PSBC Christmas Connections, December 2020
Pendleton Street Baptist Church begins celebrating the Advent Season on Sunday, November 29th.
Join the PSBC family as we celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a church family, we will be focusing on God’s eternal plan in Jesus Christ, and how we as His disciples are to follow Him in our hearts and by our actions.
Each Sunday during worship service at 10:30 a.m., we will have the lighting of the Advent candles: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and ending with the lighting of the Christ candle, Christ the Light of the World on December 20th.
Also on Sunday, December 20th, we will have a special service with our children and youth leading in song, with Mrs. Jill McAleer directing. You’re invited to come as we worship each Sunday of Advent at 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Greenville’s Piedmont Ballroom. Come early for coffee and fellowship. Masks are available if needed. Adult Christian Life Academy will continue to meet at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday in the Pickens Room. All adults are welcome to attend.
PSBC sends 38 Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Gifts
Every year, PSBC family members contribute to Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” by filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items and more, to be sent to needy children internationally. Each child that receives a shoebox also has an opportunity to learn about Jesus, and attend a 12-week Bible study with local pastors. PSBC has participated with Samaritan’s Purse for several years, by donating filled shoeboxes and contributing financially in support of this missionary effort.
PSBC member Dave Edwards and his wife fill shoeboxes every year. Since they have no grandchildren, this is their chance to “experience the joy of shopping for a kid at Christmas.” Dave goes to the same stores every year, where people know him and his wife, and are excited to see him come purchase gifts for the shoebox program. They like to fill boxes for the older boys, with a deflated soccer ball and a pump, a little “bling” like a watch or some other special gift, school supplies, etc. Dave and his wife enjoy shopping for the gifts as much as the child enjoys receiving it! Dave hopes the gifts will bless the boy and that God will use it to open his heart to salvation.
Remember to pray throughout the year for the shoeboxes to reach their destinations and that they will bless each child who receives them. Pray for the children, their parents, and their communities to come to know Jesus Christ as Lord! And remember to start collecting gifts to donate next year!
Ladies Bible Study: Matchless by Angie Smith
From September 14 through November 2, PSBC ladies hosted the Bible Study Matchless. Eighteen ladies attended either the morning or evening session every Monday, and two more ladies studied along remotely. Suzanne Price and Kelly Ramirez led the study sessions, with a video by Angie Smith to accompany each lesson. Everyone came with a desire to know more about our Lord Jesus, and each one left with a desire for more.
When the 8 weeks of Bible study had come to an end, the ladies of the morning and the evening sessions came together to meet each other and to discuss the Bible study, with a light dinner and snacks.
Another Bible study will be coming in the new year. Watch the newsletter for details and join the ladies for another time of learning, prayer, and friendship!
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Appreciation Dinner for PSBC Sunday Ministry Teams
Sunday morning worship service could not happen without our Sunday Ministry Teams. These people volunteer their time, experience, and hard work weekly with such wonderful attitudes, all to God’s glory! On Friday, November 6th, PSBC treated all these hard workers to a delicious dinner from Stax Original and dessert from Brick Street Cafe. Our teams had a great time eating, chatting and laughing together. Please let our teams know how much you appreciate their hard work this Sunday!
PSBC Homebound Ministry
PSBC has been able to deliver church literature and devotionals to our homebound members, in spite of the pandemic. However, we have not been allowed to visit with them in person. Phoebe Crouch came up with a wonderful idea to let our homebound members know how much they are loved during this season: Phoebe hand-made blankets embroidered with “John 3:16;” and with the help of other ministry members the blankets were delivered to our members who are in assisted living and nursing facilities. These beautiful blankets bring with them a message of love and hope. Many thanks to Phoebe for her hard work on this loving endeavor! Let’s remember to pray for our homebound members during this time.
Well, we’ve made it to December. In a year filled with the natural disasters, a global pandemic, a divisive presidential election, and many disruptions to our regular pattern of living, you may be glad to see 2020 come to a close. I distinctly remember as a child telling Mom that I wished Christmas would hurry up. She told me, “Don’t wish your life away. What is there for you to do today?” Here are a few things you can do today.
- Reach out to someone you’ve not connected with recently. A phone call, email, or text may be just what someone needs today
- Listen. I know your life is busy. Take time to really listen to someone. Ask leading questions, be attentive to their word choices, don’t problem-solve, just listen. Giving someone your full attention is a rare and precious gift.
- Speaking of gifts, give a gift. Develop the habit of generosity (and teach it to your children). Small gifts given with a smile show thoughtfulness and that you care. It’s good for your soul, too.
- Remember and praise. Years ago a pastor friend told me that the blessings of God are often seen clearest in the rear view mirror. The Psalmist tells us, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
I’ve been taking time to reflect over the year, and I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned.
While methods may change, our message remains the same. Earlier this year we moved our services and small groups online. While we had some challenges along the way, we have been able to consistently worship, study, and fellowship using technology in a way new to us. And far more than simply maintaining, we have been able to reach new people with our online presence and live streaming.
Programs are secondary to personal relationships. Planning and conducting events have been our primary means of staying connected – until this year. I’ve been so encouraged by seeing how you have kept in touch with each other, encouraged one another, provided for each other’s needs, prayed for, and extended grace to one another. God has worked through West End Counseling Center restoring and strengthening marriages and providing biblical truth to people struggling with discouragement. You have looked after your neighbors and cared for the home bound. You are demonstrating that challenges are opportunities to live into the commands of Jesus in new ways.
God faithfully provides through the obedience of His people. Even when unable to gather in person you have been faithful to contribute to the ministries of the church. Our tithes and offerings have remained consistent, and even with the need to purchase new resources for new ways of doing ministry, God has supplied every need.
God uses difficult times to help us re-think everything, and to generate renewed passion for His mission. During this year we have taken steps to refocus our ministry on the West End, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in 2021.
This Christmas I wish you a closer relationship with Jesus, peace that passes understanding, joy unspeakable and full of glory.
