Well the countdown to Christmas has begun.  Only sixty-one shopping days remain, and less than that for those of us who prefer not to shop on Sundays.  That may scare us worse than the goblins that show up at our home on Halloween.  I realize many people have different views concerning this coming event; many take it all in and others dole it all out.  As Christians, we need to be respectful of other people’s scruples.  Personally, I love to see the little children all dressed up in their costumes (however, I do prefer to see cute and creative above the dark and sinister).

          Let’s face it, it’s not just the children who wear costumes and masks.  And it’s not just on Halloween night that we find people wearing them.  Costumes and masks on Halloween serve as a disguise; a cover up to hide what is real behind them.  Many of us wear disguises to hide the pain within our lives.  We put on a smile and a sunny dress while we are out and about as if the agony doesn’t exist.  Others hide lies and deceit behind a charming personality.  We may have learned best to hide our sins.

          If we keep our sins hidden well enough and no one seems aware, we perceive that all is well.  That’s where we’re wrong.  God knows.  He sees through our charade.  He knows our hypocrisy.  He is well acquainted with our thoughts as well as our actions.  We cannot hide from Him.  David said it best in Psalm 139.  O LORD, You have searched me and known me.  You know my sitting down and my rising up;  You understand my thought afar off.  You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.

          Behind our costumes and masks the realities still exist, and yes, God is aware.  This Halloween make a commitment to come clean with God and be true with others and ourselves.  Chances are God isn’t the only one who knows anyway.  Have a blessed week.                                                                                                                                                                                  Pastor Joey

·         Christmas Cantata Choir:  NO Christmas rehearsal on October 30^th.  Please try to make all of the following final rehearsals:  Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4.  Musical is December 11^th.  You are invited to a Christmas Luncheon in your honor at the Fellowship Building following the musical.

·         Sanctuary Choir – I’ll see you for regular rehearsal at 4:15 on Sunday, October 30^th.

·         Faith in Motion – Any children, youth or adults interested in joining us for Christmas please see Resa or Krissy.  We have simple motions by Jeff Smith that go with some of the Christmas carols/hymns.  We hope to do one each Sunday of Christmas.  Rehearsals are Sunday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room.  Please see Krissy for schedule.

·         Praise & Worship Team – Rehearsal on Sunday, October 30^th at 9:15 sharp!  You sing “Trust Medley”.

·         Kidz Club – Remember: 1.)   to read our facebook site – Cliffside Baptist Church Kidz Club.  2.)  to teach your kids to tithe every Sunday.  3.)  to bring snacks &/or drinks.  4.)  Read the Kidz Club bulletin board.

NOTE:  NO Kidz Club on October 26^th because of half day of school!  We’ll see you on Nov. 2^nd & 9^th and then we’ll sing on Sunday, November 13^th for Operation Christmas Child and for Thanksgiving. 

·         Kidz Club Angels:  (Preschool Choir) 9:45 a.m. right before Sunday school.

 Do You Like Drama??

 We are looking for five adults to do short drama  pieces for Advent.  Please see Ladell or Tammy if you are interested.

Sunday Night Special Music:                                                                                                        

October 30 – Hymn Sing (Trunk or Treat after worship)                                        

 November 6 – Goodwill Singers                                                                               

 November 13 – GWS Thanksgiving Music                                                                                    

November 20 – Sandy Alexander, song & testimony

November 27 – Hanging of the Greens

   Don’t forget the Chicken Pie Lunch following Morning Worship on Sunday, October 30^th in the Fellowship Building.  The money from this luncheon will go toward our Mission Fund.

CHURCH SUPPER

   The Church Supper is next Wednesday, November 2^nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Building.  Please bring a covered dish and join us!

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY

   The next Ladies’ Bible Study will be at Denise Humphries’ home at 6:30 on Monday, November 14^th.  Please read Chapter 1 and 2 beforehand, and bring your calendar and Bibles.  Anyone who has not paid for your book, please do so immediately.  Thank you!

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY FOOD MINISTRY

   The Women’s Bible Study group is starting a food ministry and are asking for non-perishable food items such as… bags of dried pinto beans, boxes of Complete Meals, canned vegetables and soups, ramen noodles, boxes of mac & cheese, cereal, fruit cups and juice boxes.  There will be a box in the church foyer for your donations.  Thanks!

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS

BACKPACK PROGRAM

   We would like to participate in this program again this year.  If you would be willing to help, we are requesting individual fruit snacks and juice boxes (100% juice).  If you have any questions, please contact Andre Dill.  Thanks.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

....to Cassie Dawn Brower and Robert Kenneth Ledbetter who were united in marriage on October 15, 2011!

    Congratulations to Ashley and Zach Barlow on the birth of their daughter, Abigail Elizabeth, born on October 22, 2011.  She weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz.  Both mother and daughter are doing well.  Congratulations!

   Special Events This Month!!

·         

·         October 30 – Chicken Pie Lunch (donation to Mission Trip) following Morning Worship

·         October 30 – Children’s Fall party at 6:00/ Trunk or Treat following Evening Worship

·         November 2 – Church Supper at 6:00 p.m.

·         November 6 – Brotherhood Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

·         November 8 – Election Day

·         November 11 – Veterans Day – No school

·         November 13 – Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ingathering

·         November 17 – GWS to Senior Center in Shelby

·         November 20 – Deacons’ Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

·         November 22 – Community Thanksgiving Service (tba)

·         November 24 – Thanksgiving Day (Church Office closed 24^th & 25^th)

·         November 27 – Hanging of the Greens