HERE’S WHAT’S NEW
Emory Baptist Church eNewsletter
Pastor's Pen
Bro. Richard Piles, Pastor
Happy New Year to you and your family!
In 2021, our verse for the year was Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” In 2022, it was Matthew 21:13. Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” In 2023, it was Luke 6:46, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?’” In 2024, it was Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” In 2025, it was James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hears only, deceiving yourselves.”
In 2026, our verse for the year will be Luke 18:27…“But He said, ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’”
As has been my custom every January, let me encourage you to consider some new commitments for the new year:
First, consider reading through the Bible in a year. Our member directory and handbook will have a plan that I recommend.
Second, consider committing to pray for 1 hour per week in our Prayer Room located in Memorial Hall.
Third, consider giving to our World Mission Fund. That commitment is $1,300 for the year or just $25 per week to send the gospel around the world through our missionaries.
Again, Happy New Year, and I pray that 2026 is a memorable one at EBC!
Choir Corner with Chris
Bro. Chris Henderson, Minister of Music and Senior Adults
New Year’s will look a little different at the Henderson Household this year. As I am writing this article, Grace has not yet given birth, but she will before the end of 2025. We are so excited to welcome Tucker Ryan into the world, and we know that he is already so loved by so many at Emory Baptist Church. Thank you for all the prayers, support, advice, and well wishes over the past 9 months. It has been a year full of firsts, and we are elated to be starting off the new year with our first child.
Because 2026 will be a year of unknowns for my family, I wanted to share a couple of my favorite scriptures on trusting in the Lord rather than worrying.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:34
Please continue to be prayer for my little family as we learn how to be parents this next year. We look forward to introducing you to Tucker as soon as we can.
Student Ministry Spot
Ronnie Witt, Minister of Youth & Education
2026 will be an incredible year of change for the Witt family. Caleb and Jenna are quickly planning toward their wedding coming up in May. So, you know what that means. I won’t be able to count him as a dependent on my taxes next year. Just kidding, it means that I’ll be gaining the daughter everyone always said I’ve been missing all these years. And Caleb could not have picked a sweeter young woman to be his wife. Every time Caleb’s Life360 app tells us that “Caleb has arrived at home,” I tell Lacy, “Jenna’s here!”
Youth Winter Retreat is Saturday through Monday, January 17-19. Students have off of school on Monday, January 19, so they can participate. Jason Sturgeon will be leading the Bible study times again this year and Eric Mendez will be leading worship. The theme is “Great Gain” which comes from 1 Timothy 6:6. The cost for Winter Retreat is $85, but $20 deposit gets you signed up. There is a price break for families of multiple students. Find more info at retreat.emorybaptist.org or go straight to the sign up page at:
retreat.emorybaptist.org/SignUp
On Sunday nights beginning in January, Emory Baptist Students are going to do a book study called “Bite-Size Theology.” We will read a (very short) chapter from a book and then discuss the topic.
While you’re planning your vacation days for family vacations, keep in mind that Emory Baptist youth will go to camp July 13-17. Preteen camp will be the same week. Parents, we would love for your students to be able to go to camp with us that week. Some of you might also consider taking some vacation time to go with us sponsors for youth camp or preteen camp. Vacation Bible School will be June 8-12, too.
Cecily Kirby, Director of Preschool Ministries
Sonbeam Day School
Memory Verse:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Bible Story:
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego
Nursery Rhyme:
This Little Piggy
Family Bible Question:
Who was the strongest man who ever lived?
Hint: Judges 14:6
Important Dates:
December 22-January 5th: Christmas Break
January 6th: Staff Workday
February 12th: Valentine’s Day Party
Please continue to pray for our ministry, staff, students, and their families.
Nursery Rhymes
This month our preschoolers will be learning all about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! We’ll explore how they trusted God, stood strong in their faith, and how God was with them even in the fire. Our preschoolers will learn that God is always with us and cares for us every day!
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can be found in Daniel chapters 1-3.
Key Points:
1. We should stand FOR God.
2. God will help us THROUGH difficult
situations.
3. God is with us IN difficult situations.