Pastor Bill’s Babbling Brook
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Weekly Edition of Church News & Notes: 12.1.2023
Sports Day: This Sunday at 11
This fall many of our athletes had very successful campaigns. Whether it was in football, cross country, basketball, volleyball or baseball, our kids exercised their talents that God has given them. On Sunday, we will honor these athletes. We will also recognize our fall co-ed and men’s softball teams which once again won their respective leagues. Please help us make our guests feel welcome and pray that we will have a powerful service where the Lord is lifted up.
Children’s Christmas Play: Sunday, December 10 at 11 AM
The “Do Not Be Afraid Parade” program promises to encourage our hearts and bring smiles to our faces as our kids praise the Lord through their singing and they convey an important biblical truth about Christmas. The children have been practicing on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Megan Sabin is an awesome director, and we appreciate Kim Hursey, Martha Romanstine, and Regina Martin for assisting her. This play will be one of the highlights of our Christmas season.
Church Christmas Party: Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 PM
Each year, we gather to read the Christmas story, listen to a short devotion, sing several carols and enjoy a delicious chili, soup and sandwich supper together. Probably one of the best parts of the evening is the conversation that takes place before and after the party.
Christmas Candlelight Eve Service at 5 PM
Spending Christmas Eve at church has become a tradition for many of us. This year, we hope to have several of our people sing specials while also worshiping through congregational singing. The pastor will bring the message from the Christmas story. At the conclusion of the service, we will allow the Christ candle to light our candle, signifying how Jesus has changed our lives.
Christmas Shopping Trip: Saturday, December 2
Shopping loves company! At least that is what some people think. Finding bargains together and having someone give good advice about certain items makes the buying experience so much easier. Cat Elks has organized a shopping trip to the Concord Mills in Charlotte, NC. They will meet at the church at 9 AM and head out to the outlet stores and enjoy a great meal together at the Cheesecake Factory. This is a great way to get to know others in our church.
Wednesday Night Holiday Schedule
Our Bible Studies have so much momentum at the present time that the groups will continue to gather throughout December. On the 13th, we will all gather for the Church Christmas Party so there won’t be any Bible Studies meeting. But the groups will meet on the 20th while taking the 27th off. Please consider joining our groups. There is something for everyone.
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Fall Softball Season
Men’s and Co-Ed Teams Finished First
Way to Go!
We are proud of you.
Wednesday Nights are Growing
Wednesday nights are full of excitement at WCFN.
Our children’s bible groups are growing each week.
We couldn’t be happier!
But, we could use a few helpers that love children.
If you would like to be a part of influencing a child’s life, please talk to Regina.
It’s a wonderful experience and, of course, our kids are the best!
Coming Soon: Children’s Quiz Practices
Ms. Martha and Mrs. Anne do an amazing job of keeping
quiz practice fun! The kids get together on Sunday after
church and learn the lessons together. If your child is
interested in quizzing this year, please see Anne Shaw or
Martha Romanstine
Food Pantry Drive
Our monthly food pantry has grown to provide nourishment for
around 30-35 families. While we are grateful for everyone who is
bringing in goods, we realize there might be some who would like
to sponsor a family each month. The estimated cost
of the couple of bags of groceries is $30. We’d love to get 30 donors! Please let
Anne Shaw know if this might be your way of assisting this
important program and pick up a magnet in the foyer.
SC Nazarene District Stats For 2022-2023
Worship Sunday School & Bible Studies
1. Midland Valley (833) 1. Midland Valley (724)
2. Disciples Church (246) 2. Disciples Church (245)
3. Columbia First (180) 3. Cherrydale Hispanic (202)
4. Sumter First (157) 4. Columbia First (201)
5. Cherrydale Hispanic (140) 5. Greenville First (196)
6. Greenville First (130) 6. Sumter Wise Drive (152)
7. Sumter Wise Drive (130) 7. Rock Hill Emmanuel (130)
8. Manning New Start (122) 8. Sumter First (93)
9. West Columbia First (108) 9. Charleston Calvary (91)
10. Rock Hill Grace (102) 10. Greenwood Community (86)
Conversions Baptisms
1. Disciples Church (69) 1. Disciples Church (50)
2. Reconciliation Church (50) 2. Midland Valley (27)
3. Sumter Wise Drive (25) 3. Cherrydale Hispanic(18)
4. Cherrydale Hispanic (25) 4. Rock HIll Emmanuel (12)
5. Manning New Start (23) 5. LLuvia De Vida (11)
6. Sumter Calvary (20) 6. Reconciliation Ch. (11)
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Worship Opportunities this week:
Sunday Life Groups at 10 & Worship at 11
Sunday Afternoon Parking Lot Praise Service at 4 PM
Choir Practice at 5
Wednesday Youth & Teens at 6:30 PM
Wednesday Men's Bible Study at 6:30 PM
Wednesday Ladies Bible Study at the Church or on Zoom at 6:30 PM
Adult Bible Study at 6:30 PM
Encouraged By People’s Giving
People have been giving to the Lord and the church. We can’t tell you how much this means to us. There are five ways one can give. We have resumed Sunday morning worship services at 11 am at the church so you may bring your offerings with you. Many like to use the church’s secure website (wcfn316.com) to give their tithes and offerings. A few might like to text their gift to 803-219-4288. While others will mail it to the church at 350 Wattling Rd, West Columbia SC 29170. If you would like me to pick it up or if you would like to drop it off at the church, please just call me to set up a time. Again thank you for your faithfulness.
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Letter From Pastor Bill
Hello Friends,
Let me begin by giving you an update on my sister-in-law Sandy. As they prepared her for the lung transplant surgery on Wednesday, they discovered that the lung was not viable. Thank you for your prayers for her and for my travels. I was able to return home on Thanksgiving. On Sunday, we will finish our series called "The End is Near". This week we will look at the parable of the sheep and goats from Matthew 25. Hope you will join us as we worship our amazing God. As far as prayer requests, Beverly Knight remains in the Lexington hospital. She had to have a procedure this week. Thank you for lifting her up. Ray Brazier, Sr. is in the Parkridge hospital. He was bitten by a spider and the infection has spread. May God touch and heal. Furman Jeffords had knee surgery on Friday. Please continue to pray for Dot Livingston, Jackson Lowrimore, Doris Ballentine, Bobby and Marie Mahaffey, Paul and Hope Hall, Elma Hendricks and all of our shut-ins. Thank you again for being part of our church family.
God Bless,
Pastor Bill
