HERE’S WHAT’S NEW
Emory Baptist Church eNewsletter
Pastor's Pen
Bro. Richard Piles, Pastor
The greatest gift ever given is spoken of in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Of course, we know that gift is God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
If you have received that gift, I want to challenge you this Christmas season to give that gift to someone else. There is no doubt in my mind that God will send countless people across my path and your path this Christmas season who need the gift of Jesus.
You don’t have to memorize a certain presentation or be able to answer everyone’s questions. You simply have to be willing to share what Christ did in your life.
As for your December calendar, our 2026 proposed church budget will be available on December 7. Also on December 7, our Celebration Choir will be sharing their Christmas Music & Drama Presentation in our Morning Worship Service at 10:30 AM. On December 21 at 6:30 PM, we will have our December Members’ Meetings that will include our budget discussion and a vote.
Don’t forget to take advantage of our Lottie Moon Post Office hosted by T. E. L. throughout the month. Please remember, we will NOT be selling Christmas Poinsettias this year. We would encourage you to make a contribution directly to our Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Finally, don’t miss our Christmas Eve Worship Service on December 24 at 5:30 PM. Merry Christmas, and thanks be to God for His indescribable gift in Jesus!
Choir Corner with Chris
Bro. Chris Henderson, Minister of Music and Senior Adults
Merry Christmas, church family! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends and are now excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
In the month of December, we celebrate a season called Advent, or the arrival of Christ. On each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, we will be focusing on one of four themes: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. On these four Sundays, we will be lighting a candle and reading scripture corresponding to each of those themes to prepare our hearts for the Christ candle, which we will light during our Christmas Eve Service on Wednesday, December 24th.
On December 7th, the Second Sunday of Advent, the Celebration Choir, along with KidzPraize, the EBC Praise Team, and the EBC drama ministry led by Phyllis Mikulak, will be presenting Vignettes of Christmas, a Christmas scenic musical that will go through four different scenes with music and narration.
Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and support you have shown Grace and me as we prepare to welcome our son next month. He is growing quickly, and we are praying that everything continues to progress well. We have been blessed beyond belief and are so excited to meet our baby boy.
Student Ministry Spot
Ronnie Witt, Minister of Youth & Education
My friend Pierce from Ganado, TX came by the church one Wednesday a few weeks ago. I gave him a tour of the building and even the future plans for the FLC addition. But, I made sure to point out the prayer room to him on the way to the youth room. He asked, “Is that where all the cards come from? That’s a great ministry.” We have been praying for Pierce for about a year and a half, now. It has been cool how God has used his story to spread the good news of the Gospel and the goodness of God in uncomfortable times. And it has been cool that God has used EBC in praying for him and encouraging him during this time.
The story of Christmas is in many ways a story of intercession and encouragement. We often think of Matthew’s and Luke’s account of the Christmas story with shepherds, wise men, and a baby in a manger. But, I often think of John’s account in John 1:9 & 14:
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus entered into the world He created and “put on” humanity to dwell with us. Even though He is God over the story, He also came into the story to comfort & encourage us and to redeem and rescue us, to bring us back to Himself.
We will begin signing up for the ‘26 Winter Retreat soon. And we were also able to reserve 50 spots for Camp Zephyr July 13-17. So mark you calendars for the coming year.
As the year winds down, I hope you make time to reflect on God’s comfort in the Christmas story and Christmas season. And I pray we are encouraged for 2026.
Cecily Kirby, Director of Preschool Ministries
Sonbeam Day School
Memory Verse:
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Bible Story:
Birth of Jesus
Nursery Rhyme:
I’m a Little Tea Pot
Family Bible Question:
Who was the strongest man who ever lived?
Hint: Judges 14:6
Important Dates:
December 6th: Christmas Around the Park and Parade (4-year-old classes only)
December 16th: Pajama Day
December 17th: Christmas Program and Live Nativity
December 18th: Christmas Party/Christmas Deck out Day
December 22-January 5th: Christmas Break
Please continue to pray for our ministry, staff, students, and their families.
Nursery Rhymes
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Legend of the Candy Cane
-unknown
Look at the candy cane.
What do you see?
Stripes that are red,
Like the blood shed for me.
White is for my Savior,
Who is sinless and pure.
“J” is for Jesus My Lord,
That’s for sure!
Turn it around,
And staff you will see.
Jesus my Shepherd
Was born for me!
May you all have a blessed Christmas
spent with the ones that you hold dear!
Merry Christmas!