Shandon Baptist Church
Weekly eNews
October 25, 2016



 
ERIC & MEGAN SOONG'S STORY
Eric and Megan Soong learned a lot about giving when they were college students at Shandon Baptist Church. Now, as they raise their two young children, they're seeking ways to teach their children generosity toward God and obedience to His Word.



Dear Church Family, 

Our worship services this past Sunday to culminate our EVEN GREATER initiative were so good! God is doing something wonderful among us as He moves us to a whole new level of ministry, and it's exciting to see our church embrace that mission.
 
As we reported a Sunday, our church leadership got us off to a strong start with advance commitments of more than 25% of our $25 million goal. Not only that, but over 40% of the people responding in advance increased their giving by 50% or more over the next two years! That's an encouraging start, but it will take all of us prayerfully responding in obedience to what God places on our hearts to fully fund EVEN GREATER.
 
As we move from the discernment phase to the decision phase, many people made their giving commitments on Sunday or earlier, and from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you. I've heard stories of how some of you are making specific sacrifices to increase your giving over the next two years. Many more of you will make commitments over the next two to three weeks. I'm so grateful for your faith in Christ as demonstrated by your choice to trust Him in this area of your finances.
 
If you have not yet made your EVEN GREATER  commitment, you can submit it online.  If you prefer, you can turn in a commitment card during the offering in one of our worship services this coming weekend.
 
Every response counts, and every person in our church makes a difference! Take a moment to imagine what God could do through a church where every heart is surrendered to His will and poised for obedience.
 
Thank you for your enthusiastic participation in this effort to position our church for EVEN GREATER impact in our community and around the world. You make me proud!  I truly love being your pastor.

 
 

Missed Commitment Sunday?
Make your EVEN GREATER commitment online.






Or turn in a commitment card (available in the pew pockets) during the offering in one of our worship services this coming weekend.


GHOST TOWN: NEW SERMON SERIES STARTS THIS SUNDAY


We've all felt times of separation and loneliness...from our friends, our family, and even God. What happens when we chase a God-given dream that feels less meaningful over time? How do we find the good in the desert and the valleys? Is it possible to discern God's voice amidst the confusion and anxiety?

Eventually we all go through times of feeling empty, purposeless, and isolated. Pastor Lincoln's new series  Ghost Town: The search for significance in an empty heart will discuss learning from trials, fighting the idols that promise false happiness, dealing with pain, and hearing from God. Join us for this new sermon series on October 30, and invite someone to join you!

THIS SUNDAY: 
 "The Ghost of the Valley: How Trials Teach"
James 1:2-4, 10, 12

 
photo credit: ReNee Bixler

How about a combination Costume-Packing Party?  The SA09 Young Married Adult Sunday School class organized a fun event for their class and their kids where they could wear a costume and pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! The class packed a total of 50 boxes--25 for boys and 25 for girls. What a great idea, and thanks for sharing the photo!  

Planning to pack a shoebox?
This cute video explains it step-by-step!


Wondering what to put in your shoebox?
Great shoebox gift suggestions based on age and gender.

Boxes are due Sunday, October 30!

motionmailapp.com
YOU'RE INVITED
by Brandon Petersen, Executive Pastor

While eating lunch with  someone the other day, I had the privilege of sharing the story of how I became a follower of Jesus Christ. An important part of that story involves several friends who would not stop inviting me to church. They knew this cool truth...

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JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THE PASTOR SEARCH!

The Pastoral Transition team invites you to join them in a time of prayer for the team and for the search for our new pastor. Join them on Tuesday,  November 1  and/or Monday, December 5  in the chapel (room B225) from  6:15 to 7pm . We recognize this is a busy time of year and appreciate your gift of time to surround our team and future pastor in prayer!
SC BAPTIST ANNUAL MEETING

The 2016 South Carolina Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will be held November 15-16 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo, SC. If you would like to go as a messenger from our church, please contact Ann Donahue in the church office by November 10:  ann@shandon.org or calling (803) 782-1300. Learn more at scbaptist.org/annualmeeting .
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Schedule  | Learn more at shandon.org/events. 
4:30pm - Dinner in the gym
5:30pm - Wednesday Nights for Kids
5:55pm - Pastor's Bible Study (Chapel, Rm B225)
6:00pm - Fusion (middle school) & Refuge (high school)
6:35pm -  Choir & Orchestra Rehearsals
6:35pm - GriefShare
6:35pm - Women's & Co-Ed Bible Studies
Menu: Taco Night, salad, dessert | HeartSmart: Roasted pork topped with black bean and corn salsa over mixed greens with a chipotle-lime ranch dressing, dessert | Kids: Chick-fil-A
NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to Shandon...

Alen Holmes-Horger | Lesley Williams

To learn more about church membership, attend an upcoming Dinner with the Pastor  or contact Portia Bell: pbell@shandon.org 
or (803) 782-1300.
BIRTHS


Congratulations to...

Joshua and Kelsey McDill on the birth of their son,
Liam Carrick

Dwayne and Margie Smalls on the birth of their daughter,
Madison Elise

To notify Shandon of upcoming and recent births, please contact Jennifer Gandy in the Children's Ministry:
jgandy@shandon.org or (803) 782-1300.

SYMPATHIES
Prayers and sympathy extended to...

BettyAnn Barrett and family on the loss of her mother

Boyce Haigler and family on the loss of his wife,
Polly Haigler 

To notify Shandon of deaths and hospitalizations, please contact the Care & Support Ministry: lee@shandon.org or (803) 782-1300.
HAS YOUR CONTACT INFO CHANGED?

Help your church family stay connected with you! If you have moved, updated your email address or phone number, or had a life change like a marriage, please notify Kay Richards: kay@shandon.org or call (803) 782-1300.

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Shandon Baptist Church
5250 Forest Drive | Columbia, SC 29206 | (803) 782-1300  i nfo@shandon.org
shandon.org