Tates Creek Christian Church monthly Current newsletter for December 2014

1. Tates Creek Current
December 2014

2. Contact
Tates Creek Christian
3150 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 266-1621
office@tatescreek.org
Visit Online
www.tatescreek.org
facebook.com/tatescreekcc
Worship
Sunday
Traditional - 8:30 am
Blended - 9:50 am
The Vine - 11:10 am
Sunday School -
8:30, 9:50, 11:10 am
Evening - 6:30 pm
Wednesday
Oasis Meal - 5:45 pm
Oasis Classes - 6:45 pm
Staff
Tommy Simpson
Kim Beckwith
Don Seevers
Mike Allen
Brad Haggard
Matt Lee
Lesley Tipton
David Eversole
Billy Bishop
Office Staff
Kim Jones
Jenni Gregg
Rhoda Rolfes
Vicki Wesley
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Contents
Feature Article
10 “The Greatest Story”
In Every Issue
3-7 Minister Articles
9 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule
13-17 Minister Articles
18 October Statistics
19 New Members
20 Calendar
Ministry News
11 Angel Tree
Information for 2015
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Events
8-9
Mission
Tates Creek Christian Church exists to win
people to Christ (evangelism), build up believers
in faith, knowledge, and service (encouragement),
to help those in need (benevolence), and to stand up
for Christian values in the community (witness).

3. Tidbits from Tommy
John 3:16 is very familiar to most of us, if not all of us. “For
God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
(NASB) This verse strongly proclaims God’s unconditional love
for all people, and in doing so, declares the worth that God places
upon each person. God highly values every person He has created. Another
verse which captures God’s heart for every person is Romans 5:8 “But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.” (NASB) This verse reminds me of the story of a little boy who
went to the pet store. While he was there, he asked the owner if he had any
puppies for sale. The owner brought out several puppies. While these puppies
were running through the aisle, one little puppy lagged far behind. He was
making his way, but keeping up with the other puppies was impossible. The
puppy that lagged far behind caught the attention of the little boy. He asked
the store owner how much that particular puppy cost. The owner of the store
shared with the boy that because the puppy had a physical handicap and
could not run and play like the rest of the puppies he could just have him, free
of charge. The boy was a bit indignant. He said the little puppy was just as
important and valuable as the rest. Again, the owner shared with the little boy
that he could have him for free. At this point, the little boy lifted up his pant
leg to reveal a brace on his leg. Then, the boy said that he understood where
the handicapped puppy was coming from and was going to pay full price for
the puppy. The owner of the store completely understood now how the little
boy was thinking and accepted full payment for the handicapped puppy. As
sinners before God, we are all handicapped by our sin. God’s love highly
values us and takes care of our sin handicap through His Son, Jesus Christ.
This is the simple message of Christmas!
John 3:16 also carries with it a very special memory for me. It was the very
first Bible verse I memorized. I learned it by heart for a part in the Children’s
Program in the little country church where I grew up. I memorized the verse
because my Dad & Mom would have it no other way. I would not be reading
the verse, but saying it from memory! In addition to quoting this verse, there
are many other ways to communicate God’s unconditional love to people ~
learning their name; a smile; a handshake; a touch on the shoulder; a hug;
a visit; a note; a meal shared together; an invitation to church. When we
celebrate Christmas, we celebrate God’s unconditional love! We celebrate His
immeasurable grace! We celebrate His Son, Jesus Christ! May
our celebration communicate God’s unfailing love for people!
Merry Christmas! ~Tommy
tommy@tatescreek.org
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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

4. Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Senior Adults
We are now started into our “What If…” campaign and
as I was recently considering my own participation I was
reminded of something I read some time ago. I reprint it
here as I think it is appropriate and timely.
Tony Campolo, Christian speaker and author, tells of being a guest at
a Christian Women’s Club. At the meeting, the president read an appeal
letter from a missionary who needed $4,000 for an immediate need. After
reading the heart-rending letter, the president said, “I’m going to ask our
guest speaker, Mr. Campolo, to lead us in prayer that God will meet the
need of this dear missionary. Brother Campolo, would you pray?”
He said, “No.” The president was stunned. (Campolo is
the Don Rickles of the ministry – bold, abrasive.) “No, I
won’t pray for God to meet the needs of this missionary.
But I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll give every dime of cash I
have in my pockets and place it on the table. I’m asking
each of you to do the same. If we don’t have $4,000, I’ll
pray for God to meet their needs.”
“You have a point, Mr. Campolo. We should give
sacrificially. We get the point, don’t we girls?” Again Mr.
Campolo said, “No, I’m not just trying to make a point. I challenge you to
give what you have now. No credit cards, no checks.” He then emptied his
wallet.
Reluctantly, 300 women emptied their purses. The amount laid on the
table was well over $4,000. Campolo said, “You see, we didn’t need to
pray that God would provide the resources. It was already there. We just
had to pray to let go.”
As we soon conclude our 40 days of prayer for our campaign we
should consider the message that Women’s club received that day. If
we do, and if we pray to let go, our “What If…” will no doubt become
“What is!”
In Him, ~Bro. Kim
kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org

5. Don’s Dynamics
3650 +, 1040 +, 50 +
What do these numbers mean?
The number 3,650+ represents the number
of days I have lived in Lexington; the number
1,040+ is the number of worship services I have planned
(Traditional & Blended) for Tates Creek Christian Church;
and 50+ stands for the number of special concerts/services I
have planned and led over the last 10 years. My ministry with
you is the longest amount of time I have served in one place over the last 41
years when I started my first youth ministry. I was privileged to serve a college
and church in Cincinnati for almost 9 years and another church in Florida for
8 1/2 years. In other words, a significant amount of my earthly life has been
spent with you as a worship minister. In some ways, it has passed by quickly. I
am grateful for my time with you and pray that God gives us many more days
together. Ten years is a long time, yet a drop in the bucket when it comes to
eternity with fellow believers and our Heavenly Father. May He bring us all
together forever where we cannot begin to count the days!
I have always loved our celebrations of the Birth of Christ here at Tates Creek
Christian Church. This year is no exception as we have a good variety of
concert and worship opportunities. Please mark down the following dates and
keep us all in your prayers as we prepare:
December 6, 3:00 PM
OLLI @ UK Chorus Holiday Concert
December 7, 6:30 PM
Children’s Choirs Christmas Musical “An Unplugged Christmas”
December 14, 3:30 & 6:30 PM
Worship Choir, Orchestra, & Narrators present “The Winter Rose”
December 21, 6:30 PM ~ An Instrumental Celebration of
Christmas featuring our keyboard accompanists and the
Rejoicing Ringers Hand Bell Choir
December 24, 4:30 & 6:30 PM
Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Candle Lighting
~ Don
don@tatescreek.org
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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

6. Don’t Miss It
It is hard to believe that the Christmas season is already upon
us. The days are getting shorter, the store hours are getting
longer, and the number on the scale is getting higher because
it seems all we do between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is eat.
This time of year is … well… just exhausting. Think of all the things that
have to be done. Everything from running the kids to Christmas program
after Christmas program, waiting in line to see Santa, followed by countless
get-togethers, and not to mention the hours of “last-minute” shopping.
Too many things to get done and not enough time to do them. This is the
average Christmas season for many Americans today. When it is all over, we
blink, and we wonder where it all went. This is way too common today, so
this Christmas season I beg you not to miss it. Do not miss it!
But, I’m sure the first Christmas was busy too. Think about it, all those
people trying to get into Bethlehem at once. I can imagine it now, one wife
saying to her husband, “Sweetheart, we are running
late. We need to leave for Bethlehem tonight.” Her
husband then saying, “Darling, we don’t have to be
there for another week, it’s only a day’s journey.” I
say this jokingly, but people were busy during that
time as well. There was a census that was taken, and
everyone had to be somewhere. People were so focused on the tasks that
needed to be done, that no one would help a pregnant woman in labor.
These individuals missed out on the greatest birth to ever take place because
they were concerned about tasks and comfort. They missed it. They
absolutely missed it.
During my time at Tates Creek Christian Church, I’ve learned many
things. But the greatest thing I have learned is time management and
priorities. It is easy to get into the monotony of everyday life and forget the
reasons why you perform certain tasks in the first place. It is at that moment
when it’s time to step back and reflect on why these tasks are taking so
much time. Are they as important as they seem to be? What is the greater
purpose? This is something that I’ve learned during my internship. What
are my priorities, and does my time reflect what I deem my priorities to be?
Or, am I missing it? Don’t miss the true meaning and importance of this
Christmas season because of the overwhelming tasks and events
on the calendar. Just don’t miss it.
In Christ’s Love, ~Kyle Knarr
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Preaching Intern Kyle Knarr

7. Missions Moment Fehl Family
Adrian and Jennifer Fehl, our missionaries
who serve in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will
spend most of the month of December in
Lexington with the TCCC family. The Fehls
and their children will be living in the mission
house from December 8-29. Jennifer’s
parents plan to join them in Lexington for
the Christmas holidays. Following their time in Lexington, they will
be located in Cincinnati at Cincinnati Christian University’s campus as
missionaries in residence.
Adrian is the team leader of the Christian Missionary
Fellowship (CMF)-Ethiopia Church Planting Team
and the primary liaison with the leadership of CMF’s
national partner church, the Kristos Andinet Church.
Adrian travels from Addis Ababa to various remote
locations in Ethiopia to teach, preach, and encourage
both the national Christians and members of the CMF
church planting team. Our living link missionaries,
Travis and Emily Weeks, are a part of that team.
While in Addis Ababa, Jennifer provided a home school for their
children and coordinated the Home School Program offered by Bingham
Academy. In that role, she supervised a group of 120 students who were
involved in home schools throughout Ethiopia. The Fehl children include
Addison (17), Mallory (15), Darby (12), and Ethan (10).
Plan to include the Fehls in your church groups and activities and learn
more about their ministry in Ethiopia.
Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
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Pray for all of our Missionaries
Ethiopia ~ Travis & Emily Weeks, Adrian & Jennifer Fehl
Tanzania ~ Steve & Doretha Limiero
Global Community Health Evangelism ~ Judy Fish
Kenya ~ Shawn & Kristin Redford
Mexico ~ Sergio & Holly Alvarado, Greg & Vicki Syverson
U.S. ~ New York City ~ Jonathan & Jubi Williams

8. Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Senior Adult Events
Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays ~ 10:30 am
Room 200A
Better With Age Club
Thursday, December 18
10:30 am ~ Fellowship Hall
Bring side dishes, salad, or
dessert to share.
Angel Tree
It’s Angel Tree time again!! The tree is in the Main Foyer
and filled with names of children in need this Christmas
season. The names of the children come from Russell
Cave Church of Christ, the area that Russell Cave
Church of Christ serves, and from Julius Marks
Elementary. If you would like to sponsor a child,
select an angel and PLEASE SIGN UP on the
sheet provided, giving your name and
phone number. All gifts will need to be
wrapped, labeled, and returned by
December 17. Contact
Mary Furnish at 219-9111
for more information.
Candlelight
Services
December 24
4:30 & 6:30 pm
Invite your friends
and family to
celebrate Jesus’
birth.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Card Box
The drop-off boxes will be
outside the prayer room at
building entrance A. Please put
your cards in alphabetical order.
Drop-off dates are
November 23 - December 19
Pick-up your cards beginning
December 21

9. Christmas Programs 2014 Serving Schedule
December 6 - 3 pm
OLLI Chorus Holiday Concert
December 7 - 6:30 pm
Children’s Choir Musical
“An Unplugged Christmas”
December 14 - 3:30 & 6:30 pm
Worship Choir/Orchestra Cantata
“The Winter Rose”
December 21 - 6:30 pm
Instrumental Celebration of
Christmas presented by our
keyboard accompanists and the
Rejoicing Ringers Hand Bell Choir
Room In The Inn
Homeless Ministry
We are currently hosting our
guests during these cold winter
months on the second and fourth
Thursdays.
If you can help with this ministry
in any way, please contact Chris
Lee at 859-684-7240.
We are specifically in need of
someone to help drive the van to
pick-up and drop-off our guests.
Communion
December 7
Elders: Mike Mirre, Larry Hitchner
Deacons: Brian Hogston, Greg Kasten
Ashland Terrace: Henry Evans
Home Comm: Steven Clem, Steve Mullins,
Comm. Prep: (Sat.) David & Paula Rankin
(After Trad Srv) Chris Dennison
(After Blnd & Cont) Chris Dennison
December 14
Elders: Willie Peal, Mike Mirre
Deacons: Bill Johnson, Keith Wertz
Ashland Terrace: Greg Kasten
Home Comm: Henry Evans, Greg Kasten
Comm. Prep: (Sat.) Boyd & Wanda Johnson
(After Trad Srv) David & Sheila Waits
(After Blnd & Cont) David & Sheila Waits
December 21
Elders: Nathan Young, Willie Peal
Deacons: David Straub, Stuart Kearns
Ashland Terrace: Stuart Kearns
Home Comm: Keith Wertz, Brian Hogston,
Comm. Prep:(Sat.) Jack & Linda White
(After Trad Srv) Michael & Dana McReynolds
(After Blnd & Cont) Beth Byers
December 28
Elders: Bill Clem, Nathan Young
Deacons: Harold Butler, Jonathan Clifton
Ashland Terrace: Keith Wertz
Home Comm: Ed Hall, Chris Lee,
Comm. Prep:(Sat.) Jack & Linda White
(After Trad Srv) Rick & Leeann Layne
(After Blnd & Cont) Rick & Leeann Layne
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Bill Burke
Stuart Kearns
Harold Butler
David Martin
Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

10. The Greatest Story Ever Told
Never Gets Old!
As Tates Creek quickly advances toward the Christmas season, adults
and young people diligently prepare for the various musical, drama, and
pagent-type presentations. While the participants take joy in sharing with
the whole congregation, we tend to gravitate toward
those programs which suit our particular preference or
where we feel a family or friend obligation to be there.
Unfortunately, many of our “saints” are unable to attend
and cannot understand how others choose to avoid
these programs altogether!
Beyond our desires to support our church family how do we, the
audience, benefit from attending each one of these special services?
Through the eyes of children, we sense the gentleness and innocence
of Christmas in its purest form, while from teens, we experience a fresh
and hopeful perspective on God’s greatest gift. In the various vocal and
orchestration messages from our adults, the glory and majesty capture
our very souls while the candle-lit Christmas Eve services quietly prepare
our hearts to welcome our Savior. By taking in all of our Christmas
programs, you can experience the Christmas story in its completeness,
having witnessed accounts from various perspectives and unique manner.
Some of my most treasured memories are
centered around Christmas programs of
the past. It is my desire that we will all find
the benefit and blessing of attending our
Christmas events, looking beyond a sense
of obligation and allowing our hearts to be
filled with the Greatest Story Ever Told!
~ Mary Brown
TCCC Worship Committee
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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The Greatest Story

11. Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
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Angel Tree
What does the Angel Tree mean to me?
The Angel Tree Ministry has been a blessing for
the families of the Russell Cave Community for
many years. We have so many children in need
that truly benefit from it. As a single mother, it
has been difficult raising my daughter on my own
and Christmas time is tough because it is important for me to pay all of
my “necessary bills” (such as electric, water, gas, housing, food etc.) first
before I can do any shopping for Christmas.
I am a very independent person so I don’t ask for help often. But years
ago, someone said to me “you need to learn to accept the blessings that
God gives to you”. It really made me think because so many times I pray
for help then continue to try to do things on my own strength instead
of God’s strength. Being a receiver of the Angel Tree Ministry has been
a humbling experience for me because the love and spirit of giving has
come through for me many years when I really needed help. I have such
beautiful memories of my daughter’s excited little face as she opened
the Angel Tree gifts under the tree with her name on them and it was so
comforting to know that she was happy and blessed beyond measure.
So, what does the Angel Tree Ministry mean to me?
Well, the scriptures tell us in Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others,
for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” The Angel Tree
Ministry has done just this. Over the years, many
of the Tates Creek Christian Church families have
willingly sacrificed and shared with those who are less
fortunate and I know that God is pleased. I just want
to say THANKS SO MUCH to all of you for being a
blessing to my family and to the families of the Russell
Cave Community that you have touched over the years. We do appreciate
you and may your giving spirit of love and kindness continue to touch
hearts during this holiday season and always.
~ Many Blessings,
Taylor’s Mom

12. Beginning with the next edition of the Tates Creek Current, you will
see some new features as we strive to make this communication piece
something that will last all month. We want this to be more devotional
in nature, something that you can read a little at a time to help you
through your days and weeks between our times together in worship and
study. Each monthly issue will have a central theme around which all the
articles will revolve; the ministers’ articles, the feature article, and some
new weekly devotional articles written by members and friends of the
Tates Creek Family. These themes have also been planned and selected
to correspond with the planned teaching and preaching schedule for the
year 2015. Because this new Current will be designed to last the whole
month, we will be mailing a paper copy to each member and regular
attender family. We will still be sending the electronic version as well, but
we want you to have the paper copy as a reference and a devotional aide
throughout each month. We hope you will join us in anticipating this
improvement as we strive to continue growing together.
Also, with the increased focus and emphasis on the monthly Current,
we will be making an adjustment in our delivery of the weekly Herald
newsletter. Beginning in January, the weekly Herald will be delivered only
electronically, no more mailing. We will print some paper copies and
have them available for pickup at the church on Wednesdays and Sundays
for those desiring a paper copy. This will save the church a good amount
of money in printing, paper, and postage, and better reflect how many
people communicate today.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to seek
God’s “What If…” together!
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Coming in 2015
From the Church Office
If you are making a regular or
special online contribution at
the end of the year, please do
so early in December to ensure
the transaction clears the banks
involved and the credit
can be given on your
2014 giving statement.
Pulpit flower request forms for
2015 are now available at the
Welcome Center. If you would
like to provide pulpit flowers,
please complete the form, leave
it in the binder, and we will place
the order for you. Cost this year
will be $45.

13. Working in a church full time has been a great and challenging
journey. Some days are fast paced and full of high energy.
Other days seem slow and things just aren’t working the way
you planned. One of the things that I never saw from the
outside was how much work ministers do. As a kid, I always thought a youth
minister’s job was to just hang out with kids and have fun. I realized this
understanding wasn’t wrong, but I never took into account the other 40 plus
hours of the week they worked.
One of the most important things I have learned at Tates Creek is to keep
yourself spiritually fed, never stop yearning to grow. Sometimes it is easy to
get caught up in “Doing” and forget about “Growing”. When I came to Tates
Creek, I was challenged to read scripture for 1 hour a day, and it has been
such a key to the ministry that I have done here.
I have a better understanding of the verse in Matthew 18:3 when Jesus
says we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven unless we become like little
children. Kids are carefree and not ashamed. Working with the kids has
made me rethink my views on immaturity versus purity and innocence.
We may look at what kids do as immature and silly, but it may be pure
innocence. I think that’s what Jesus wants from adults who have a
disconnect with the ability to be free like a child.
Lastly, I learned that it is ok to say “I don’t know”. Growing up, I said this
phrase so much, my mom said it would be etched on my gravestone. I have
learned, however, that sometimes we are not given answers and ministers are
just followers of Jesus like every other Christian. Reading through scripture
there are many references that tell us we can’t know everything or that God’s
thoughts and ways are different and higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Coming to terms with this gives me a peace that even though I do not know
all the answers, I follow a God who does.
As I head back to Johnson to finish up school, I will take many of these
helpful lessons, apply them to my life, and hopefully help other people as I
continue in ministry. During this Christmas season, I challenge you with
another important lesson I have learned here, which is service. Service is
helping where there is a need. Jesus showed us this example in John 13:1-20.
Continue striving to grow in Christ and striving to be more like Him in all
you do.
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Justin Miller - Youth Intern
Lessons from Behind the Scenes
Merry Christmas ~ Justin Miller
Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org

14. Jesus . . . the Humble King
Many of us have heard and read the Christmas
story from the Bible so many times that it almost,
I did say ALMOST, has become cliché. With the
commercialization of Christmas and the season
surrounding it, it has become very easy to try to seek
joy in material things rather than the wonderful gift that God gave
in his son Jesus. Sometimes we struggle to find meaning around
Christmas time outside of the meaning the world assigns to it this
time of year. Well, maybe many of you have thought of this before,
but I’d like to share something that has always stuck out to me about
the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. It is a very simple
thing, but for me, it applies to much of my personal life. I’m talking
about how God sent Jesus as a humble king. There wasn’t really
pomp and circumstance or fanfare surrounding Jesus’ birth. He was
born in a stable and found his bed atop the hay in a manger. Not
quite the scene you would imagine for the Son of God! But doesn’t
the scene surrounding Jesus’ birth tell us so much about him? When
we look at his teachings about the first being the last and the last
being the first, about being humble and being a servant, doesn’t the
scene surrounding His birth resonate with those teachings that he
gave later in his life? From the very beginning, even though for us
IT IS all about JESUS, for Him, it was all about others.
I think about the way Jesus interacted with lost people throughout
the gospels, and I see how His humility helped win them over. He
spoke the truth, but He spoke it in LOVE. We need to be people
who reflect the humility of Christ. When we speak to lost people,
we need not speak to them as one who feels like we have all the
answers or have it all together. We need to speak as those who were
lost but now are found. As those who have been changed by the
blood of the one who is far greater than us. As those who once found
OURSELVES in a place of separation from God.
Maybe through this holiday season you will even come into contact
with family members or close friends who do not yet find their hope
in Jesus. This year, let’s not use our words on social media or in
conversations to complain about how Christmas has lost its meaning.
Instead, through our humility, our service, and our love for others,
lets point people to the humble king, Jesus Christ!
~Mike
mike@tatescreek.org
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
14College Ministry Mike Allen

15. The Father’s Gift
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will
keep my word. My Father will love him, and we
will come to him and make our home with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.
The word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s
who sent me.” John 14:23-24
In the midst of our discussion on obedience last month I was
struck by one of the students mentioning that at times it was
easier to obey their grandparents than their parents. The reason
was the role the grandparents had was to spoil the grandkids,
while parents had the task of putting rules and limits on their
children. The student wanted to please their grandparents
because of everything they had given them, but resisted the
restrictions of parents. As we talked about this, it struck me that
God’s preferred method of relating to us is as a father and not a
grandfather.
During Christmas we see Jesus as the gift
that God offers to us, and that is rightly
so. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus is
a gift, and our salvation through Him is a
gift that we could never repay. The giving
doesn’t end there, though. God’s gracious
gift is not merely a handout. God calls all
of us to be His children.
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 8:14
If we are all uniquely called to relationship with God through
baptism, then it is true that God has no grandchildren. And
part of the gift of salvation is that we are called to obey His
commands, such as the command to make disciples in Matthew
28:18-20.
Perhaps obedience is the best gift we can give back to our
Father this Christmas!
~ Brad
brad@tatescreek.org
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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
Student Ministry Brad Haggard

16. Chuck and Brian Are Making A Difference
What do a man that works for Toyota and a man
that works for the United States Post Office have in
common? In the case of Chuck Burress and Brian
Long they have many things in common. They both
are family men. They both have 2 daughters. They both
love football. However, neither of them would have predicted they
would have a passion to serve in one specific way. Both of these men
are making a HUGE difference as leaders in the Kindergarten-1st
grade Boys Sunday School class.
Chuck started serving earlier this fall as a new main
leader of K1 boys. He wasn’t sure how well he would
like it or if they would get along well. When Chuck
and his family came to TCCC he first tried serving in
the high school group since that’s where his sons were.
He learned there that this wasn’t where he “fit” in
service so when asked about trying the K1 boys he decided he would
give it his best shot! In some ways he just jumped right in. The first
few weeks were a little tricky as the boys tested him out as a leader
and Chuck gauged how each boy was eager to learn. After about a
month of being together though, Chuck figured out some secrets and
the boys loved it when he just became himself. The result… Chuck
loved it too!
Brian’s path was a little different. He started in the
class as an assistant, but when there was a shortage
one month he was asked to be a main leader. Brian
wasn’t sure he was ready to lead, but knew God had
something special for him. He agreed to lead and
Chuck volunteered to assist him. From the sounds
outside the door on Brian’s first Sunday leading though it was
clear he had found his spot! The boys were laughing. They were
connecting. The best part, because of Brian’s willingness to let God
lead him… Brian was learning and laughing, too.
To say that as a children’s minister I am inspired by volunteers
who “get” what we do in the elementary ministry would be an
understatement. In fact, I LOVE IT! I love knowing that when
Chuck and Brian are together something special is going to happen
in the growth of the K1 Boys! God is using these two MEN to make
a huge difference in the lives of 9 little boys!
~ Matt
matt@tatescreek.org
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
16Children’s Ministry Matt Lee

17. Critterland News
We will most certainly be talking about the
Christmas story during the month of December
in Critterland. While the story always remains the
same, we try to tell it a little bit differently each year.
This year we are focusing on different people telling
others about Jesus. “Why is Jesus special?” Easy, right? “Because
Jesus is God’s son!” Such a simple message, but there are still
those who don’t know this truth.
The children in Critterland may be small, but they know there
are people that don’t know who Jesus is, and they are always very
excited to tell others what they know. We are teaching them a
very important verse this month for their memory prizes, one
that always helps open doors to the story of His birth.
“God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.”
John 3:16.
Remember to help the little ones with their verse so they can
receive their special prizes.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic
New Year!
~ Lesley
lesley@tatescreek.org
17
Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
Preschool Ministry Lesley Tipton

18. Sunday School
Average Attendance
October 2014
Youth
Infants 7
Walkers 7
2 - 5 Year Old 15
K - 1st grade 18
2nd - 3rd grade 26
Garage 45 17
Middle & High School 44
Adult
Alpha/Omega 6
Ashland Terrace 8
Christians in Action 20
Crusaders 52
Early Bird 8:30 am 4
Faith 13
Fellowship of Believers 16
FOCUS 17
Generations of Faith 23
Good News 25
Grace & Truth 51
Grass Roots 14
Heaven Bound 12
In The Word 22
Open Bible 61
Psalm 34:3 6
Reach 15
Seekers 10
Servants for Christ 23
Upper Room 12
Willing Workers 32
Miscellaneous 9
Officers 3
Total 583
Funds Totals for October
Deacons’ Fund $1,799.
Growing to Serve $11,964.
% of Dollars Given Online
15%
General Fund Report
2014 Budgeted Need per week $29,407.
2014 Average per week $27,591.
October Total Income $105,684.
October Total Expenses $114,015.
Net Shortfall ($8,331.)
Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
18
October Worship
Attendance & Giving
Total General Fund
5th 748 $30,999.
12th 749 $28,801.
19th 714 $21,697.
26th 728 $24,187.
Indebtedness
Mortgage Balance, Oct. 31 $1,522,886.
Monthly Payment (Nov. 1) $12,888.
Principal $8,626.
Interest $4,262.
Add’l Principal $0.
To give online anytime or
setup a recurring online gift,
visit our website at www.
tatescreek.org and click on
“Giving”.

19. New Members
Andrea Klein
Baptized October 29
Gary has worked as a Dentist in the
Lexington area for many years and has
been attending Tates Creek for 8 years.
He was raised in a Christian home and
knew is was time to be baptized when
he returned home from his service
in the military. Sherwood Evans was
instrumental in helping Gary with that
inportant decision. Gary is now involved
with the Grace and Truth Class. Please
help us to continue to encourage Gary in
his walk with Christ.
Landon Lile
Baptized November 2
We rejoice with Andrea on her recent
baptism. She was raised in the Lutheran
church but has been attending Tates Creek
for about a year. After a teaching call
with Tommy, she realized the importance
of immersion. Gail Morrison was also
an encourgement to her in this decision.
Encourage Andrea to “let her light shine” as
it says in her favorite Bible verse in Matthew
5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine
before others, that they may see your good
deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Gary Coleman
Transfer November 2
After the passing of his Papaw, Landon
wanted to know that he would see his Papaw
again. Landon knew he needed Jesus, so he
studied and completed the “rescue manual”
that Matt Lee gave him. He was ready to be
baptized. His favorite verse is John 3:16, he
said “It helps me understand more about
salvation and walking with Christ.”
Landon and his family have been attending
here for 5 years and he attends school at
Lexington Christian Academy.
Be sure to encourage Landon on
his new journey with Christ.
Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
19

20. Tates Creek Current Tates Creek Christian Church Office: (859) 266-1621
3150 Tates Creek Road Web: www.tatescreek.org
Lexington, KY 40502 Email: office@tatescreek.org
Calendar ~ December 2014
1 Elders’ Meeting, 6pm, 200D
1 Orchestra rehearsal, 6:15 pm, WC
3 Worship Choir, 6 pm, 200A-B
3 Children’s Choir, 6:30 pm, WC
4 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm
5 Middle School Event, 8 pm, UP
5 Crusaders fellowship, 6:30 pm, FH
6 & 20 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 102
6 Open Bible fellowship,
11:30 am, FH
6 OLLI Holiday Concert, 3 pm, WC
7 Monthly Ministry Teams
7 Worship Choir, 4 pm, 200A-B
7 Children’s Christmas Program,
6:30 pm, WC
8 Orchestra rehearsal, 6:15 pm, WC
8 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 104
8 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh
9 MOPS, 9 am, FH
9 Tabitha Circle, 7 pm
10 Choir & Orchestra dress rehearsal
6:45 pm, WC
12 Elem. Caroling/Party, 6 pm, UP
14 FOB Fellowship, 12:30 pm, FH
14 Adult Choir Christmas Program,
3:30 & 6:30 pm, WC
18 BWAC, 10:30 am, FH
21 Missions Team, 4:30 pm, 200E
21 Instrumental Christmas Concert,
6:30 pm, WC
24 Christmas Eve service,
4:30 & 6:30 pm, WC
25 Christmas, Office closed
Weekly Activities
Sunday Evening:
Evening Worship, 6:30 pm, WC
Adult Small Groups, various times
and locations
Tuesday Evening:
Victory for Life, 6:00 pm, FH
Wednesday: until December 17
Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200A
Worship Team, 5:30 pm, WC
Volume 2 No. 12
CR - Choir Room / FH - Fellowship Hall / Fh - Friendship Hall / MMC - Multi Ministry Center / UP - Uptown / WC - Worship Center