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  Merry Christmas! As we come to the close of a great year together at Tallowood, I want to give thanks to our gracious God for all that He is doing among us. Remember this year started with the presentation of our 2020 committee in January. These 49 members and servant-leaders called us to consider three major themes leading into the year 2020: Make Disciples, Make Relationships and Make an Impact. Our 2020 implementation group has gone through the recommendations of the original 2020 subcommittees, prayed over them and organized them into specific areas. We have paused for a few weeks during the holidays. Now as we enter 2015, we hope to mobilize the body of Tallowood in the work of implementing these specific proposals to help our church grow stronger in these areas. Pray for these groups. Consider joining us in one of these areas of ministry.
Our renewed commitment to discipleship is bearing fruit in small discipleship groups at Tallowood. As these first groups conclude over the next few months these new disciple-makers will be forming groups to replicate the process. You can help in two important ways. First, pray for this process as we develop it together at Tallowood. We want to use every available resource for the great goal of making disciple-makers at Tallowood. Second, consider whether God wants you to commit to join a group or start a group in the New Year. When Jesus wanted to change the world, he focused his energy and ministry primarily on twelve disciples. In small groups and large groups we want to create opportunities for our members to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Disciples build strong relationships with others. God has brought an influx of the nations to Tallowood in the last year from all over the world. These new members have come to us as members have intentionally included and invested in new friends from different nations. We read in Acts that the new church in Jerusalem enjoyed the favor of all the people in the city. How can we as brothers and sisters at Tallowood become so winsome in our witness that we "win some"? By God's grace and for God's glory we anticipate a harvest of relationships in 2015 as we set goals and intentionally make relationships with new friends everywhere we go. Some of us have shared Christ on mission trips around the world. This year we want to know our neighbors and share the good news of what Christ has done for us with them. In the last week I met a new friend at a Starbucks. A new friend was invited to The Perfect Gift, our Christmas music presentation, and now wonders what it would be like to follow Jesus.
Disciples make an impact. Like the first church we want to start here at home loving the people we meet each day. Thankfully those early believers didn't stop there. Everywhere they went they shared the good news of Jesus Christ leading many into relationship with God's Son. This will happen again here as we intentionally and consistently share our lives and resources together to make a difference in our world. Tallowood members are involved in amazing ministries helping with refugees and setting people free from modern slavery. There is a place of ministry for every one of us in this new year. Let's not miss it!
Finally, let me encourage you to join me in reading the Bible in 2015. Our daily devotionals on Monday to Friday will come directly from our Bible reading plan this year. If you have never read the whole Bible in a year, join us. Also our Thursday morning studies in the book of Proverbs begin on January 15. We will have six studies collectively entitled, "Where Wisdom is Found." You can learn more on the website.
We love serving with you at Tallowood! Let's make the year 2015 a great year together as we commit ourselves together in worship, instruction, sharing and evangelism. Together we will make relationships, make disciples and make an impact on our world. I can't wait to see what God is going to do.
In Joyful Anticipation,
Duane
 Music and Missions
 begins the 2nd semester
Wednesday, January 7
5:50-6:50: Choirs
3's (by 9/1/14) through 5th grade
6:55-7:40: Missions
4's (by 9/1/14) through 5th grade
Everyone is invited! Tallowood Foundation Tidbit
Would you like to help financially-strained Tallowood youth participate in various youth activities which involve a cost beyond their means, such as Camp Tallowood? The Tallowood Foundation can assist you in providing partial scholarships for such youth events now and longer-term--even beyond your lifetime. A tax-deductible gift into the Foundation's Youth Activity Scholarship Fund, a permanently endowed fund, will allow your gift to be professionally managed with part of the investment earnings going toward such scholarships and the remainder being reinvested to grow and increase the number of such scholarships in the future. Your initial gift, the principal, will not be spent, and is indeed the gift that keeps on giving. Please contact Larry Heslip or Betsy Samu to make such a gift, or support other of the Foundation's endowed funds, including church planting and mission projects.
Pastor's Winter Bible Study
Dr. Brooks will begin his Winter Bible Study "Where Wisdom is Found: Studies in Proverbs" on Thursday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m. in the Activities Center. Lunch is available following the study. Classes will be held on January 15 & 29, February 5 & 19, and March 5 & 12.
Donate the Gift of Life
The next blood drive will be held in the gym on January 4. Sign-ups will begin December 21. Please consider giving the gift of life.
Deacon and Wives Luncheon
Sunday, January 11 at 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall East. Please RSVP by Monday, December 29 to Stuart Mills at studuane4321@swbell.net or 281.795.3059.
Bookshop Hours for the remainder of 2014
December 16-18: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
December 21: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
December 22 - January 3: Closed
January 4: Re-opens, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Be a Tallowood Player!
"So, What Are You Lookin' For?"
A complete how-to of auditioning and what it means to be a Tallowood Player. Parents are encouraged to attend this meeting on Monday, January 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Choral Hall.
Auditions will be Monday, January 19 in the Ensemble Hall, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Please call Ruthe for an audition time at 832.320.8136. Players' Retreat will be January 23-25.
Players' Retreat will be January 23-25.
November and December 2014 Library Contributions
In Appreciation of Mrs. Becky Dyer's Kindergarten Sunday School Class
The Star of Christmas - DVD
It's A Meaningful Life - DVD
In Appreciation of Mrs. Julie Royer's 3rd Grade Sunday School Class
The Toy That Saved Christmas - DVD
Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree - DVD
In Honor of Suzann and John Breed
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
Your Legacy by Dr. James Dobson
In Memory of Mary Ellen Alexander
One God, One Plan, One Life by Max Lucado
In Memory of Geneva Bailey
I Would Die For You by Brent Higgins
Agents of the Apocalypse by Dr. David Jeremiah
Praying Through The Names of God by Tony Evans
Dr's Christmas Quilt by Kathi Macias
In Memory of Kenneth Bounds
How To Read The Bible - DVD Bible Study by George Guthrie
Saint Nicholas - Veggie Tales DVD
Jonathan Parks CD series by Creation Works: The Journey Never Taken and The Copper Scroll
The Crippled Lamb - CD by Max Lucado
In Memory of Bill Brubaker
Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible by Mark Batterson
Unexpected Christmas Hero by Kathi Macias
In Memory of Charlie Greer
Before Amen by Max Lucado
The God Who Is There by D.A. Carson
In Memory of Jennifer Smith
Liberty Kids Complete Series - DVD
The Voyage Beyond - CD
In Memory of Jack Stivers
The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity by Dave Ramsey
Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias
Why Suffering: Find Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense by Ravi Zacharias
Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
In Memory of Peggy York
Dressed to Kill: A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Warfare by Rick Renner
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Wednesday, December 24th
4:30, 6:00 & 11:00 p.m.
Read through the Bible with the Pastor in 2015
Reading Plans are available in the Narthex or Church Office. Sign up at tallowood.org to receive Daily Devotionals from Dr. Brooks based on these scriptures. If you currently receive the devotionals, you will automatically receive this new series.
Church to Honor Carol Kleckner
 Carol Kleckner is retiring at the end of this month, serving almost sixteen years as Minister to Children. A love offering is being taken as an expression of thanks for her ministry and a reception is being held in her honor on the evening of January 4, 2015 following worship. She will be moving to Frisco, Texas, to live near her family. Thank you, Carol, for all you have done for Tallowood.
Special Called Business Meeting January 4, 2015
The church will be called into a special called business meeting during the evening worship service on January 4, 2015 to consider a motion to ordain Scott Bertrand. We do not have a December business meeting and the bylaws stipulate a process for voting on ordination of ministers. An ordaining council will bring a report to the business meeting. Scott will begin a ministry in February at Bear Creek Baptist Church, and he has asked for Tallowood to ordain him.
Outreach 2015
Beginning 2015, Outreach will be held the second Wednesday of each month. The first Outreach for 2015 will be Wednesday, January 14.
Spring Bible Studies
Registration for spring studies is online at tallowood.org. Take time now to pick a study that fits you before the busyness of the holidays overtakes you. Different classes have different start dates in January so please check online for your Bible study's exact start day. Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!
End of Year Contributions
The business office will be open on Wednesday, December 31 until 5:00 p.m. for the convenience of our members who want to make contributions. Gifts sent through the mail must be postmarked by December 31, 2014 in order to receive contribution credit for 2014. Thank you for your faithful support of ministries at Tallowood.
2nd Grade Birthday Party
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Second graders and their families: join in the fun of celebrating the birthdays of Tallowood's second graders. What do you have at every birthday party...a cake right? We have a GIANT BIRTHDAY CAKE! Catered lunch provided -- no charge, Tallowood Gym, 12:30-1:45 p.m.
5th Grade Retreat
February 27-28, 2015
Save the Date! Fifth graders: experience an overnight adventure to Camp Tejas in Giddings, Texas. Campfire, s'mores, 1,000s of lights, and the wild and crazy Amazing Race are just a few of the fun activities. Registration opens on January 15.
No December Business Meeting
There will be no Committee of Committees or Church Business meetings in the month of December. The next meetings will be on Sunday, January 25, 2015.
 BAPTIZED-
December 7: Charlton Miller, Jake Cooper
December 14: Sandy Shen, Hongwen Li, Shasha Tefft, Robert Tefft, Shantal Blake
SYMPATHY TO-
Kenneth Bradshaw on the death of his wife
Kay Landefeld on the death of her mother
John and Robin Geddes on the death of their nephew
Rachel Geddes on the death of her cousin
The family of Larry Duffin
JoAnn Formby on the death of her uncle
CONGRATULATIONS TO-
David and Jennifer Stockton on the birth of Andrew Kenneth & Spencer Joseph on November 25. Andrew weighed 4 lbs. 13 oz. and Spencer weighed 5 lbs. 12oz. They are the baby brothers of Will and Sam.
David and Andrea Holland on the birth of Vivian Lynn on December 1. Vivian weighed 6 lbs. 10 oz. and is the baby sister of Alice.
 ENROLLMENT
for December 14 - 4,466
ATTENDANCE
Saturday:
Dec. 6 - 65; Dec. 13 - 54
Sunday:
Dec. 7 - 1,499; Dec. 14 - 1,577
International:
Dec. 7 - 284; Dec. 14 - 316
Totals:
Dec. 6/7 - 1,848
Dec. 13/14 - 1,947
 December 6 & 7, 2014
Barbara Babbitt - SF
Shantal Blake - PF
Rick Curto - Letter
Lorri Curto - Letter
Paul Curto - Letter
Joan Joyve - PF
December 13 & 14, 2014
Steven Diedrich - Letter
Melissa Diedrich - Letter
Debbie Anglada - SF
Carlos Garcia de la Noceda - SF
Mike Legere - SF
David Nederveld - PF
Gary Priest - Letter
Susan Priest - Letter
PF = Profession of Faith
SF = Statement of Faith
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