The gift hung on the tree, not under the tree

Greetings from the Springs. I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Thank God for a great 2012.
The Deacon Ordination Service on Sunday, Dec.23 was simply beautiful. Pastor Terrell laid hands on each deacon and their wives and blessed them as he prayed the Holy Spirit to saturate them. It was quite a powerful and poignant experience to witness this event.

The new deacons, John Clements Jr., Leonard Goss Sr., James Green and Patrick Meadows went through a rigorous training with Pastor Terrell to ensure that they would be well prepared for their new position. The Lord will use them well.

Last Wednesday Bible Study we focused on the books of Leviticus and Numbers. The pace is a little quick but we are receiving a great deal of information with a heavy focus on how each book points to Christ. Pastor Terrell as usual is presenting this series, ‘the Books of the Bible” in such an exciting and thought provoking manner that I wish everyone could attend. There is always an open invitation for all of our neighbors to join us for worship services and Bible studies.

USBC service times:
Sunday School starts at 9 a.m.; Sunday Morning Worship starts at 10 a.m.; and Wednesday Night Bible Study starts at 7:30 p.m.

Here is a question for you. Do you know exactly why the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 days? Read Numbers 14:34 for the answer.

Shaunice Baker, daughter of Tony and Jamie Baker of Covington was the Drama Contest winner awarded by the Newton County School System. This talented young lady attends Cousins Middle School and her certificate was presented on December 5. When you see Shaunice tell her to keep up the great work.

Saturday, Jan.19 USBC will host a Women’s Prayer Breakfast. This promises not to be the typical prayer breakfast so come and expect a true worship experience. To attend please sign up at the church.
The Chanters of God’s words were presented a very nice gift for all of their hard work throughout the year. Each student received a sports bag filled with treats and other useful items. This youth group had a successful 2012 and expects an even greater 2013.

Instructors for the youth include Alicia Waller, Antonia Meadows and yours truly T. Adrienne Terrell. The director of this ministry is Sister Jamie Baker who started the group with the blessing of Pastor Terrell shortly after he came to The Springs. This ministry is constantly growing and if you would like for your child to participate, please contact one of the instructors.

Sunday’s message focused on 2 Corinthians 9:15. Pastor Terrell states that during this time Paul was telling the church at Corinth that they had made him happy. This small church had done so much especially in comparison to the church at Macedonia, which had more means. He was sending some men to come before him to be sure that they had their gifts in order. Paul had been bragging on the church in Corinth and knew that some from Macedonia would come also to see what was going on there.
Our pastor shared with us that this passage keeps us all in a mind of giving. Many of us have given from the depths of our hearts but none of it compares to God’s unspeakable gift. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

This gift was that of Jesus wrapped in flesh as an example of how we should live. He is our deliverer. He is our comforter. And how awesome is this next statement in which Pastor T blessed our souls. When Mary kissed her baby she was kissing the face of God! If that doesn’t make you want to shout for joy. I don’t know what will? Thank you Lord!

Pastor Terrell left us with this. God has already given you the gift that you need in the form of Jesus, His Son. While Jesus was on the cross you were on His mind. So during this season when you are looking and hoping to receive the perfect thing remember that gift hung on the tree and was not under the tree. Glory Be To God!

Printed in the January 3, 2013 edition