Weese Room Contact Pastor Copeland

Women Sewing for Others Meets Dec 19th 1:00—3:00

Month of October

† †

Balance forward Deposits Disbursements Ending balance

$ $ $ $

Leona Hoover Donnie Allen

28,920.24 13,034.00 10,112.70 31,869.54

Church improvement fund $32,458.49 Money Market $18,003.20

Buckets for Bethel We will once again be collecting cleaning supplies for Bethel. Please bring cleaning supplies to fill the buckets at the end of your pew. Did you know? Bethel Neighborhood Center has been serving downtown Kansas City, Kansas for over 100 years. Bethel was originally founded to serve underprivileged immigrants that worked in the meat packing plants of the West Bottoms. To this day Bethel continues to work with various races and nationalities as they continue to bridge the multiple ethnic and economic boundaries that are present in the community. They work to overcome the boundaries by being an active participant in the community.

Please feel free to join us for the December All Church Business Meeting. December 4th at 7:30 PM in the new meeting room . Deacon & Trustee Meeting at 7:00 PM

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHUR CH

December 2013

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him! DON’T forget about Christmas Shopping through our SCRIP Program. These are gift cards that are available to numerous merchants such as Applebee’s - Chili’s – On the Border – Long Horn Steak House – Borders – Kohl’s – Pizza Hut – Panera Bread – Red Lobster/Olive Garden – WalMart. These merchants donate a portion of each purchase back to our church. Contact Rick and Monica Walker for more details. Some cards are available immediately. Other merchants may be available upon request. Order today!

Our choir always sounds great but have you noticed you can hear them even better now! The sound system crew has completed the final step of the new sound system by installing new drop down choir microphones. Special thanks to Fred Jones for his “dream vision” of how to construct scaffolding to reach the very top peak of the church ceiling. Together with Danny Lane, Doug Opdycke, John Holzschuh, Karl Beesley, Jeff Hodges and Rev. Copeland they were able to safely install the new microphones.

The ladies Auxiliary of De Soto VFW Post 6654 will be sending cookies and notes of thanks to two deployed units in Afghanistan for Christmas this year. They are asking for donations of home baked cookies and notes and/or holiday cards for our deployed troops. If you can give a few minutes of your time on Saturday, Dec. 7th to jot a note of thanks to these service members who will not be home for the holidays. You may drop your cookies and cards/notes off at the De Soto VFW between 10:00 AM and approximately 2:00 PM, or get it to the Copelands by Dec. 6th. If you happen to have a seal-n-save machine and want to seal your cookies at home, please try to put a dozen cookies in a bag, and label them with the type of cookie inside in case of food allergies. If you don’t have a bagger the Ladies Auxiliary members will repackage and label the cookies. Any questions please contact Niki Leisten at (913) 583-17782 or (913) 708-4190.

SHARING OUR WORDS OF LOVE AND GREETING

It has long been our custom to use the bulletin board in the entry to post cards for the entire church family, thus saving postage and making possible greater gifts to Christ in your special Christmas offering at our Cantata and Candle lighting Service on Dec. 22nd. Please join in placing your greeting there for all to enjoy.

Dear Congregation: As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we begin to thank God for all the wonderful people in our lives. The congregation of De Soto Baptist Church are high on the list of people to thank for your generous donations. Because o your kindness, nearly 100 families consisting of over 300 individuals will have food to eat at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Because of your kindness, these families and individuals will also know that someone in the community cares for them. Our sincere “thank you” for caring for others in our community. May your Thanksgiving and upcoming holidays be full of wonderful memories and love. Sincerely, Reverend Jan Justice De Soto United Methodist Church

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHUR CH

December 2013

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT A new program for children and youth was initiated on Nov.22. Parents were invited to drop off their children so that they could have a “Parents’ Night Out.” An evening was provided for these children starting with dinner, then crafts, movies, games, and songs. Doug and Vergie Opdycke, Karl and Barb Beesley, Traci Griffin, Paula Jones, and Karen Wall were all part of this first gathering. It is the hope of all involved that this will become a regular monthly event – serving the parents as well as providing the children with an evening of fun and inspiration.

ANNUAL ABW CRAFT AUCTION A HUGE SUCCESS! On Sunday, Nov. 3, a large group gathered in Fellowship Hall for a wonderful afternoon of food, fellowship, laughter, and good-natured bidding as our church family so generously supported the work of ABW for the upcoming year. A dinner of Baked Potatoes with all of the toppings plus salads and desserts was enjoyed by all, Then, we were again so blessed to have Jeff Ruckert serve as our auctioneer. Jeff grew up in our church and presently lives in Manhattan. His parents, Vivian and Hank Ruckert, active members of our church for many years, came to join in on the fun as well. Several table were laden with a wide variety of foods, crafts, decorations, and other hand-made goods. When it was all completed, a record amount of $5300 was raised for our local ABW projects and for Murrow Indian Children’s Home that was designated as the recipient of half of the proceeds. A huge “Thank You” needs to go to all of those who brought items and for those who so

If you pray about something and you truly listen to His word then you will know when it is time to act on what He has called you to do. It is therefore, a great blessing, joy and honor to accept His calling to be the new leader of ABGirls! I am excited beyond words, however I have big shoes to fill. Mary Jo, Vicki, and so many wonderful women in our church have done an outstanding job teaching the young girls in our church and community. I can only hope that I can bring as much joy to their lives as they have. Yet another prayer was answered when they agreed to help me along this new path I have been called upon to follow. I am just as excited to announce our program and focus for this next year. It is entitled, Who Am I? Exploring Who God Has Created Us to Be. Questions of identity begin quite young. How girls experience their beginning exploration at this age of questions such as "who am I in my family," "who am I with my friends," and "who am I to God," will lay the foundation for their healthy development through their pre-teen and teenage years, into adulthood. The program is for ages 5-14 and it will also cover self-esteem, self-image and self-respect. It is with my sincere hope that your daughters will join us for this very exciting adventure! We will launch the program at our Annual Tea on Sunday, December 8th, at 4:00 p.m. I will be sending formal invite letters in the mail soon, but please mark your calendars for what will be a very fun and exciting afternoon! God Bless, Katharine Ingalls

December 2013

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHUR CH

THE BARN AT KILL CREEK FARM “A Gathering Place for our Community”

When our own Darrell Zimmerman retired from teaching, he had a dream of restoring a barn and making his family farmstead a place where children could learn and experience the many aspects of rural life. He envisioned a gathering place --- for festivals, barbecues, celebrations, and learning. And it came to be. Most of us were able to enjoy that historic barn – either at someone’s graduation, birthday, or anniversary party, perhaps appreciating the Farmer’s Market and craft fairs, perhaps taking part in the Christmas plays presented in its enclosure. However, when tornadic winds destroyed the barn in 2010, rebuilding the barn to meet modern building codes made the cost totally prohibitive. After much thought and discussion, Darrell decided to turn his insurance money and the entire project over to a not-for-profit organization - The Barn at Kill Creek Farm Association. A 99-year lease was signed, giving the Association control of the land as well as the job of finding ways to finance a new barn on the acreage where the old barn had been. That group will also be responsible for planning and implementing programs for education, agritourism, cultural events, and community gatherings. Many community businesses, organizations, and individuals have invested time, materials, talents and money in this effort. As a member of the Barn Association, I am thrilled to report that we are 90% completed. In other words, we are working on the final 10% of the cost. This would never have been possible without the incredibly generous gifts of materials and expertise from builders, electricians, plumbers, and contractors of all sorts along with the hard work and monetary donations from those who know what a great community resource this can be again. You can help us complete this community project. We are selling frozen cookie cakes or cookie pizzas, made available by Mr. Goodcents. Each box of two huge cookies costs $20. It is a great way to support this program AND to get some great desserts. See Karen Wall if you would like to order a box or two – or three. Call 669-1991. We want to have this Barn available again – a landmark and a community resource for many years to come.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PLAY “Twas the Night Before Christmas” The Junior Joys will be presenting the message for our Sunday Service on Dec. 15. Plans are under way for a musical telling of the “First Edition” of The Night Before Christmas. There are speaking, singing, and tableau parts for all children who would like to be involved…we need angels, shepherds, an innkeeper, even a mouse. If your child or grandchild has not yet been contacted, please contact Tami Reeves,710-4672, or Mary Etta Copeland, 583-1425, for more information and for practice times.

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHUR CH December 2013

A Moment with Jo. I Corinthians 12:1 “But one and the same Spirit works all these things (the Holy Spirit’s gifts to us) distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

The kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ having the precious Holy Spirit give us gifts to bless others and most especially our Saviour. We should give Him gifts and instead He anoints us with wonderful gifts for the Body of Christ, in His service. As I was resting after the 1st chemo treatment, I was thinking of our church body. I want to encourage each one of us to allow Him to do exactly what He wants in our lives. We sometimes, get stuck in our thinking of our abilities and talents and I am sensing He wants to stretch, prod & propel us into unimaginable possibilities and service to the kingdom of God. I was reading in my daily devotional, Upper Room, the other day ad the story was about Bezable who was graced with divine spirit, with ability, intelligence and knowledge of every craft. Exodus 31:3. He is the anointed to lead the building of the Tabernacle. Can you imagine how overwhelmed he may have been, but he listened to the Lord and accomplished His work? The last sentence in the devotional is “Even if the work we isn’t seen by a lot of people, it is still valuable.” What I am receiving I all of this is Jesus is he greatest gift ever given, as we celebrate Christmas, let us renew our lives, talents, abilities and gifts to honor or Beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas,

Jo

Christmas is doing something a little extra for someone ...quote from Charles Schultz. As we approach this blessed Christmas season, I am humbled by the spirit of our church family and the giving that we do as we support not only our own community, but the Bethel Commu nity, Murrow Indian School, and also Missionaries working around the world in the name of our Holy Father. Jesus truly Is the “reason for the season,” and our Father is looking down on us loving us, thanking us and truly watching as we continue to do His work. At our last ABW gathering we packed over 25 bags for needy families in our community, and also reached out to a couple of other families in need. The “joy” on the faces of these women working together to make someone else be blessed again was humbling. May each of you have a very special Christmas holding tight to your families, your church families, but especially holding the hand of God as we walk together celebrating this glorious season.

Anita Woywod, President ABW

DE SOTO BAPTIST CHURCH

December 2013

SPECIAL SERVICES OF ADVENT & CHRISTMAS th

“Junior Joys” will lead the morning service on December 15 Plans are

under way for a musical telling of the “First Edition” of The Night Before Christmas. If you have question please contact Tami Reeves or Mary Etta.

Our annual Cantata and Candle Lighting Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, Dec. 22rd, with the Adult and Youth Choir leading. “Morning Star” is the name of the cantata, which brings insight into this special name of the newborn King. A fellowship reception will follow.

Sunday morning worship on December 22rn Pastor’s character portrayal of a Biblical character. This dramatic offering continues to be a meaningful, significant part of our worship, enjoyed by all during this special season in our lives.

If you are interested in helping with the adoption of Bethel families there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board .

The Service of Mortgage Burning—Nov 24, 2013

Litany of Mortgage Burning

Blessed be the Lord God who doeth wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever and ever. Being graciously prospered by the hand of our Go in lifting the burden of debt from this church of Jesus Christ, we now, with joy in our hearts, are about to transform this cancelled mortgage, the symbol of our completed task, in the incense of prayer and thanksgiving. In love for our church and in reverent memory of all those who by their services and sacrifices down through the years have bequeathed to us such valuable and beautiful property. We enter into this celebrative observance. With grateful appreciation of the generosity of members and friends, of the earnest and fruitful labors of organizations, an of the untiring services and prayers of the officers of this church family. We gratefully share in this experience. With a prayer that God will continue to guide us with wisdom, bless us with a spirit of loyal unity, and inspire us to use our precious heritage to draw men unto himself. We acknowledge that apart from Him we can do nothing. Dedicating ourselves anew to the work and support of this our beloved church, and through it to the extension of the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout this our community, our nation, and our world, we now burn this mortgage in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

“He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture.” - Psalm 95:7

E n gage d in th e m in is tr y o f r e c on c iliatio n

De Soto Baptist Church Richard G. Copeland, Pastor P.O. Box E De Soto, Kansas 66018 Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT #3 DE SOTO, KANSAS 66018