Forward with Focus

Tates Creek
Current
October 2017

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Contents
Feature Article
10-11 “Focus on the Word”
In Every Issue
3-7 Minister Articles
12 Prayer Ministry
12 Guided Prayer Topics
13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule
18-21 Devotional thoughts each week
22 August Statistics
23 New Members
24 Calendar
Ministry News
14- 15 Missions Moment
Events
8 Operation Christmas Child
9 One Church One Body; Oasis
16-17 October 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
Wednesday
Oasis Classes - 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)

While growing up on the farm, cultivating crops required
intense focus. I had to concentrate and give full attention to
the task of cultivating. I disciplined myself to look forward! The
cardinal rule with cultivating was“Always look forward! Never
look back!” Looking back was always disastrous for cultivating
crops. Just as sure as I would look back, I would plow up some
of the crop or some of the garden which did not set well with Dad or Mom!
Cultivating crops reminds me of the teaching of Jesus! Jesus said, “No one,
after putting his hand to the plan and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God”
(Luke 9:62). It is impossible for a follower of Jesus to work in His Kingdom
and still be holding on to his/her past life whether the past includes worldly
friends, sin, or negative habits.
The same principle is true for a church. It is impossible for a church to
go forward and be effective while trying to live in the past. For example,
implementing traditions are well and good as long as those traditions
continue to fulfill purpose and meaning. If traditions are perpetuated just
because that is‘what we have always done,’then the church becomes inward
focused, ineffective, stale, and stagnant. Who wants to be a part of a church
with those characteristics? No one! On a regular basis, every program/
ministry of the church should be examined to see if that program/ministry is
fulfilling the purpose the Lord has given to the church.
Our next sermon series is entitled,“Forward with Focus.” We will examine
the goals that speak to the purpose that our Lord has given to the church!
One of the purposes that He gives to the church is evangelism. The goal
for Tates Creek in this purpose is thirty baptisms! Once a person becomes a
Christian, there are three goals a Christian should pursue. Those goals may
be stated as: one hour in worship, one hour in study, and one hour in service
each week. Christians should involve themselves in one hour of worship
every week. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking our own assembling together,
as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you
see the day drawing near.” Christians should also involve themselves in one
hour of study whether that is one hour in Sunday school or one hour in small
group. The third goal Christians should involve themselves in is one hour
in serving each week, whether that is service in the church or outside the
church. Remaining committed to these three goals strongly assist us going
“Forward with Focus!” Press On!
~ Tommy Simpson
Senior Minister, tommy@tatescreek.org
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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
Looking Forward

We have all heard this imperative given by our parents or a
teacher. As students, we are often distracted from keeping our
focus on matters of importance by outside distractions in the
classroom. Not only do school students struggle with focus,
but adults do as well. I really like my iPhone 7, but I realize that
I must keep attention focused on what is important at the time. I confess
that it is easy to become distracted when one or more chimes or sounds are
emitted from the phone tempting me to look at it. After
all, studies show that most of use our phones more for
other things than talking to someone! We have work email,
Facebook, and text messages, other apps, etc. I also must
say how aggravated I become when I am in conversation
with someone and they make the phone their priority. I
understand that emergencies occur, but if we are honest,
most of those“phone chimes”can wait.
Throughout my 40+ years of leading music and worship ministry, I have
been asked on many occasions,“how do you keep your focus and still
worship when leading from the platform?” Well, I will be honest and tell
you that it takes a lot of work! On many Sundays, it is not easy especially
when something goes wrong with the sound system, a CD won’t play, a
microphone won’t work, a soloist is ill or people come to me with lots of
questions and sometime concerns that probably could wait until after the
service. It does take work to worship! It takes lots of work and not only for
me, but for all of us. As I move through the different responsibilities of being
a leader in worship, I still must also worship. It can be done and I can still
enjoy worship.
I mention these two examples as a reminder that as Christians and as a
Church, it is easy for us to be distracted from what should be our main focus.
We must focus on the lost! Any church that forgets that will soon die! We
must focus on serving Christ and others! A church that focuses on itself will
also soon die. We must focus on study as we open the Word and see what
God has to say to us. A church that focuses on other things other than
the Word will die at some point. Finally, we must focus on the example of
Jesus Christ. Some churches are distracted with doing good things in the
community and around the world but forget to keep the focus on Christ.
May we all learn to focus AND focus on the right things.
Focus! Focus!
~ Don Seevers
Worship Minister, don@tatescreek.org
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Focus! Focus!

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Focus on Example
Recently my daughter came home excited about being
chosen as the“bee buddy”for her classroom at school.
What is a“bee buddy?” They are the student in each class
that helps new students become adjusted to their new
room, school, etc. My daughter was chosen for this by
her teacher because she was seen being thoughtful, caring about other
students, helpful, and willing to play with those who might not normally
have a friend. I can’t tell you how proud I was. But this isn’t the first time
I’ve been told about these positive qualities. Since she was in preschool I
have been told how friendly and caring she is to her peers and teachers.
My son is beginning to be the same way, always making
sure to get candy for his sister or his friends when he
gets a piece, being appreciative of things he’s been
given, and asking what’s wrong if someone is hurt.
I’d like to say that my husband and I can take all the
credit for this, and we’ve worked with both of them, but
we aren’t the only ones. My children have numerous
role models in their lives that they watch each and
every day, and who care for them unconditionally.
Adults (and teens) who show them kindness, who treat
them as human beings, who listen to them. I pray
that these people continue to stay in their lives into
adulthood, so they are able to be led in a Godly way through their own
teen years.
We have quite a large pre-teen group right now at TCCC, and they are
in the absolutely capable hands of the Stretch 456 ministry. But shaping
those children goes beyond the walls of their Sunday classroom. It
extends to each and every one of us in this building, and I ask that you
take the time to continue investing in this next generation of believers.
Trust me, it’s worth it.
~ Lesley Tipton
Preschool Director
lesley@tatescreek.org

Branson
Missouri
October 8-15
Sight & Sound Theater’s“Moses” The Showboat Branson Belle
and
so
much
more!
Last minute reservations are still available.
Contact Kim Beckwith at 859-537-2537 or kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org.
November 11
Tickets are still available for The Gaither
Vocal Band concert at the EKU Center for
the Arts. Tickets are $27.50. Contact Kim
Beckwith if you would like to attend with
a group from TCCC.
~ Bro. Kim Beckwith
Senior Adult Minister
kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org
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Senior Adults Ministry

It’s unbelievable that we are already into the fall semester
of 2017! Summer was great and the student ministry had a
lot of fun. As summer fades and fall nears, I am excited for
all that we have planned for this semester.
As you read this, we have already had our High School
Fall retreat and fall kickoff and have lots more planned. If you haven’t
grabbed a copy the fall calendar for either the Middle School or High
School groups, please make sure to pick one up. Copies can be found in
each area and have also been posted in our Facebook group for students
and parents.
For Middle School ONLY, I wanted to highlight our Nerf Wars coming up
on Wednesday, October 4th from 6-10 PM. This event is for all students
in grades 6-8 and totally FREE. Students can bring their own gear. Please
make sure to label all personal gear that is brought. Please RSVP to
geoff@tatescreek.org or send me a text at 859.221.5605.
The second event I would like to highlight for Middle School ONLY
is the fall retreat October 20-21. Any middle school student is invited
to join us as we head to Camp Calvary for a weekend of fun. Early bird
registration is $35 and any registrations after September 30 jump to $45.
Sign up with Geoff as soon as possible.
The High School ministry has lots of activities planned as well.
Periodically through the fall semester, the High School Ministry will
meet off-site on Sunday nights. For the fall semester, we will meet at
home of Russell & Lora Brown from 6-8 PM. These nights are set aside as
opportunities to build relationships in a different environment. See the
HSM calendar for specific dates!
Both groups will be having Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s
Purse) packing parties. We will have the opportunity to demonstrate
God’s love in some very tangible ways to children in need around the
world through filling shoeboxes with gifts. Please plan on purchasing
supplies for a shoebox. Our goal for the Student Ministry is to pack 35
boxes. See both calendars for specific dates and times.
Lastly, if your student is involved in anything extracurricular, I would
love to come and support them. Please share calendars or event dates so
our student ministry can come support our students.
~ Geoff Lawson
Student Minister
geoff@tatescreek.org
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Student Ministry

Multiplication through a Shoebox!
In recent months at Tates Creek Christian Church we have focused on
multiplication in the Body of Christ and one way we can continue that focus
is to participate in the ministry of Operation Christmas Child!
Our shoebox gifts allow us to “go and make
disciples of all nations” as children receiving
a gift hear the Gospel and then are invited to
participate in “The Greatest Journey,” a 12-
week follow-up discipleship program. This
past year, 3 children came to Christ every
minute as a result of this program which also
encourages them to boldly share their new
faith with others. As a result God is growing
and multiplying the Body of Christ all over the
world!
The TCCC Women’s Ministry invites our church during the month of October
to join together to pack 250 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child.
You may use a standard size shoebox or pick up free boxes in the Main
Foyer beginning October 8. Please plan to return shoeboxes to the Worship
Center by November 6. If questions, contact Shelley Maxwell via email at
maxwell40514@hotmail.com or Kim Jones in the church office. For more
information about Operation Christmas Child or to learn how to follow your
box, visit samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
A quality shoebox will include a“wow”item such as a stuffed animal, toy car,
ball, or doll along with a few school supplies, hygiene items, and other small
toys. A note to the recipient is treasured! OCC brochures are available to
provide a boy/girl label to tape to the top of your box and an envelope for a
$9 shipping donation (write checks to Samaritan’s Purse) which can be placed
on top of the contents inside the box. The most important thing you can put
into your box is PRAYER. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the heart of the
child who will receive your box!
Impact Story: For Luis Gonzales, a shoebox recipient raised by a single mother
in the ghetto of Panama City, Panama, his gift had a special impact. When he
was 6 years old, his family did not have the money to buy school supplies so that
he could attend school. When he received a gift-filled shoebox and found it filled
with the school supplies he needed he came to know a God who cares about
him personally! Today, as a follower of Jesus Christ, Gonzalez is committed to
sharing his story to encourage others to pack shoebox gifts because he knows the
difference it can make in a child’s life both physically and spiritually.
Operation Christmas Child

Fall Oasis September 13 - November 15
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“How is Our Church Different from Other Denominations?”
Led by John Davis
Have you ever wondered why our church does things a certain way
while other churches are much different? What are the reasons and
does it really matter? Come on Wednesday nights this fall as we discuss
the distinctive beliefs and practices of the Christian Church.
“Value-packed Parenting” by Dr. Kevin Leman
Led by Tommy Simpson
How do you raise rock-solid kids in a pleasure-driven world?
Discussion topics will include talking and listening, self-confidence,
anger, discipline, technology, and more. Workbooks are $9.
“A Living Hope in Christ”
Women’s Study, Led by Jennifer Davis
Come discover what it means to experience the Living Hope we have in
Christ. Key themes of humility, submission, and identity in Christ will be
discussed in this study of 1 Peter. Workbooks are $13.
“Hands and Feet Ministry” Matthew 25:35-40
What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Each week,
participants will invest themselves in a choice of community outreach
ministries demonstrating their love for God by pouring themselves into
the lives of others. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Join us! It is not to late to participate!
One Church One Body
October 1, 2017
Combined Worship Service at 10 am
Picnic Meal, 5 pm

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.”
(Psalm 119:15, ESV)
Look. Keep looking. Then look some more. And when you’re
tempted to stop, push past it and just keep looking. That’s
focus.
There was once a very wise and respected professor who was approached
by a student curious about scientific observation. “Very well,”said the
professor, taking out a huge jar. “Take this fish and look at it. Eventually I’ll
test you. ”The student sat down and started looking at the fish. After about
ten minutes he thought he saw everything there was to be seen. He looked
for the professor but he was no where to be found. So the student kept
looking at the fish. Thirty minutes passed. An hour. Two hours.
The professor returned. “What have you observed?” The student rehearsed
it all. The fleshy lips, the lidless eyes, the shimmering scales, the lateral line,
the spinous fin, the forked tail. The professor seemed disappointed.“You
haven’t looked very carefully. You haven’t even seen some of the most
obvious features. Keep looking.”
The student wanted nothing more to do with the fish. He was miserable.
But he wanted to please the professor. So he kept looking.
Slowly he discovered one new feature after another. Soon time began to
fly by as the student observed that fish. He discovered all kinds of things
he’d never noticed before. He realized just how right the professor had
been. After an hour the professor returned to a new
list. “That’s good. But that’s not all. Go on. Keep
looking.”
And so for three long days he put that fish
before the student’s eyes, forbidding him to study
anything else, repeating the same chorus each time.
“Look… look… look.”
There are great rewards to those who will focus
over the course of long periods of time. This is especially true in studying
God’s word.
David was focused in Psalm 119:15. He vowed to fix his eyes on the word.
To look and to keep looking. And oh, the riches he found there! Read Psalm
119 for yourself and witness all the goodness and satisfaction
that David found in God’s word.
In the same way we should commit to fixing our eyes on
10
Focus on the Word

God’s word consistently, day after day. Look at it. Pour over it. Meditate on
it. Ask questions of it. Be amazed at what you find. Rejoice in it. And do it
all again the next day.
In Psalm 119:96 David writes, “I see a limit to all perfection, but your
commandment is exceedingly broad.” In other words, you can look and look
and look at God’s word for the rest of your life and never mine all the gold
that is buried under the soil of its words. That gets me excited. It’s like a
project that is always satisfying but never completed. A taste of eternal life
here and now.
Simply reading the Bible… looking at the word of God over and over again
consistently… will change your life. It has changed mine. And it will lead
you to the greatest beauty and satisfaction in the whole world - God himself.
The Bible is unlike any other book ever written. In fact, it is unlike any
other thing in existence because it is the primary way that God has revealed
himself to us. That is a very big deal because God is the creator of the
universe. Your maker, the sustainer of all atoms and electrons, the ruler of
creation, and the judge of all mankind has condescended to reveal himself
to us in a book we can read. So, we should spend a great deal of effort and
time and energy into looking at this book.
Yes, it’s sometimes hard to understand. Yes, there
are times when it feels like we get very little out of
our time in the word. Yes, there are other things
that seem to pay quicker dividends. But over time,
as we look, and look, and look some more, we find
there is no greater beauty, satisfaction, or joy to
experience than that which comes from knowing
God through his word.
The Bible is not a vending machine where you go get your sugary snack
for the day. It’s not a spiritualized horoscope or magic 8-ball. And it’s not a
collection of hallmark card slogans meant to boost your self-esteem. The
Bible is where we meet God! So look at it. And keep looking. There’s always
more of God to be found there.
~ John Davis
Minister of Evangelism & Discipleship
john@tatescreek.org
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Focus on the Word continued

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In Joshua 10:12-14 we read about Joshua
asking the Lord to have the sun and moon
stand still. After reading this passage, I began
to think about how audacious Joshua was
to pray such a thing and fully expect God to
grant such a request. I mean he was asking
God to do the impossible! Can we expect the
same from God when we pray? I looked up
scriptures about prayers and how we can be
assured that God hears them and will answer
them. Here is what I found:
1. We should have Faith
Mark 11:24, Matthew 21:22
2. We should live a Righteous life
1 John 9:31, James 5:16
3. We should Stay in the Word
John 15:7
4. We should pray with Thankfulness
Philippians 4:6
5. We should be Forgiving of others
Mark 11:25
6. Pray According to God’s Will
1 John 5:14 – 15
7. Pray with Confidence
Hebrews 4:16
8. Ask in Jesus’name - John 14:13
9. Be Watchful - Colossians 4:2
Yes, we can expect God to listen to us and
grant our request, no matter how audacious, if
it is in accordance with His will.
Gail Morrison
Effective PrayerDaily 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
31
Colossians 3:1
Ephesians 2:6
Colossians 2:12
Colossians 2:13
Ephesians 5:14
2 Corinthians 4:14
Romans 8:11
1 Corinthians 6:14
Romans 6:5
1 Thessalonians 4:14
Daniel 12:13
John 11:25
1 Corinthians 15:23
2 Timothy 2:11
John 11:24
John 6:40
John 6:44
John 6:54
Luke 14:14
Daniel 12:2
John 5:21
John 5:25
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Philippians 3:11
1 Corinthians 15:35
1 Corinthians 15;52
Luke 20:36
John 5:29
John 6:39
Colossians 3:4
Romans 6:8
October 2017
Our Resurrection
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
October 1
Elders: Danny Branham, Ken Baker
Offertory: Russell Brown
Ashland Terrace: Ray Albensi
Home Comm: Terry Morrison, Brad Byington,
Jonathan Clifton
Sat Comm Prep: Boyd & Wanda Johnson
Clean-up 1st Srv: Robert & Brenda McCray
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Kristie Spencer
Prayer Room: Mona Vannatter, Kevin Hickey
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Joanne Shuman
Ushers: Doug I., Boyd J., David F.
October 8
Elders: Ken Baker, Larry Critchfield
Offertory: Brian Hogston, Allan Faber
Ashland Terrace: Brad Byington
Home Comm: Keith Wertz, David Straub,
Steve Mullins
Sat Comm Prep: Mike & Barbara Nevius
Clean-up 1st Srv: Brad Byington
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Zella S., Elizabeth B.
Prayer Room: Dale Kistler, Laura Mullins
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Mona Vannatter
Ushers: Dennis M., Boyd J., Cory W.
October 15
Elders: Larry Critchfield, John Langley
Offertory: Ed Hall, David Feltner
Ashland Terrace: Allan Faber
Home Comm: Lucas Moore, Greg Kasten,
Brian Hogston
Sat Comm Prep: Marvis & Pam White
Clean-up 1st Srv: Fred & Emma Goode
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Vickie Cole
Prayer Room: Mary Adkins, Becky Child
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Garnett Langley
Ushers: David M., David S., Stuart K.
October 22
Elders: John Langley, George Heaton
Offertory: Ray Albensi, Ken Banks
Ashland Terrace: David Feltner
Home Comm: David Feltner, Allan Faber,
Ed Hall
Sat Comm Prep: Tom & Waynetta Myers
Clean-up 1st Srv: Craig & Jenny Fowler
Clean-up 2nd Srv: David & Joanne Shuman
Prayer Room: Beth Kessler, Kevin Hickey
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Angela Powell
Ushers: Boyd J., Dennis M., John M.
October 29
Elders: George Heaton, Larry Hitchner
Offertory: Terry Morrison, Jonathan Clifton
Ashland Terrace: Ken Banks
Home Comm: Ray Albensi, Ken Banks
Terry Morrison
Sat Comm Prep: Jim Everman
Clean-up 1st Srv: Rick & LeeAnn Layne
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Kristie Spencer
Prayer Room: Nathan Young, Laura Mullins
WorshipPrayerTeam:
1st service: Gaye Dye
Ushers: Stan S., Dennis M.

Missions Moment
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This summer, I (Ellie Mullins) went to Doryumu, Shai-Hills, Ghana, West
Africa. I went with Adventures in Missions for a one-month journey with
twelve other girls. While in Ghana, we worked with the Cities of Refuge
Ministries (CORM). CORM works with the International Justice Misson
(IJM) to rescue children from Ghana’s fishing industry, a form of trafficking
on Lake Volta which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
The lake is home to thousands of fishing boats with child workers,
mostly young boys ages 3-10. Fishing is pretty
much a way of life in Ghana, so many people
don’t see that there is anything wrong with it.
The parents send their children to work on the
lake for four cedis, the equivalent of 1 USD a
day. The conditions on the lake are horrendous.
The children are submerged in the water
for a large portion of the day and their skin
develops a condition that inhabits the surface
of the whole body with sores and boils. There are parasites and other
diseases that can come into the bodies of the children. There are also eels
and dangerous trees in the water that cause eye injuries. The children
are given 1-2 non-nutritious meals a day, and they are often unclothed.
CORM believes that this is NOT how life should be for these children.
After the children are rescued, they are sent to the CORM compound
where they live, rehabilitate, learn about Jesus, and are simply children.
The children go to school on CORM’s campus at a private Christian school
called Faith Roots International Academy. The ages of children do not
correspond to their grades because the children were not in school when
they were working on the lake. The grades they are placed in depend on
test results when they arrive at CORM. One of the children I got closest
to is named Moses. He is 16 years old and in a 5th grade classroom. The
children also do not know how old they are. When they were trafficked,
they didn’t have a way to keep track of how much time had passed, and
many were so young that they didn’t know their birth date. The children
receive a new birthday when they arrive at CORM. The date becomes
the day that they were rescued, and the year of their birth is determined
by physical examination. The ages of the children often prove to be
inaccurate.

15
Missions Moment - continued
At CORM I was a third grade teacher’s assistant. I taught class a couple
of times, but mostly I graded papers and created relationships with the
children in my class. The school is for the children that live at CORM. It
is also open to the community which creates an unknown, as we do not
know what kind of home life the community kids come from. This was
the hardest aspect of the trip for me. I had a little girl in my class, Lily,
who would turn in her tests after 2 minutes and go back to put her head
down on the table. Lily was a house slave for a family that barely let her
rest. The kids were allowed to nap after they had completed their work,
so this was Lily’s strategy for getting the rest that she was deprived of. The
education system is very corrupt and it was hard to stand by and watch.
There are a very few children who have parents that actually have an
education and care about their children’s studies. There are some children
that excel, while others lag further and further behind. Many children
are not given adequate time at home to study because they are forced
to work. There is not enough help to catch these children up, so they get
frustrated at never knowing what is happening in school and usually they
drop out.
While in Ghana, I heard the voice more clearly than I ever have before. I
went on this trip to discover what international missions looks like for me,
and God gave me that answer. I know that this is the life that I am called
to and I know that it is at CORM in Ghana. I’ve never felt more called or
more useful to the Lord’s work in my life. The biggest need that I saw
while at CORM was the psychological rehabilitation of these kids, and that
is something I could help with after I graduate with my Psychology and
Sociology degrees. I feel as though the Lord took every desire of my heart
and put it in that one place. CORM is my new home, and I long to go back
there, living out the Lord’s plan for my life and serving those kids.
You can help support this ministry by going to
http://www.cityofrefugeoutreach.org/
~ Ellie Mullins

October Events
Middle School Community Groups
The girls group meets at the home of Alan & Kristin Clem
1077 Lakewood Dr., 6-7:30 pm.
The boys group meets every other week at the
home of Stan & Angela Stack. This month they
meet October 8 & 22, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, 852 Eagles
Lane. Transportation for the boys group is provided if needed. Please
meet at church at 6 pm for a ride or meet at the Stacks by 6:30 pm.
Students will return to Tates Creek by 7:45.
Want to make sure you stay up to date on everything going
on in the Student Ministry?
SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS
Text @tcccsm to 81010 for - General Student Ministry updates
Text @tccchsm to 81010 for - High School Specific updates
Text @tcccmsm to 81010 for - Middle School Specific updates
High School Community
The high school meets every Sunday evening from 6-8 pm. Bring your
friends for food, fun, and fellowship! Once a month we will have Sunday
Night Off-site, where we go to someone’s home.
Men’s Ministry
Clean-up, Fix-up Event
October 21, 2017
8 am - 12 pm
The Men’s Ministry and the Barnabas
Ministry will be having a service
project day. Let us know if you
need help completing a small home
improvement project inside or
outside. Contact John Davis or Kim
Beckwith with your needs.
Please let us know if you will be able
to serve and help us complete these
projects. John@tatescreek.org
kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org

October Events
new small group and ss class
Annual Congregational Meeting
October 8 ~ Following each morning service.
The church will be voting on Elder & Deacon candidates, church
officers, and the 2018 Ministry Investment Plan. Copies of the plan are
available in the literature rack at Entrance A.
Elders to be re-installed for a three year term:
Bill Clem, George Heaton, Kent Mason, Mike Mirre,
Dallous Reed, Tommy Simpson
New Deacons:
Richard Heineman, Dave Shuman, Kyle Childers
Deacons to be re-installed for a three year term:
Ken Banks, Stuart Kearns, Chris Lee, David Straub
Secretary: Larry Bugg
Treasurer: Larry Hitchner
Better With Age Club
Monthly on the third Thursday
October 19, 10:30 am
Fellowship Hall
Bring appetizers, side dishes, salad, or
dessert to share.
All Senior adults are welcome!
Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10:30 am,
Room 200CD
New
Small Group
and Sunday
School Class
New Small Group
Led by Greg Kasten
Sunday evenings
twice a month at
6pm. Contact
Greg Kasten at
BibleStudent@
Revelation-Now.
org
New Sunday
school class
Led by John Davis
Sunday mornings
at 9:30 am in room
106. Contact John
Davis.
john@tatescreek.
org

Devotional Thought Week 1
FOCUS ON THE LOST - LUKE 15
Focusing on the lost is our duty as saved believers.
As illustrated in the Parables of Luke 15, Jesus actively seeks out sinners
and tax collectors to come to him, to hear him, and to eat with him. Like a
shepherd who finds a lost sheep, an individual who finds lost money, or a
parent who‘s lost child finally returns home, we too, should celebrate when
a lost sinner repents and comes home to the Lord!
So let’s identify who the lost are in Kentucky. According to the Pew
Research Center:
1. 35 % of adults from age 18-29 are unaffiliated with any religion.
4. 9 % of adults age 65 or over are unaffiliated with any religion.
As parents, we must seek opportunities to teach our children and their
friends just as Moses instructed in Deuteronomy 6:6–7, “these words that I
command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to
your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you
walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
As a church member, we must seek opportunities to invite our neighbors
and co-workers to attend church with us. We must reach out to our new
church attenders and encourage them. We must get to know them and let
them know we are very glad they are here. Let’s invite them to attend our
Sunday School class because the more involved they become, the more
likely they will continue their growth spiritually.
As a church, we must seek opportunities to meet the lost in our
community. We must offer activities, events, and programs that will
encourage the lost to enter our church walls. Knowing they have little
faith or understanding about God’s love, we must consider their mindset
and what might be appealing to them in hopes we can cultivate their
relationship with God. Our church activities, worship services, worship
messages, classes, and activities should all be focused on how to attract,
reach, teach, baptize, and retain the lost so they too can grow spiritually.
The question to ask ourselves, are we offering what the lost need?
Thank God, you and I have been saved by His grace and Jesus’sacrifice.
We must share the great story with those who are unaffiliated with any
religion so they too can be saved!
~ Russell Brown
Elder
18

FOCUS ON EXAMPLE - MATTHEW 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how
can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be
thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it
under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the
house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Have you ever thought about what salt and light
have in common? Simply, they both can be change
agents when used in a proper manner.
Salt is a substance that changes and enhances the
flavor of what it comes in contact with. Just as light
is able to change and brighten whatever it comes in
contact with.
Jesus is using these examples to remind us that, as
Christians, we have the ability to change the people
around us. We have the responsibility to reach out to
those we work with, live near, or just have an opportunity to“touch”. To
be effective we have to be involved with our community and be shining
the light of Jesus’love with others.
Let us not forget that even within our own Church we need to shine
our light to encourage and grow others. No matter the age or spiritual
maturity of an individual, there will be events where they need a
comforting word, supporting prayer, or just a listening ear. Christians
should always be ready and willing to shine a loving light wherever
there is darkness.
Remember salt on a shelf can go bad and become useless, while light
under a basket is not benefiting anyone, but just simply wasting“fuel”.
Which change agent do you want to be? A productive, energized
worker that others want to be like or a useless agent that goes bad and
wastes energy.
~ Larry Bugg
Elder
19
Devotional Thought Week 2

FOCUS ON STUDY - PSALM 1
How do you navigate through life? Where do you go to find guidance
through this corrupt world we live in? Where do you find wisdom and
direction? Where do you go to find peace in the storm? We all have
difficulties and trials we have to face every day. Each day is filled with
decisions, some easy, others more difficult, some are critical. All can be
life changing as they will set a direction for the future. Where you go for
help with those decisions can make all the difference in the world to the
outcome of those decisions. For clear guidance and truth, you must go to
the Scriptures. God has given us His Word as our guide through life and
life’s decisions. It is there we can find His will and His plan for our lives. It is
there that we can distinguish between God’s values and the world’s values.
It is there that we grow and strengthen our faith and relationship with Him.
Failure to read and study His Word and to receive the Spiritual nourishment
we need to grow our faith is equal to failing to eat food that provides the
physical nourishment our bodies need to live. It is Spiritual starvation.
The psalmist puts it best, “Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked or
stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the
company of mockers, but whose delight is in
the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His
law day and night. That person is like a tree
planted by streams of water, which yields its
fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither –
whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
“Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.”
Psalm 119:98
“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
Get into His Word, study it’s truths, live a life filled with God’s wisdom and
find peace in knowing His will for your life.
~ Danny Branham
Elder
20
Devotional thought Week 3

21
Devotional thought Week 4
FOCUS ON SERVING - JOHN 13:1-20
I remember as a boy of ten that Sunday morning in March 1957, coming
forward to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior, to be baptized, and to
receive the forgiveness of my sins. I remember the joy I felt coming forward
and practically flying down the aisle of the Maxwell Street Christian Church.
My worries were over, no Hell for me, I was saved by Jesus and I was Heaven
bound.
Believing that I had it made, that I had done everything I needed to do to
be saved and that there was nothing else to do, I did nothing, sorry to say,
for too many years. In those many years, I grew physically but spiritually
I was still that ten year old boy; not realizing that when you are saved in
Christ Jesus you are saved for a purpose. That purpose is to serve God
and to serve others, both non-Christian and Christian alike. Jesus sets the
example of serving others in John 13:1-20 by washing the feet of the twelve
apostles. Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator, Almighty God, washed the
Apostles feet. He even washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, the one who was
to soon betray Him. The task of washing people’s feet was usually assigned
to a non-Jewish slave as visitors and guests came into a house after walking
on dusty roads.
Jesus, after washing the apostles’feet, said in verses 12-17, “Do you
understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you
are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet,
you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example,
that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a
servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one
who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
This teaching of Jesus in John 13, whom does it benefit, the apostles
only? No, not only them, but also all of us who are in Christ Jesus, called
by His name. Our Lord and Savior is calling us to serve Him by serving
one another. To help our neighbors no matter how small or lowly the task
might be.
Now, I encourage you, don’t be like me and waste years doing nothing.
Remember, in Christ we are a new creation, saved for a purpose, to serve
God and others. Oh and by the way, if you are like me, the time to focus on
serving Him, is NOW!
Heavenly Father, may we serve you with a pure heart and
cheerful spirit that you would recieve the glory.
~ Larry Critchfield
Elder

Sunday School
Average Attendance
August 2017
Youth
Infants 4
Walkers 6
3 - 5 Year Old 10
Elementary 35
Middle School 16
High School 16
Adult
Christians in Action 16
Crusaders 57
Faith 13
FOCUS 19
Generations of Faith 18
Good News 29
Grace & Truth 118
Grass Roots 14
Heaven Bound 12
In The Word 24
Open Bible 59
Seekers 8
Servants for Christ 25
Upper Room 9
Willing Workers 24
Young Adult Class 9
Ashland Terrace 6
Miscellaneous 8
Officers 3
Total 558
August Worship
Attendance & Giving
Total General Fund
5th 742 $33,001.
12th 830 $27,572.
19th 752 $27,483.
26th 770 $26,636.
Indebtedness
Mortgage Balance, August 31 $214,771.
Monthly Payment (September) $23,876.
Principal $11,294.
Interest $582.
Add’l Principal $12,000.
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
17%
General Fund Report
2017 Budgeted Need per week $30,952.
2017 Average per week $28,995.
August Total Income $120,880.
August Total Expenses $117,033.
Moved to Savings $3,743.
Net Above Expenses & Savings $104.
22
Funds Totals for August
Deacons’Fund $2,016.
“What If...” $25,699.
We Care $1,607.
Victory for Life $750.

23
New Members
Madisyn Ryan
Baptized September 5
Gary & Ruth Presley
Transfer September 6
Josh & Rebecca
Nichols
Transfer August 20

TatesCreekCurrent
TatesCreekChristianChurch Office:(859)266-1621
3150TatesCreekRoadWeb:www.tatescreek.org
Lexington,KY40502 Email:office@tatescreek.org
Volume5No.10
CR-ChoirRoom/FH-FellowshipHall/Fh-FriendshipHall/HR-HearthRoom/MMC-MultiMinistryCenter/UP-Uptown/WC-WorshipCenter
facebook.com/TatesCreekCC
tatescreekcc
Calendar ~ October 2017
1 One Church One Body
One Combined Service, 10 am
Picnic, 5 pm
2 Elders’Meeting, 6 pm, 200E
4 Middle School Nerf Wars, 6 pm
5 Mary Circle, 10:30 am, Fh
5 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm
7 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 106
8 Congregational Meeting
8 Open Bible Class Social,12pm, MMC
8 Monthly Ministry meetings
9 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 104
9 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh
10 Tabitha Circle, 7 pm
14 Church pictures, 10 am
19 BWAC, 10:30 am, FH
20 Grace & Truth Social, 6 pm, FH
20-21 MS Retreat, 5 pm, Camp Calvary
21 Men’s Ministry event, 8 am
21 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 106
27 Crusaders Class Social, 6 pm, FH
29 MS & HS 5th Sunday Fellowship,
9:30 am, MMC
29 Church Under the Bridge, 2 pm
Weekly Activities
Sunday:
Swahili Worship, 3 pm, FH
Rejoicing Ringers, 4 pm, CR
Adult Small Group, 4 pm, 200CD
Middle School Groups, 6 pm
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
Monday:
Orchestra rehearsal, 6 pm, WC
Tuesday:
We Care Store, 1:30 - 5:45 pm
Victory for Life, 6 pm, FH
Wednesday:
Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200CD
Oasis Classes, 6:30 pm, various rooms
Worship Choir rehearsal, 6:30 pm, WC
Elem. Truth Travelers, 6:30 pm, UP
Middle School Groups, 6:30 pm

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