Tates Creek Christian Church Current for June 2017

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Contents
Feature Article
10-11 “Spirit-Filled Church”
In Every Issue
3-8 Minister Articles
12 Prayer Ministry
12 Guided Prayer Topics
13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule
18-21 Devotional thoughts each week
22 April Statistics
23 New Members
24 Calendar
Ministry News
14 Community Serivce Day
15 Missions Moment
Events
9 June Events
16-17 June Events
Mission
Tates Creek Christian Church exists
to win people to Christ (evangelism),
build up believers in faith, knowledge, and
service (encouragement), to help those in
need (benevolence), and to stand up for
Christian values in the community (witness).
Contact
Tates Creek Christian
3150 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 266-1621
office@tatescreek.org
Visit Online
www.tatescreek.org
instagram: tatescreekcc
facebook.com/tatescreekcc
Worship
Sunday
First Service - 9:30 am
Second Service - 11 am
Sunday School -
8:30, 9:30, 11:00 am
Swahili Service - 3:00 pm
Evening - 6:30 pm
Staff
Tommy Simpson
Kim Beckwith
Billy Bishop
John Davis
David Eversole
Geoff Lawson
Matt Lee
Don Seevers
Lesley Tipton
Office Staff
Jenni Gregg
Kim Jones
Jan Sproul (Monday)
Vicki Wesley (Friday)

The theme of this month’s Current and our Nehemiah
sermon series is Multiplying Workers. I’m sure my fellow
staff members and ministers are going to write some articles
on how we need more people to step up as workers for the
kingdom. We certainly do. This is right and good. But along
with this I’d like to spend some time appreciating those who are already
workers - specifically our present and former Elders here at Tates Creek.
1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the Elders who rule well be considered worthy
of double honor.” As church members we need to constantly remember
this verse. These men not only volunteer much time to the task of leading
Christ’s church, but also willingly take on a burden that many of us are
glad not to have to bear. That burden includes guarding
the doctrine of the church (Acts 15:6; Titus 1:9), providing
pastoral care for members (James 5:14; Acts 6:4), protecting
the flock from wolves (Acts 20:17, 28-31), preaching and
teaching (1 Timothy 3:2; 4:13; 5:17), and leading in holiness
and family leadership by example (1 Timothy 3:2-7; 4:12).
The burden they are called to bear is a heavy one, and one
for which the Lord will hold them accountable… and they
have done this willingly. So, as church members, let us
consider how we may give them“double honor.”
Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are
keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”
One of the ways we give them honor is by submitting to their God-given
authority. This means trusting them when they make hard decisions about
the direction of the church. It means not slandering them behind their back
or constantly complaining about their work. And, it means being humble
and always open to correction or teaching from them on matters of doctrine
and holiness.
Church: join me in praying regularly for our elders and also expressing
appreciation to these men for the burden they have taken on.
To our current Elders, as well as those who have served in the past: may
God strengthen and bless you and your families. Thank you for serving us.
~ John
john@tatescreek.org
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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
In (Double) Honor of our Elders

The book of Nehemiah is one of my favorite Old Testament
books. Most of the 13 chapters of this book are told in a first
person format as Nehemiah reflects back on this wonderful
episode demonstrating the power of God when His people
depended and trusted Him.
I almost hesitate to say anything about building or rebuilding a wall given
our present political environment, but this story is too good to ignore.
This is a story of a man of God with a desire to rebuild the wall and gates
surrounding the city of Jerusalem and his mission to give his life to do so.
Against many odds, the people rallied around Nehemiah to complete this
monumental task in just 52 days! This angered Nehemiah’s enemies even
more. Please don’t name your children Sanballat or Tobiah! These are just
two of the jealous men who worked against the workers led by Nehemiah.
There were others as well and the concerns were so great that half of the
workers continued rebuilding the city walls while the other half took up arms
to protect the workers. People got behind this cause. They had momentum.
Have you ever been a part of a work that grew due to momentum? I have.
The church I served from 1993 through mid-2001 was such a church. In 1993,
the church averaged between 500 & 600 in attendance. Five years later,
the church averaged around 1,850—1,900 with some Sundays exceeding
2,100! Against the odds of not having enough parking, parking on grass
lots during the rainy season, parking across the highway (not a quiet street!)
and dodging cars going 55 or 60 mph, we grew. Against the odds of being
understaffed, not having enough classroom space, and having to add more
services because of parking problems, we grew. Our building seated 1,100!
We could seat our congregation in 2 services, but had to add more services
so people could find a parking spot. In spite of a minister struggling with a
drug addiction problem, we grew. Why? We gained momentum and those
attending were willing to look beyond these problems
and see that God was in the midst of this work. People
invited their friends and colleagues to come and
be a part of this work that God was blessing. Was it
perfect? Certainly not! The church has now relocated
and averages over 2,800 on Sundays! Momentum is
a valuable tool in God’s work and seeing beyond the
“now”and seeing what can be in the“future”.
~ Don
don@tatescreek.org

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Momentum . . . Rebuilding the Wall

On a boat off the coast of Northwest Haiti, the team I was
leading inched closer to a little fishing village called KaPaFu.
We traveled to KaPaFu to encourage and build relationships
with locals. We disembarked from our boat and watched a
fisherman prepare his large net for the new day. One person
on my team asked,“How much for your net?” The fisherman replied,“This
net is my work.” My teammate said,“I know. Would you take $20 for it? You
can then buy a new one.” The man smiled and excitedly handed us his
smelly fishing net. My teammate was joking of course but that fisherman
was serious. That day we used the net as a symbol to teach how God
wanted believers to unite together, each holding their portion of the net to
bring in the harvest.
Jesus described the kingdom of God as a net “that was let down into the
lake and caught all kinds of fish” (Matthew 13:47). The net in Jesus’day, as
in the example above, required many people to hold the net to bring in the
harvest of fish. In the same way, the fulfillment of the Great Commission
requires all who claim allegiance to Christ to actively be involved. The call to
God and allegiance to God’s kingdom elicit outward response. Discipleship
is not for its own sake. Simply, God calls and sends people into service
equipped with spiritual gifts to extend his reign on the earth.
As we wade into this series of multiplying workers, much can be said about
the need and importance of more people being invested and involved
in multiplying God’s Kingdom. We have the potential here at Tates Creek
to band together and reach out to every individual in our community but
we are still not done with God’s mission. No matter how big a revival we
experience, our area is still only a small part of the world that God has sent
us to transform through His gospel.
As I rode on the boat to the fishing village, I couldn’t help but think of one
of my favorite worships songs,“Oceans,”that says,“You call me out upon
the waters, The great unknown where feet may fail, And there I find You in
the mystery, In oceans deep, My faith will stand.” Later in the song it ends
saying,“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, Let me walk upon
the waters, Wherever You would call me, Take me deeper than my feet could
ever wander, And my faith will be made stronger, In the presence of my
Savior, I will call upon Your name, Keep my eyes above the waves, My soul
will rest in Your embrace, I am Yours and You are mine.”
~ Geoff
geoff@tatescreek.org
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Fishers of Men

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The Harvest
Right now in our nation’s center a yearly event is happening.
That event is the wheat harvest where custom combine
companies start in the south where the wheat ripens earliest
and by summer’s end find themselves bumping on our nation’s
northern border. Many people in this part of the country are
probably unfamiliar with what custom combining is all about.
If they are familiar with it, few have likely had the opportunity to witness
three or more huge 32 row combines running side by side thru a 1,000 acre
wheat field day and night. It is a sight that is majestic and wondrous to
behold. What once would take a lone farmer a month to
accomplish can now be accomplished in days or even
hours. Many farmers have determined not to invest in
their own combine, which in this day and time could
cost them more than their home. They instead contract
with a custom combining group to do it for them,
and the combination of the size and number of the
combines makes quick work of even the largest fields.
In Matthew’s gospel, the writer speaks of Jesus’teaching considering
the harvest, and central in that teaching is the idea that more workers are
needed. Just as farmers planting bigger fields found they needed more
and bigger combines because of the enormity of the task, so also, Jesus
clearly viewed the multitude of lost souls as an enormous task. He told
us to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out workers into His
field. As beautiful and majestic as it is to see the coordination of combines
harvesting wheat, it pales in comparison to the beauty and majesty of the
saints coordinating efforts for the salvation of souls. Brothers and sisters, the
Lord never intended on us doing the work alone but rather together. The
multiplication of efforts and the multiplication of talents is the only way the
task can be completed and it is the only way to keep us as individuals from
becoming depleted.
Farming is far different today from the time the Lord spoke about when
He spoke about the harvest, but the principle is the same. Success depends
on the multiplying of efforts and resources, not from working alone. If not
already a part of it, why not sign on to be part of the greatest, most inspiring
and magnificent harvest. That is the Lord’s harvest.
~ Bro. Kim
kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org

Back in January, my wife and I traveled to Orlando, Florida for
a Children’s Ministry Conference. Since we were close to Disney,
we spent a lot of our free time at Disney Springs. While there, we
ate dinner at The Rainforest Café. This year’s theme for VBS (June
9-13) is Safari themed so I was curious to see how they brought
things to“life”. The environment and the staff were way above what I expected.
From robotic moving animals to the sounds and a huge“erupting”volcano, I
simply sat amazed. As we were leaving, I told a manager that we were going
to be talking to our kids in Kentucky shortly via Facetime, and asked what time
the volcano would go off again. His reply,“It goes off every 30 minutes, but if
your kids don’t get to see it just let me know. I will have them set it off again.”
To me this was crazy! A guy I had never met cared enough about investing
into kids he will probably never meet, to make sure they had that special
memory. Later, we called the kids and the volcano didn’t go off. I sought out
the manager, asked him about the volcano, and he immediately called his
technician to set it off again. The more amazing thing to me was that the man’s
shift was nearly over, he had served his time for the day, and could have chosen
to just walk away. He didn’t. He chose to make a memory.
When I left that night from Disney Springs, I wondered if this would happen
at our church. There is no doubt in my mind that we have an amazing team
serving in our children’s ministry areas! I also don’t question whether or not we
have a loving and generous church. We have people that are going above and
beyond each week to connect kids to Jesus. They willingly are on schedules
that serve in either one month blocks, 2 week rotations, or once a month. They
serve at special events like Egg Hunts, Movie Nights, Vacation Bible School
(July 9-13), drive buses for Day Camp, Pit Crew, or Party in the Park. They are
dedicated and they understand the reason why we do what we do in children’s
ministry.
As we round the corner toward another Summer full of activities from camps
to Vacation Bible School we also are trying new things. We desire to connect
kids to Jesus; however we can! We started a preteen ministry for 4th-6th
graders this month, because we want them to know they are an essential part
of the church. We have named this group Stretch 456! We are reprogramming
things in Uptown so that our youngest Elementary kids are taught lessons at
their level. At VBS, we will do it as big as we can. For all of these things… we
need YOU! Will you join our team and make memories that won’t
just last a lifetime. Instead, they will last an eternity! Join us!
~ Matt
matt@tatescreek.org
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Memories for a Lifetime

Ask Matt, Geoff, or me what the most praised part of our
ministry is at any given time and we will almost always give
you the same answer: our volunteers. Finding those people
who are willing to dedicate
their time to those who are
just starting to learn what it means to be
a church member, a follower of Jesus, and
have a firm belief in God. It takes energy,
it takes emotion, and some sacrifice. But,
my goodness, the rewards are tremendous.
To hear a preschooler recite exactly what
happened in the Easter story, to see a 9 year old be baptized, or a high
school senior make the decision to go into a ministry field, is completely
worth it.
Our church has over 700 people currently identifying as members,
and I have to say that I am in awe of how much most of those members
help in various areas of the church. Communion prep, prayer, welcome
desk, teachers, We Care, worship, etc. The people that help in the youth
areas are usually involved in not just our area, but in 2 or 3 others as well.
That’s a great testament to the kids of the church that not only do these
people care about them and will take time for them, but they model
what a follower of Jesus should be doing. I encourage you if you are
not currently participating in any ministry in the church to look at all the
opportunities out there and find one that gives you the chance to use
your spiritual gifts. I promise you it will be completely worth it.
~ Lesley
lesley@tatescreek.org
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Volunteers

June Events
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North American Christian Convention
July 9-13
Sunday, 6:30 pm
Family Night Celebration
Monday - Thursday
9 am - 12 pm
Pre-register by June 18 to
receive a t-shirt.
Volunteer or register online at www.tatescreek.org

A comment I hear from time to time about certain churches
is,“That is a Spirit-filled church!” Since those comments, I have
been asking questions like,“How do we recognize a Spirit-filled
church?” “What does a Spirit-filled church do?” And“Is Tates
Creek Christian a Spirit-filled church?”
One mark of a Spirit-filled church is a focus on the person of Jesus Christ.
John 15:27 says, “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the
Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear
witness of Me.” Part of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is to testify of
Jesus Christ. A Spirit-filled church preaches and teaches the Person of Jesus,
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that Jesus Christ is
Lord. A Spirit-filled church also preaches and teaches His Work, His Gospel.
What is His Work, His Gospel? The Work of Jesus Christ consists of His Death
at the cross for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection. A Spirit-filled church
preaches and teaches His Word, the entirety of Scripture!
Another sign of a Spirit-filled church is a strong love for the Word of God!
Love for the Word of God is evident in the preaching and the teaching. Love
for the Word of God is evident by Christians spending time in the Word
studying, learning, reflecting, meditating, and absorbing. The Holy Spirit is
the Author of the Word of God. II Peter 1:20-21 says, “But know this first of
all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no
prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy
Spirit spoke from God.” Do we hunger and thirst for the Word of God?
An additional sign of a Spirit-filled church is godly people. How do we
recognize godly people? Godly people have a strong desire to do what is
right. Godly people desire to rid their hearts and lives of sin and to pursue
righteousness. Sin in the life of the individual Christian and sin in the Church
greatly hinder the work
of the Holy Spirit. Sin
hinders the influence and
the movement of the Holy
Spirit. Godly people also
reflect the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
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Spirit-Filled Church

Unity is also a sign of the Spirit-filled church. The basis for unity is the Word
of God. The purpose of unity is reaching the lost for Jesus and helping new
people in Christ to mature and develop in Christ. Diversity in the church
presents itself in a number of ways including, but not limited to, styles of
worship. Here at Tates Creek Christian we have three styles of worship:
Swahili, contemporary, and traditional. Though folks may have a certain
flavor in regards to worship style, they hold fast in unity to the teaching of
Scripture.
Another sign of a Spirit-filled church is a large part of the congregation
involved in serving ~ whether in the church or
outside the church. The Holy Spirit provides
spiritual gifts for every Christian. Are we using the
gifts of the Holy Spirit in serving? One expectation
here at Tates Creek is that every member and
every faithful non-member be involved in at least
one hour of service each week. A goal recently set
by our Elders desires that 85% of our people be
involved in one hour of service a week.
Speaking of service, our next sermon series is entitled,“Multiplying
Workers,”from the Bible book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah certainly challenged
all the people of Jerusalem to help rebuild the wall around the city. In Bible
days, strong walls around a city spoke of protection and safety. Everyone was
needed to help rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. The same is true in the
church. Everyone in the church, whether member, non-member, older, or
younger; is needed to help and serve. There is so much work for our Lord to
do!
There are other marks of a Spirit-filled church. However, we must be
very careful of trying to determine whether or not a church is Spirit-filled
based on feelings. While feelings may be very real, feelings can also be very
deceptive. To determine if a church is Spirit-filled, we must examine the
evidence!
May the Holy Spirit fill Tates Creek Christian!

~ Tommy
tommy@tatescreek.org
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Spirit-Filled Church continued

12
Little Eyes Upon You
“There are little eyes upon you and they’re
watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in every
word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do
anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day
he’ll be like you.
You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the
wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you no suspicions
ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds all you
say and do;
He will say and do, in your way when he’s
grown up just like you.
There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who
believes you’re always right;
And his eyes are always opened, and he
watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all
you do;
For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up
to be like you.”
Author Unknown
“Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Fathers DayDaily Guided
Prayer Topics
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Psalm 103:13
I John 3:1
Proverbs 3:11-12
Matthew 6:6
I John 2:15
John 17:24
Matthew 6:26
Proverbs 15:5
John 10:28-30
Philippians 4:20
John 14:23
Matthew 10:29-31
John 1:12
Romans 8:19
Luke 12:32
Isaiah 9:6
John 14:6
James 1:17
Romans 8:32
John 14:13
John 14:21
John 1:18
John 14:2
Matthew 26:53
Matthew 6:17-18
I John 2:16
I Corinthians 8:6
Luke 6:36
John 15:8
John 12:26
June 2017
How Great is the
Father’s Love
If you are interested in knowing more about our team or serving with
us, please contact Peggy Crawford at psnow2020@aol.com,
859-269-5902, or any other team member.
“The Prayer Ministry shall provide opportunities to help equip others to grow more in
their prayer lives by promoting prayer studies and praying collectively together, causing
unity in prayer throughout our congregation and our Prayer ministry team. By our
prayers, we will serve, grow, and give excellence to our Lord”

Communion Serving Schedule
June 4
Elders: David Martin, Danny Branham
Offertory: Lucas Moore, Greg Kasten
Ashland Terrace: Brian Hogston
Home Comm: Steve Mullins, Lucas Moore
Greg Kasten
Sat Comm Prep: Mark & Gayle Fields
Clean-up 1st Srv: Craig & Jenny Fowler
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Josh Thompson
Prayer Room: Judy Clark, Peggy Crawford
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Joanne Shuman
Ushers: Doug I., Dennis M., David F.
June 11
Elders: Danny Branham, John Craycraft
Offertory: Russell Brown
Ashland Terrace: Ray Albensi
Home Comm: Brian Hogston, Allan Faber,
David Feltner
Sat Comm Prep: Boyd & Wanda Johnson
Clean-up 1st Srv: Rick & LeeAnn Layne
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Greg Wheeler
Prayer Room: Beth Kessler, Kevin Hickey
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Judy Clark
Ushers: Boyd J., David S., Cory & Sarah W.
June 18
Elders: John Craycraft, Ken Baker
Offertory: Brian Hogston, Allan Faber
Ashland Terrace: Brad Byington
Home Comm: David Feltner, Ray Albensi,
Ken Banks
Sat Comm Prep: Mike & Barb Nevius
Clean-up 1st Srv: Marvis & Pam White
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Victor Castro
Prayer Room: Janice Moore, Monica Kennedy
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Peggy Crawford
Ushers: Boyd J., Dennis M., Stuart K.
June 25
Elders: Ken Baker, Larry Critchfield
Offertory: Ed Hall, David Feltner
Ashland Terrace: Allan Faber
Home Comm: Terry Morrison, Brad Byington,
Jonathan Clifton
Sat Comm Prep: Marvis & Pam White
Clean-up 1st Srv: Dale Kistler
Clean-up 2nd Srv: S.Clem, O.Brown, C.Lee
Prayer Room: Ken Baker, Zella Simpson
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Gaye Dye
Ushers: Stan S., Dennis M., John M.
Better With Age Club
Monthly on the third Thursday
June 15, 10:30 am
Fellowship Hall
Bring sandwiches, appetizers,
salad, or dessert to share. All
Senior adults are welcome!
Better With Age Club
Day Trip
June 22
We will be travleing to
Bardstown, to see
The Stephen Foster Story.
Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:30 am,
Room 200CD

Community Service Day
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Landscaping at
Julius Marks Elementary
Landscaping at New
Beginnings, Bluegrass
Sorting clothes at the
Salvation Army
Church Under the Bridge
service.
Thanks to
all who
participated!

15
Update from the Selbys in Ethiopia
Greetings from Nekempte, Ethiopia! It is a
great joy to say“from Nekempte”because it
means that we have moved into our actual field
of service. We officially moved to Nekempte on
March 7, and April 22 marked completion of our
first year of ministry in Ethiopia. We have been
busy negotiating contracts, settling in, building relationships and finding
a home here. And to top it all off, we are expecting our second child (due
September 2)! Needless to say, life is full these days.
Our move to Nekempte has filled us with joy, hope, and expectation.
We are blessed especially to now live in a place where we can use and
practice our new language skills in Oromiffa every day. (In Addis Ababa, it
was challenging to find Oromiffa speakers). As our language ability grows
and we form new friendships among the Oromo in Nekempte, we are full
of hope for the work we are beginning here as we come alongside the
church to help establish a college ministry.
Already, we have met many college students within the church. Living
in Nekempte gives our hope for this ministry a clearer shape: we can
envision how these young students are the future of the church. Our
hope is that we can help to deepen the students’relationship to Christ and
to broaden their vision to reach out to their neighbors so that ultimately
a strong foundation for the future church in Ethiopia might be built. With
God’s help and guidance, we are eagerly starting out on this ministry in
Nekempte.
Thank you for your partnership, love, and support.
~ Tyler, Katie, and Ruby
Missions Moment

June Events
The first annual
Man Games
have been
rescheduled!
If you have any
questions contact John
john@tatescreek.org
or Kim, kimbeckwith@
tatescreek.org.
June 17, 8:30 am
Meet in the MMC for breakfast!
Saturday
June 17
New
Date
Changes in the Elementary Area
This summer we will be introducing a new area called“Stretch 456”.
Our sixth graders will continue to be a part of the Elementary area
instead of moving into the Middle School group.
For Promotion
Sunday, June 4,
children going to
Kindergarden will
be moving to the
Uptown area. Those
going into ninth grade will be moving into the high school area.
Wedding Bells Sunday
June 11, 2017
Each year we celebrate with those who have
been married 50 years or more. To keep our list
complete, we ask that you let us know if you are
celebrating your 50th this year or if you are new
to the church since our celebration last year.
Please come a few mintues early to have your picture taken!

June Events
Ladies’ Workshop
June 17 ~ Room 200CD ~ 10-11:30 am
Presented by Peggy Park
No Child Care Provided
The Mystery of Prayer
Womens’Fall Event
September 22, 2017, 7 pm
“Stepping Out in Love”
with Donna VanLiere
(author of“The Christmas Shoes”)
Tickets go on sale in the foyer June 11, 18, & 25. Cost is $15
Womens’Summer Bible Study
“Loved by God”by Liz Curtis Higgs
Begins June 17! 9-10 am - Hearth Room
Led by Martha Bugg
Loved by God

Devotional Thought Week 1
UNSELFISH WORKERS - NEHEMIAH 3
As Jerusalem was in ruins, Nehemiah had a choice and decided to lead
the people to rebuild and restore Jerusalem. The response was not well
received by many at first. Nehemiah however, acted on God’s promise and
set out to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.
The high priests began section by section rebuilding the walls and many
gates. At the time the high priests were considered the“leaders”. As with
any major job or project that requires many workers, success is possible
when workers have strong leaders and work together. As the Jews began to
work alongside one another, what once appeared to be a daunting task was
being completed by people working for a common purpose. Rebuilding
and fortifying the city was necessary for their protection, but they also
believed that God would be with them. This chapter illustrates the many
people who worked to rebuild the wall and repair the gates.
“Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him
Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as
the Broad Wall.” Nehemiah 3:8
Workers were organized by their trade to work, each section detailed
as to what work was being completed. However,
all of this is being completed in unison, working
together as noted each time“next to him”is
recorded. This is repeated throughout Chapter 3,
people working together. A common goal is often
a reason for people to work together. God’s church
seems to be in a constant state of rebuilding. Not
only is there physical construction due to repairs or
building additions, there is spiritual rebuilding and
spiritual growth. All of this is made easier when there are plenty of workers,
working together.
There are many behind the scenes activities that go on every week at
our church to prepare for Sunday morning services and Sunday school.
The workers that faithfully serve in these capacities are working to build
the Lord’s Kingdom. God has blessed us all with different talents. There
are many needs at the church where our talents can be used. We can
encourage others to use their talents as well.
~ David Straub
Deacon
18

19
FOCUSED WORKERS - NEHEMIAH 4-6
In Nehemiah 4-6, Nehemiah is following God’s plan by rebuilding the
walls to Jerusalem and facing trials in the process. There are comparisons
that can be made to the opposition that Nehemiah faced and what
Christians face today. During reconstruction, rival nations plotted against
Nehemiah’s implementation of God’s plan to rebuild the city walls. The
rival nations made false accusations, spread rumors, and plotted to stop
the reconstruction by force. Though those rebuilding the wall had to guard
against attack while working, Nehemiah’s workers remained focused on
the mission before them. If threats and rumors weren’t enough distraction,
Nehemiah also contended with turmoil among the Israelites. It seems the
enemy was both outside and within the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was
a servant-leader who humbled himself before the people and refused the
perks of his position. Though the threats were real and the stakes were
high, Nehemiah kept the workers focused on the work at hand and the
walls were rebuilt.
So, how do the trials facing Nehemiah and the people of Israel compare to
the trials we Christians face? We’re engaged in an important work for our
Lord that involves reaching, teaching, saving, and serving. Unfortunately,
over the past few decades, followers of Christ have been increasingly
ridiculed for the truth they find in the God’s word and are stifled from
expressing their faith in school or the workplace. That’s the distraction
and threat from outside the walls of the Church. There is certainly a lot of
“noise”in media that tries to tell us how truths found in the Bible are wrong,
hateful, and non-inclusive, because the truth makes some people confront
the brokenness in their life.
Some Christians have acquiesced under the influence of culture (i.e.,
modernism) or succumbed to false doctrine that teaches what itching
ears want to hear. That’s the threat inside the walls of the Church. Staying
focused on our mission and purpose for Christ means that we must
not allow detractors to get in our way or silence the truth. We must be
prepared to suffer ridicule for what we believe. We must be prepared to
state boldly what we believe, without condescension. We should suffer
the ridicule of the world for our Lord and consider it a blessing, not a
distraction.
~ Stan Stack
Willing Workers Class Teacher
Elder
Devotional Thought Week 2

20
Devotional thought Week 3
QUALITY WORKERS - NEHEMIAH 7-9
Have you ever had the responsibility of leading and managing a group of
workers or employees? If so, I am sure you have some definite ideas about
the kind of people that make the best workers. I
imagine your preference is for the person who is
teachable. One who will accept the information,
make it their own, and hold themselves to that
standard or even higher. This person may require
some investment upfront, but once established
they are strong and consistent because they have
expectations of themselves.
This is what we see from the‘Quality Workers’
Nehemiah describes in chapters seven, eight, and nine.
Reading the beginning of chapter eight, it is striking to me that the
people (these workers) asked Ezra to read the Book of the Law of Moses to
them. They showed a hunger for the Word of God. They desired to know
His expectations so they could apply it to their lives. Look at the picture
painted by these excerpts from verses 2 and 3;“Ezra the priest brought the
Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women
and all the children old enough to understand … from early morning until
noon and read aloud to everyone. All the people listened closely to the
Book of the Law.”If you read further you will see that they were standing
for this three-hour period while Ezra read the Law to them. Their desire for
the Word was stronger than their desire for physical comfort. This shows a
great desire to know the standard.
Chapter nine then tells us how these workers applied what they learned
in the Law. They separated themselves from all foreigners, confessed their
sins and worshiped the Lord their God (verses 2,3). When they heard the
Law, they evaluated themselves against God’s righteous standard. When
they saw where they fell short, they confessed these sins and then they
released this sin and guilt to God in worship.
Because of Jesus’sacrifice for our sin, this pattern of learning, application,
evaluation, confession, and worship is still an effective plan for us, as we
desire to be‘Quality Workers’.
~ David Eversole
Administrator

21
COMMITTED WORKERS - NEHEMIAH 10-13
As we continue to read and study Nehemiah 10-13, we see just how well
the people of Jerusalem served God. They were committed to rebuilding
Jerusalem, so the leaders signed the covenant to obey God’s law. The
people followed their leaders and committed to obeying these laws as well.
They were all committed because they fully believed that God was their
Lord.
Only two chapters later, in Nehemiah 13, we see the people who were
so committed to follow and obey the laws of the covenant slip away from
those laws and break the commitment they made. We must be in constant
communication with the Lord to be reminded of His word which keeps
us from slipping away from the true will of God. To know and understand
the truth, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us because the world
can pull us away from God and it can be easy for us to abandon our first
commitment.
It is sometimes hard to find our place in what God has planned for us
and we overlook the obvious. God will lead us to our work, we just need
to be committed to follow him and go where he leads us. It may be that
we have a calling to do big things; to travel the world in ministry helping
and witnessing to the lost or serving the impoverished. Sometimes our
commitment and strength is supporting those who are committed to
doing just that, by staying in prayer for them, showing them guidance, and
showing them love. We see examples of this everyday in our church and
community and the commitment to pray for each other is a blessing.
In our family, our daughters are both committed to go where God takes
them. One, to Cambodia to the those who have been abused and sold into
slavery. She has been called to bring awareness about human trafficking,
something that is hard to imagine and believe. Our younger daughter has
committed to work with children who are hurting physically, spiritually,
emotionally, and mentally because of their impoverished circumstances.
She is committed to traveling to Ghana this summer to serve the children
there. They both inspire me as I watch them go where God leads.
As with the people of Jerusalem, we must be committed to serve and obey
God wherever he calls us. We are all sent with the Great Commission, to go
out and make disciples of all nations, in whatever way God has individually
called us.
~ Laura Mullins
Devotional thought Week 4

Sunday School
Average Attendance
April 2017
Youth
Infants 6
Walkers 8
3 - 5 Year Old 13
Elementary 37
Middle School 19
High School 15
Adult
Christians in Action 18
Crusaders 54
Faith 17
FOCUS 16
Generations of Faith 19
Good News 22
Grace & Truth 83
Grass Roots 14
Heaven Bound 13
In The Word 26
Open Bible 57
Seekers 8
Servants for Christ 22
Upper Room 11
Willing Workers 23
Young Adult Class 10
Ashland Terrace 6
Miscellaneous 3
Officers 10
Total 530
April Worship
Attendance & Giving
Total General Fund
2nd 795 $34,682.
9th 799 $28,904.
16th 1143 $26,674.
23rd 762 $25,931.
30th 799 $30,082.
Indebtedness
Mortgage Balance, April 30 $301,294.
Monthly Payment (May) $27,876.
Principal $11,060.
Interest $816.
Add’l Principal $16,000.
To give online anytime or setup
a recurring online gift, visit our
website at www.tatescreek.org
and click on“Donate”. You may
also simply scan the QR code.
% of Dollars Given Online
15%
General Fund Report
2017 Budgeted Need per week $30,952.
2017 Average per week $29,544.
April Total Income $146,273.
April Total Expenses $125,800.
Moved to Savings $9,261.
Net Above Expenses & Savings $11,213.
22
Funds Totals for April
Deacons’Fund $2,490.
“What If...” $31,742.
Victory for Life $1,601.

23
New Members
Jeff & Kathy Heim
Transfer April 30
Kevin & Lindsey Guzman
Transfer May 14
picture not available
Lindsey Maynard
Baptized May 7

TatesCreekCurrent
TatesCreekChristianChurch Office:(859)266-1621
3150TatesCreekRoadWeb:www.tatescreek.org
Lexington,KY40502 Email:office@tatescreek.org
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Calendar ~ June 2017
1 Mary Circle, 10:30 am, Fh
1 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm
3 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 106
4 Promotion Sunday
4 Monthly Ministry meetings
5 Elders’Meeting, 6 pm, 200E
5-9 Senior Saints in the Smokies
11 Wedding Bells Sunday
12 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh
12 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 104
15 BWAC, 10:30 am, FH
17 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 106
17 Women’s Bible Study, 9 am, HR
17 Ladies Workshop, 10 am, 200CD
18 Fathers’Day
18 Return Baby Bottle Blessings
18-24 CIY High School Mission Trip
19-22 Day Camp, BGCC
22 BWAC Day Trip, Bardstown for
“The Stephen Foster Story”
24 Women’s Bible Study, 9 am, HR
Weekly Activities
Sunday:
Swahili Worship, 3 pm, FH
Adult Small Group, 4 pm, 200CD
High School Worship, 6-8 pm, 303
College Small Group, 6 pm, 302
Adult Small Groups, 6 pm, variousplaces
Evening Service, 6:30 pm, WC
Tuesday:
We Care Store, 1:30 & 4 pm
Victory for Life, 6 pm, FH
Wednesday:
Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200CD
Worship Choir rehearsal, 6:30 pm
Middle School Worship, 6:30 pm
Thursday:
We Care Store, 1:30 pm

Tates Creek Christian Church Current for June 2017

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Tates Creek Christian Church Current for June 2017