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  We received an extra hour of sleep, but some of us have already lost it! How did we get to November so quickly? It seems that it was just New Year's Day. Somebody described our lives as "long days and fast years."
God's answer to the pace of our lives is Sabbath. Remember God rested on the seventh day? Why did he rest? We know our indefatigable God never grows weary. He was not tired. God looked back on the seventh day at all he had done and said, "Very good."
One sign of the absence of Sabbath in our lives is our dissatisfaction. We look back at the week before with so much regret and guilt. Sentences start with, "I should have..." or "I'm sorry I didn't get to that..."
Have we ever needed Sabbath more? The bow that is always bent will eventually break. Vance Havner said, "Like the disciples we must 'come apart with Christ for awhile' or we will simply come apart. I am choosing to make my Mondays a day of rest. Marva Dawn wrote of keeping the Sabbath "wholly." Sabbath is a time set apart for holy reflection, holy recreation and holy rest. Eugene Peterson wrote: "Sabbath is a time set aside to do nothing so that we can receive everything. Sabbath is the time to receive silence and let it deepen into gratitude."
We will know we have experienced Sabbath when we can look back at the week before and say, "Very good. What God did in me and through me was very good." Let us remember Jesus' words, "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest for your souls." Accept Christ's invitation today. You will be glad you did!
In His Rest,
Duane
  Door of Hope
Women's Fall Event
Tuesday, November 17
6 p.m. Dinner: Gym
7 p.m. Event: Worship Center
At Tallowood, we have our share of stories that would make people question God's goodness. Cancer. Death. Lost jobs. Broken marriages. Wayward children. Just to name a few. Friends may see and wonder, "why in the world do they still follow God?" Christians seem to have a strength, a peace, and a joy that is somewhat inexplicable. How can we experience a life-giving hope when circumstances seem impossible? Our world is looking for answers.
We invite you to the Door of Hope. On November 17, Darla Baerg, Julie Barfield, and the Tallowood Women's Worship Choir will inspire us all to place our trust in the One who offers real hope. Please plan to join us and invite a friend who needs to hear this message at 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Admission is free.
Also we will host a pre-event dinner from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the gym for $10. Dinner tickets are available online or on Sunday mornings, in the Narthex. Childcare is available by reservation by November 11. Details at tallowood.org/women. New Members
The following attended the New Member Class on Sunday, November 1 and joined the church. Not pictured: Lacie Hinkle, Betty Modad, and Matthew Sumpter.
 |  | | Marcia & Ron Bales | Irene & Damon Brotherton |  |  | | Lynette & Fred Crawford | Maria & Hector Delgado |  |  | | Diana Gomez | Emma, Brad & Davis Kirchhofer |  |  | | Reilly Lagrange | Cheryl West |
 Celebrate Jesus
Wednesday, December 16
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Tallowood Baptist Church
East Courtyard
High School Retreat
 November 20-21
Join us as we head to Camp Tejas for our annual High School Retreat. This year Ryan Vinzant will lead all of our sessions. We are so excited about our Bible study series for the weekend, Abide! After each session we will have small group discussion which will be led by our adult sponsors.
Cost: $109. Registration deadline is Sunday, November 15. For more information or to register, visit tallowood.org/students.
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays
November 15, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall East
No matter how long it's been since your loved one died, grief can make the holidays a painful time. There's hope. Join us for an encouraging video seminar that will help you survive the holidays and find new reasons to enjoy them again. Discover what emotions to expect during the coming days, how to prepare for the holidays, how to manage relationships and holiday socials, and how the holidays can help you heal.
There is no charge, and those who attend will receive a free book with over 30 daily readings providing additional insights and ideas on holiday survival. Please contact Christie Walker at 713.468.8241, ext. 8134 or cwalker@tallowood.org for reservations.
Annual Christmas Store Toy Drive
 Purchase a gift to donate and drop off your unwrapped gift in the red bins (preschool) or bring your gift to Bible Study (grades 1-5). Toy Collection dates: November 8, 15 and 22. Preschool and GLOW Kids Ministries are collecting toys for the Mission Centers of Houston, Christmas Store. The Goal: share the Gospel with families and provide gifts for the children.
Tallowood Foundation Tidbit
As you prepare your year end gift list, please consider financially supporting one or more of the Tallowood Foundation's four endowed ministry funds--Church Planting; Youth Scholarships; Mission Projects; and General Ministries.
You might also consider collecting funds (gifts of any size) in your Sunday school class or department for the purpose of collectively assisting these ministries. Furthermore, to honor a relative or friend who has passed from this world, you might want to make a memorial gift to one or more of these funds. These are permanently endowed funds, so such gifts keep on giving, even beyond the donor's lifetime.
Shuttle Parking Change
As a result of the parking lot construction at the former Tallowood Center, we will suspend shuttle parking there temporarily. We will continue to provide great shuttle parking at the Texas Land Advisors Parking Garage (covered parking) on Town and Country Way and the west side of Memorial Middle school.
Shuttle parking begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs until 1:00 p.m. each Sunday. Follow the signs to both shuttle parking locations. If you have not tried our shuttle parking plan, please give it a try.
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Committee of Committees and Church Conference Meeting
The Committee of Committees will meet Sunday, November 15 at 4:15 p.m. in the Great Room on the 2nd floor of West Tower, followed by the Church Conference at 5:00 p.m.
Giftcards for Gracewood Christmas
Gracewood is a local Christian ministry helping single mothers and their children through residential group care, mentoring, financial planning, teaching, counseling. You may bring a Visa or Mastercard gift card to the church office, and they will use it to purchase their presents.
Choosing God's Way
I'm Thankful
Children's Choirs
Thanksgiving Concert
Sunday, November 15
Worship Center, 6:00 p.m.
Veterans Celebration
Join us as we gather on Sunday, November 8 in the Worship Center at 6:00 p.m. to honor our veterans for our annual Veterans Day program, with a special focus on WWII. Bring the whole family and celebrate the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom!
Gingerbread House Party
This year's Gingerbread House Party will be Saturday, December 5 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall East. Reservations accepted through November 30. Payment must accompany reservation and you must have a reservation to attend. Cost is $40 per house. To make a reservation, please call Jan Smith 713.468.8241, ext. 8151 or jksmith@tallowood.org.
Christmas Poinsettias
Poinsettias will decorate the Worship Center this Christmas. Contribute one or more in honor or memory of a loved one. Deadline to order is December 11. Cost: $20. Order at tallowood.org or call Denny, 713.468.8241, ext. 8137. You may pick up your poinsettia after the contemporary service at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 27.
Deacon Meeting
Sunday, November 8
4:15 p.m.
FHE
What is Bible Drill?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Bible Drill is FUN! Bible Drill is coming to Tallowood! Be in the know and let your light GLOW! Bible Drill begins January 2016.
10-10-10 Prayer Group
Join other women to pray for the millions of men, women, and children held captive in some form of human trafficking. This month we will meet on Tuesday, November 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Taste of Texas gazebo. If you cannot join us in person, please pause and pray wherever you are. Our prayer guide is available on the Women's Ministry web page or you can contact Julie Dingman at 713.468.8241, ext. 8186 to have a copy mailed to you.
Kingdom Basketball Registration Open
Pre-K through 9th grade girls and 11th grade boys learn basketball and play with church, school and neighborhood friends! Games are in January and February. Register at tallowood.org or turn in a registration form and fee at the Church office. For more information, contact Dick Fenn at 281.660.5078 or dickfenn@hotmail.com.
Keyboards at Christmas
Sunday, November 29, 2015
at 6 p.m.
New Bethlehem, TX
December 12 at 7 p.m.
December 13 at 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Featuring the Tallowood Choir and Orchestra Orphan Sunday, November 8
Orphan Sunday is a worldwide event to raise awareness about the causes, circumstance and needs of orphans. There are many ways to assist: including caring for the fatherless here in Houston and around the world, supporting and helping families who are fostering or adopting, providing respite care for them, or fostering children or adopting children yourself. Learn more at http://orphansunday.org.
Outreach to Syrian Refugees
Are you or your Bible Study Class looking for a way to help Syrian refugees? Contact Mission Action Team Leader, Heather Bell, at christbelieve63@gmail.com for more information.
 BAPTIZED-
October 25: Reilly Lagrange
November 1: Michelle Stanulonis, Ada Lau, Wei-Min Chen
SYMPATHY TO-
Evelyn Hicks on the death of her mother
LaVerba Hunsicker on the death of her brother
CONGRATULATIONS TO-
Kyle and Meredith Stahl on the birth of Connor Gregory on October 26. Connor weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Budget, Oct. 2015 - Sept. 2016: $9,512,300
Dec. Requirements (15% budget): $1,426,845
Budget Requirements YTD: $842,235
Receipts Fiscal YTD: $689,996
Fiscal YTD Budget Excess/(Deficit): ($152,239)
Budget Receipts:
10/25/15 - $82,097
11/1/15 - $188,917
Requirements (weekly): $168,447
Excess/(Deficit)
10/25/15 - ($86,350)
11/1/15 - $20,470
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