FROM THE PASTOR

Were celebrating Christmas in a lot of ways this year, and you can see throughout this edition of The Signal how many opportunities you and your family have during the season for authentic worship. Christmas is also perfect for sharing your faiththeres no better time for inviting your friends to come to church with you. Just take a look at some of the celebrations going on through these next few weeks and pick a few that you know will connect with people in your circles. Wouldnt it be great if this Christmas season was the time when someone you care about found Jesus? Ill be preaching a special sermon series during December called, Simply Christmas. Well be talking about ways to simplify our lives in order to get back to the simple, authentic meaning of the season. Heres some news for all of our men: our regular December 14 mens breakfast will be the last Saturday get-together for our mens ministry. Instead, beginning in January, were re-launching our mens ministry in some exciting ways.There will be several ways our men will be able to connect with the Lord and with each other in some simple and easy ways: Well have a monthly Bible study on the last Friday morning of the month, dealing with the issues that all of us face on a daily basis. Watch for more information on this coming up soon. Were pouring more into mens accountability groups, to give men the opportunity to connect regularly with others for friendship, encouragement and prayer. If youre interested in learning more about accountability groups, get in touch with our Mens Ministry leader, Chuck McDaniel (charleswmcdaniel@gmail.com) Im beginning a texting ministry to our men, with some special encouragement on a regular basis. You men can get on board by texting LBCMEN to 313131 to sign up. I also had a great time recently ministering to men at one of our local prisons. Thanks to your faithful giving to the Global Impact Fund, we are able to impact people in Lexington and around the World for Jesus. I had the honor of baptizing this dear brother in Christ as he came to faith through the workings of our prison ministry. For more information on getting involved in our Fishers of Men prison ministry, contact Phil Stallings at newlife146@windstream.net. Have a blessed Christmas season!

308 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 803.359.4146 www.LexingtonBaptist.org 24-Hour Prayer Line: 803.808.7729

PASTORAL STAFF
Dr. Mike Turner Senior Pastor Steve Foxworth Associate Pastor (Administration) Dan Williams Associate Pastor (Worship) Alyce Gilliam Associate Pastor (Missions) Ian Geimer Associate Pastor (Next Generation Ministries) Jerry Freeman Associate Pastor (Senior Adults & Congregational Care) Maegan Bolding Childrens Ministries Director (Birth - Grade 5) Daniel Walker Middle School Ministry Director (Grades 6 - 8) Jon Foster Recreation Ministry & Facilities Director Jessica Wyndham Communications Director

Dr. Mike Turner Senior Pastor Pastor@LexingtonBaptist.org

To hear more from Pastor Mike, make sure to follow his blog at miketurnerblog.com.

Senior Adult News

Cornerstone Luncheon
Thursday, January 9 11:00 in the Fellowship Hall Please call 996.8843 or email Marceil@LexingtonBaptist.org to make reservations by Monday, Nov. 4.

Senior Single Ladies

Breakfast Bunch Thursday, Dec. 5 9 am at Lizards Thicket Christmas Party Sunday, December 15 12:00 noon 202 Saxe Gotha Lane RSVP 356.2891 (Bring finger food)

Mens Breakfast Club

Thursday, Dec. 19 9 am at Lizards Thicket

Honor Your Loved One This Christmas

Poinsettias are used each year to decorate our Worship Center at Christmas. You can purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Just fill out an order form (available at the Information Center and in the church office) and return the form with full payment to the church office. The cost is $7.00 each, and the deadline is November 25. A list of honorees will be published on Sunday, December 8.

Finance Office News

The last date for 2013 year-end charitable contributions is Tuesday, December 31st. You may make your gifts by: Giving during worship by Sunday, December 29th. Coming to the finance office between 8 am and 4:30 pm by December 31st. Giving online by logging into www.ourlbc.org by December 31st. Dropping in the mail, postmarked by December 31st. Mail to: Finance Office, Lexington Baptist Church, 308 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072

LBC Endowment
As we approach the end of a calendar year and you are thinking about charitable donations, would you consider a tax-deductable gift to the LBC Endowment? The funds we raise in the endowment will ensure on-going ministry in the areas of missions, children and youth, as well as improvements to our buildings and grounds, regardless of budget giving. Want more information? Call Patsy Simpson, Finance Director at 803.996.8805 to talk or set up an appointment.
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You will receive your tax statements containing all documentation required by the IRS early in January. Reminder: Tax rules require written documentation before filing your tax return. For any questions, please call 803.996.8817.

Light Up the Night 2013

On October 30, LBC held our annual Light Up the Night event right outside in our main church parking lot. This years event drew thousands of people- our largest attendance year ever! We had dozens of creatively decorated trunks for children to visit for trunk or treat, rides, games, food, live music and so much more. Our entire community was invited to attend, and this was a fantastic opportunity for reaching families in our town with the name of Jesus. Thank you for volunteering your trunks, for donating hundreds of bags of candy, for dedicating your time and also for attending and having fun. We appreciate our entire church family and your involvement each and every year. With your help, we can continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ in Lexington and around the World. Were already looking forward to next year!

Christmas Expectations
I love Christmas! I love the parties, Christmas movies, decorating the tree and celebrating our Saviors birth. Sometimes, I try a little too hard. This is certainly the time of year I focus on making lasting memories with my family, especially now that we have a one year-old in the house! I try to incorporate so many Christmas things into the month of December that by the 25th I feel drained, stressed and ready for a fresh start. We get caught up by all that we have to do and miss out on truly celebrating the reason we celebrate at all. Celebrating Christmas with too many expectations can lead to stress. The best laid plans dont always turn out the way we expect. If we approach the season with joy, laughter and patience, we can create wonderful memories for our families. Christmas is a joyful season. Its a time to remind ourselves and our children of the perfect gift God gave when he sent Jesus to be born in a manger, a long-awaited gift delivered in a most unexpected way!
And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31)

2013 has been such an amazing year for this Student Ministry. We have seen students come to know Jesus, students travel the world through missions and watched God move our students into deeper walks with Him. This Christmas season is filled with great opportunities for families to get connected and celebrate Jesus. The Student Ministry would like to invite all of our families to join us during this time. We kick-off everything with a Christmas Family Dinner on Wednesday, December 4th. Pick up your tickets for this free event in the foyers or at the main office. We are also excited for our second-ever Christmas at the Barn event on December 13th and 14th. This is open to the community and would be a great opportunity to invite your neighbors to this fun, purposeful event. If you ever need information or questions answered about the student ministry, feel free to email me. Merry Christmas and have a blessed new year.
Ian Geimer Associate Pastor Next Generation Ministries Ian@LexingtonBaptist.org

Student Ministry Families,

Family Traditions & Making Lasting Memories

Its Christmas time!! Being an adult during Christmas time is a little different than how things were when I was child: the toys I desire are a lot more expensive, and I understand what it means to give and enjoy doing it! However, there are two things that have remained the same for me as a child and as an adult this time of year. One is that I get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Second is that I get to spend time with my family. I always love spending time with family, especially this time of year because of the memorable things that happen. At my grandparents house, we have this Christmas tradition of playing Bingo to win a present that you can keep or trade around, like white elephant. Growing up, I thought it was the strangest thing to play Bingo on Christmas, and all of the kids would laugh at how excited the adults were to play Bingo. Im here to tell you that this is one of those things Ive grown to love and look forward to every year, even more than the food. There is always that gift that no one wants, like hand towels, and there is always that gift that everyone fights for, like country ham. Thats my family tradition, and I wouldnt trade it for anything. Enjoy the time you have with your family, create those memorable moments and crazy traditions.
Daniel Walker Middle School Ministry Director Daniel@LexingtonBaptist.org

Merry CHRISTmas! ~Amanda Rivenbark

Thursday, December 12 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall lexingtonbaptist.org/MOPS

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Student Ministry Dates

ManUp Bible Study Thursday, Dec. 5
7 pm at the home of Duane & Terri Davis Bonfire, food & Bible Study

Girls, Inc. Bible Study Thursday, Dec. 19

7 pm Middle School Girls at the home of Torrey & Crystal Hightower High School Girls at the home of Keith & Danise Stokeld

There will be no Encounter 431 on Wednesdays in December

Kick off the Christmas Season with Your LBC Family!

December 4*
Carved Roast Beef Chicken Cordon Bleu Oven Roasted Potatoes Green Beans
Childrens menu: Chicken Strips, Pizza Rolls *See details to the right

We are hosting our first ever LBC Family Christmas Dinner as a great way to kick off the Christmas season with the entire church family. This free dinner is meant to be family-friendly, and we encourage you to bring your whole family. The evening will feature dinner, live Christmas music, an Angel tree and even a family-friendly craft. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 4 for one of two seatings: at 5:00 AND at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Choose which one suits your schedule, and make sure to pick up the appropriate ticket in the foyers or at the main church office. Tickets are free but required, and everyone that eats needs a ticket (kids, too!). Check our website for more info at lexingtonbaptist.org.

No Regular Wednesday Night Meals Will Be Served in December

Serve
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
(Matthew 22:36-39) If you love God above all else, loving everyone seems more natural because when you love someone, you want to please them, and nothing else pleases God more than when you love Him and share His love with others. In December, we will once again adopt an Angel Tree family to bless during the Christmas season. Our children will receive Quarter Catchers the first Sunday in December and will be asked to spend the next three weeks collecting quarters that will be used to buy our Angel Tree family gifts. Our goal is to collect $700 in order to adopt the largest family on the tree. You may turn in quarter catchers during your childs Sunday School class or in the Childrens Ministry Building through December 23.

Project: Operation Christmas Child

On October 23, our 1st 5th grade students in Wired on Wednesday nights participated in a service project preparing Operation Christmas Child boxes. They stuffed 100 boxes with items that had been collected during Vacation Bible School. Our children thoughtfully placed items in the boxes that boys and girls their ages would enjoy, and prayers were offered for the 100 children that will receive the boxes. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, what a great time to help our children realize how blessed we are and to give thanks for what we have as we reach out to others in need. Thanks, Wired 1st 5th graders, for a job well done!

~ Janice Bennett

A Quarter Catcher like the one your child will receive this month

Maegan Bolding Childrens Ministries Director Maegan@LexingtonBaptist.org

2014-2015 Preschool Registration Lexington Baptist Preschool

Lexington Baptist Preschool will open the 2014-2015 school year registration for children currently enrolled in our program and their siblings on January 2 thru January 31. Registration opens on Monday, February 3, at 8:00am for our church member families. Registration will open to the public on Tuesday, February 4, at 8:00am. For information on class availability and fee schedules, please see handout available at the Welcome Center in the Childrens Building or call Lexington Baptist Preschool at 803.996.8811.

There is Peace in the World Tonight

How can anyone make a statement like that? Where in the world is there really any peace? Even in the most sublime and picturesque neighborhood you can find unrest, broken hearts, shattered dreams or even violence on just about any day of the week. But isnt peace what Jesus said that He came to bring us? John 14:27 says, Im leaving you peace. Im giving you my peace. I dont give you the kind of peace that the world gives. (Gods Word translation) So what kind of peace is not of this world? Philippians 4:7 tells us that it is a peace which surpasses all understanding and that it will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Now that does sound like the kind of peace I want in my life. But what about World peace? Jesus also said in Matthew 26:6-7, And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. World peace will come one day when Jesus sets up his Kingdom here on Earth. The prophet Isaiah has foretold about this in Isaiah 11:6: In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. But to know the peace that Jesus can give us all right now is to know that peace is not dependent upon the absence of conflict it is defined by the presence of God. Jesus living in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls from any background, race or nation. The heavenly host spoke truth in that Judean sky on the night of Jesus birth: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:13-14) Joyfully Yours,

A Band of Shepherds
Childrens Musical Sunday, December 15 7:00 pm in the Worship Center

The final meeting of Worship Arts & Music for 2013 will be for the A Band of Shepherds musical on December 15.
Dan Williams Associate Pastor, Worship Dan@LexingtonBaptist.org

Practices will resume on Sunday, January 12, 2014.

2,000 Years of Memories

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 4:00 pm in the Worship Center
Come and re-live your best memories of Christmases past with the Senior Adult Choir of Lexington Baptist Church. Featuring the best of songs from eight popular Senior Adult musicals from the past ten years. Stay and enjoy fellowship and refreshments afterwards!

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A God-filled Christmas
Each Christmas Season is filled with bustling days that seem to slough out the time needed to concentrate on celebrating the birth of Jesus. But projects such as Adopt-a-Family bring into focus a means of providing a God-filled Christmas to many. The program gives individuals and Sunday School classes the opportunity to show Gods love by sharing material and spiritual blessings with families who need extra help. Lexington Baptist will again sponsor this simple and exciting way of reaching out and touching hearts. Thats discipleship on Christmas Day. ~ Eloise Hiers

Adopt-a-Family
Expecting Nothing in Return
In our experience, Adopt-A-Family has been an amazing way to reach beyond the walls of our church and impact members of our community. While it may seem like a superficial task to give dolls, trucks and puzzles to local children, it penetrates so much deeper. It not only impacts their holidays, but also their hearts. Not once while visiting have the recipients been quick to accept the gifts and let us leave. Theyve almost always needed an ear to bend. Its about more than the gifts; its about the strength of a connection. Even a simple one. A silly conversation between our kids and theirs. A prayer shared between strangers. A moment taken just to listen. Those small yet powerful connections add up to an experience that leaves both parties, no matter their circumstances, taking a moment to thank The Lord for His many blessings. And while they may be the ones receiving the physical gifts of toys and clothes, we as a class, dont walk away empty-handed. Our hearts are full of Gods joy that comes from loving those from whom we expect nothing in return. ~ Matt and Holly Warren Young Families class teachers

LBC Christmas Eve Services

Join us for one of three identical services in the Worship Center: Monday, December 23 @ 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 24 @ 5:00 PM Tuesday, December 24 @ 7:00 PM
*Wee Care available for children birth through age 5
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Scholarships Available
The Mary Margaret Taylor Ministry Scholarship Fund provides limited financial assistance to Lexington Baptist Church students who are attending college or seminary and pursuing a career in a church-related vocation. Applications for the 2014 winter/spring semester are available by contacting Robin Inman at 803.996.8803 or at rinman@lexingtonbaptist.org. Completed applications must be returned to the church office no later than Monday, Dec. 9, 2013.

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The Story of Christmas

~ Barbara Ann Schanck

A New Chance for Real Hope

Did you miss the opportunity to attend Septembers Real Women. Real Stuff. Real Hope. conference? Or did you attend and would like the opportunity to hear more breakout sessions? GREAT NEWS! Join us for the Real Women Wednesday Night Series beginning January 8th from 6:30-7:30 pm. Each week will highlight a different breakout session. TOPICS TO INCLUDE: - Designed by God, Not Defined by Special Needs by Susan Woods - Food and Fitness for All Ages by Jan Miller and Cindy Prather - Finding Joy in Trying Times by Debbie Jones and Jocelyn Snider - Finding Your Place: What if you were made for more than to fit in? by Karen Koon - God Help -- Im a Single Mom and I Feel all Alone by Kim Gibson, Marsha Lindholm, Amy Williams - How to Be a Godly Grandmother by Ruby Huthmaker - Lingering in Gods Presence by Kimberly Freeman - Parent/Child-Centered Play: Creating a Strong Bond by Connecting to a Childs World by Beth Freeman - Strongholds by Ruby Huthmaker Be on the lookout for a schedule of dates by topic and session descriptions. Then pick and choose which weeks you would like to attend. No registration is required, Wee Care will be available for children birth through age 5. Check out our website at lexingtonbaptist.org for more information. ~ Jenny Coker

O, come little children and snuggle up near. Tis the story of Christmas you wanted to hear? All comfy and cozy and nestled right in; but wait just a moment before I begin. A log on the fire I must carefully place, to see flames reflecting on each precious face. Mama, bring my slippers to warm my cold feet, and a plate full of cookies might add to our treat. The house is so quiet, and all is sostill, but wait... is that singing outside on the hill? Angelic sweet voices drift up to the sky; I hear glad hosannas can you tell me why? Hush now dear children, and maybe well hear. I think they are singing theres nothing to fear! Theyre singing of shepherds that followed a star, the words tell of wisemen who traveled afar. Theyre singing of Christmas of long, long ago, the very first Christmas, I want you to know. The night filled with music as angels did sing, Behold all you people, Your Saviour, your King! Come near to the stable, behold the bright star, your blessed Redeemer has come from afar. A babe wrapped in swaddling asleep on the hay, come give Him your heart, receive Him today. The baby Lord Jesus, a gift from above, to show us Gods mercy, to show us His love. So now little children the story you know, the story of Christmas so long, long ago. The fire is dying, the embers burn low. To bed little children I think we should go! The nights quickly fading, and soon will be dawn, and then little children twill be Christmas morn!

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEARS CLOSINGS:

The LBC Offices will be closed on:
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December 24, 25, 26 and January 1

DECEMBER 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Sunday
8 am Adult Bible Study 9 am Blended Worship Vertical (Contemporary Worship) Adult & Student Sunday School Childrens Sunday School (All Ages) 10:15 am Blended Worship Adult, Student, & Childrens Sunday School (All Ages) 11:30 am Vertical (Contemporary Worship) Childrens Sunday School (All Ages) 4 pm Praying for Prodigals Group 4:45 pm Missions Prayer Team 6 pm WAM Childrens Choirs

7 pm O Holy Night!Concert

5:00 pm & 6:30 pm LBC Family Christmas Dinner

9 am ARISE Ministry Work Day

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7 pm There is Peace in the World TonightConcert

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No Fellowship Meal
7 pm MOPS Meeting

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6 pm Senior Adult Christmas Banquet 6:30 pm Christmas at the Barn (Harmons)
7:30 am Mens Ministry Breakfast

6:30 pm Christmas at the Barn (Harmons) 7 pm MOPS MNO

Monday
6 pm

One Accord Practice

Tuesday
8:30 am 9:30 am 6:30 pm 7 pm

Precept: Covenant Precept: Gideon Ladies Bible Study Mens Bible Study

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7 pm A Band of ShepherdsChildrens Musical

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No Fellowship Meal

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Wednesday

3 pm Senior Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm Adult Choir Rehearsal Orchestra Rehearsal

Thursday
2 pm

Prayer Shawl Knitting/Crochet

4 pm 2,000 Years of MemoriesSenior Adult Choir Concert

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Christmas Eve Service 7 pm

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Christmas Eve Service 5 pm Christmas Eve Service 7 pm

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Christmas Day

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LBC Offices Closed

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ONE SERVICE ONLY 10:15 The Lords Supper (No Sunday School)

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308 East Main Street ~ Lexington, SC 29072-3699 803.359.4146 ~ www.LexingtonBaptist.org

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