January/February 2016

Love Where You Live.
January/February 2016
Newsletter
Vision: “Reaching our neighbors with the love of Christ
in Sun City and beyond”
Mission: We are a voice of hope, living by faith, known by love!
KELLY’S CONNECTION ~
2015 was a wonderful year. We experienced abundant blessings
worshipping together as a family; lifting our voices in praise to our heavenly
Father. Bible studies and Connection Groups helped us know God’s Word and
develop closer relationships. We laughed together in the good times and
supported one another through the tough times. The choir led us in worship
through excellent music and Power Lunch gave us a weekly way to encourage
our friends and neighbors to get involved. We were blessed with 141 new
members of our family this year. As the year came to a close we understood
God was leading us to purchase another facility that will enable our continued
growth in the years ahead. This step of faith communicates clearly that we love our neighbors as
ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and thus fulfill the Lord’s plan for us. Please take a moment to thank
God for the blessings of 2015 (even if you did it on Thanksgiving Day).
I thank God for you and the opportunity to serve God with you in 2016. There is a new page in
my journal and my 2016 calendar has blank days yet to be filled with blessings and challenges. One
reason I’m excited about the coming year is the fact that 2015 was a pivotal year for me as a result
of my participation in the strategic planning process. I have a clearer sense of direction and purpose
for 2016 and beyond. I want to lead the TWP family to fulfill this vision, “To reach our neighbors
with the love of Christ in Sun City and beyond,” which will bring honor and glory to God. Our
mission is to be “a voice of hope, living by faith and known by love.”
In 2016 our theme is “Love Where you Live.” I encourage you to pray about how you might show
Christian love to your neighbors in creative and caring ways and in so doing, we will show our love
for God. Let us commit to live each day and serve God faithfully so that what we do is for kingdom
purposes and the glory of God.
Thank you to Elaine Carpenter and the Board of Trustees, the Core Steering Committee,
consultant Donald McLachlan, and the church for their prayer, commitment, and vision.
Happy New Year!
Kelly
The 8:15 a.m. Worship Service
is Making a Change!
Dear Worship Place family,
A brand new year is upon us full of endless
possibilities. I am thankful for all of God’s
wonderful blessings in 2015, and look
forward with great anticipation to the amazing
blessings in store for our lives and The Worship Place as
we serve Him. I appreciate each of you and if there is
any way I can help assist you with your spiritual journey
in 2016, please contact me. Here are a few important
dates in the coming months as we seek to give God
glory and honor in everything we do:
Power Lunch:
January 6 – Allen Christopherson
January 13 – Dave Carey (Purple Heart recipient and
former POW in Vietnam)
January 20 – “The Wizard of BiG” production
January 27 – Meg Brown (former University of Texas
basketball player and cancer survivor)
Coming in February…
Rick Stanley – step-brother to Elvis Presley
Gersan and Betty Valcian – missionaries to Haiti
sponsored by TWP
Roy Rodgers impersonator
Beginning Sunday, January 3, 2016,
the 8:15 service in the Fellowship Hall
will become:
The Vintage Worship Service
(traditional hymns and old-time favorites)
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Are you struggling to find the TWP ministry in which you
would like to serve? On Tuesdays, January 26 and
February 2 at 10:30—11:30 a.m., our Associate Pastor
David Cobb will be leading a 2 session Serving Class
(Discovering your Spiritual Gifts). This class will help
you to better understand your passion in ministry so
you can find your place of service at TWP. You can sign
up for this class in the Welcome Center beginning
January 9 or by contacting David Cobb at
[email protected].
(Check Sunday bulletins for speaker confirmation;
schedule is subject to change.)
And lastly, see the information on this page regarding
the next Spiritual Gifts Class. Please join us.
God bless you,
David
Winter Bible Studies
Join us every Wednesday
11:30 a.m.—Fellowship & Lunch
12:00 p.m. Speaker



Begin Saturday, January 2, 2016
Detailed information is available at
the Welcome Center and
sanctuary reception desk.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
Wonderful Fellowship
Good Food
Sign up in the Welcome Center early to ensure a seat
for lunch, $5 at the door.
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All Family Meeting
Wednesday, January 13
Fellowship Hall
1:00—2:00 p.m.
Meet with trustees to present and discuss the 2016
proposed budget and meet the trustee nominee.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Saturday & Sunday
January 16 & 17
At the close of each service
Congregation will vote to adopt the budget, elect
trustees, and elect the 2016 Nominating Committee.
Congregational Vote from
December 19 & 20, 2015
You are invited to a reception for
Our New Associate Pastor
Allen Christopherson & his wife, Becky
Sunday, January 10, 2-4 pm
We are pleased to announce that the vote to purchase
NewChurch was positive with a vote of 86% yes. The
Core Steering Team will continue the process to
acquire the property.
(Allen will join the TWP staff on January 2)
TWP Travels to the Pacific Coast
of Guatemala, January 23-30
Our members will work with an LS400
drilling rig and the Living Water drill
team. They will also work with the
hygiene team in teaching proper
sanitation techniques and Bible stories.
Their hope is that they will make
meaningful relationships, and be a
testimony to the faithfulness of God.
Please pray for these TWP team
members as they minister to others
overseas:
Grief Share Seminar/Support Group
Begins January 27—April 20
Each Wednesday, 1:00—2:30 p.m.
Library
Grief Share is a 13-week Seminar/Support Group for
people grieving the loss of a loved one. It’s a place
where you can be around others who understand the
pain of your loss. You will learn valuable information
that will help you through this difficult time. Each
session starts with a professional video on a specific
topic, followed by a facilitated group discussion and
sharing of thoughts and experiences.
David Berneking, Patsy Berneking
Jim Mizell, Bonnie Mizell
John McDuffie, Patty Wilson, Linda Stokes
Steve Northcutt, Marvean Northcutt
Barry Tripp, Cindy Tripp
For more information contact:
Jim Nelson, 512-931-2229 or [email protected] or
Cheryl White, 512-864-1380, [email protected]
To Register:
Contact the church office, 512-869-1310.
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START THE NEW YEAR
WITH A “BANG”…
Have you added “joining a Connection
Group” to your New Year’s goals? If
not, now is the time! Be on the lookout
before each service on January 9 & 10 for some exciting
news regarding our small group ministry here at TWP
called Connection Groups (CoG).
Adam Paul Williams
Concert Artist at The Worship Place
Sunday, January 31 at 6:00 p.m.
We have arranged for our CoG Coordinators to be
available to answer questions and new member sign-up
after the Power Lunch on Wednesday, January 13. If
you aren’t able to attend Power Lunch that day, please
contact Brenda or Kerry Kennedy to join others in our
church community as you come to BELONG to a family
group of believers, GROW
together by studying God’s
word, and SERVE others
through your own small
group (CoG).
Adam Paul is in full-time music evangelism, and he has
toured across the country and Europe with his
remarkable tenor voice. He has been guest soloist at
many large churches including Charles Stanley's First
Baptist Atlanta. His recordings have found air play over
Christian radio, and he is one of the featured soloists
for The Singing Men of Texas. Adam Paul lives in
McKinney, Texas with his wife and two young boys. For
this event, he will bring a concert pianist from Austin to
accompany him and will offer some stirring piano
selections. The concert is free with a love offering to
be taken for Adam Paul's ministry and an opportunity
to participate in his favorite cause, Compassion
International. More information on Adam Paul can be
found on his website: adampaulwilliams.com.
Scott & Sharon Dean
We will be offering a CoG
Certification/Training Course on Saturday, January 30
from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. for those interested in
hosting or facilitating a new Connection Group.
DON’T DELAY –
The clock is ticking, and we are waiting for YOU!
Contact: Brenda or Kerry Kennedy –
[email protected] or 210-347-5141.
Annual Dulcimers Concert
To Benefit The Caring Place
Sunday, January 17
3 p.m., Sanctuary
Every Wednesday
10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary
If you are unable to attend, we invite you to
pray at home during this time.
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Couples for Christ
Marriage Ministry
Couples for Christ (CfC) is a new marriage
ministry at TWP intended to strengthen and
regenerate the Christian family life through
commitment to the Lord and one another. The
vision is to mature as men and women of God
under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and be a
godly example to our families and the world.
We have planned quarterly CfC events for 2016
such as: socials, “date nights,” conferences,
service projects, hideaways, Bible Studies/
courses, etc. Please keep an eye out for these
events and know that all married couples are
encouraged to be a part of this ministry.
This study will challenge you to love
better, to love first and to love
for a lifetime!
Saturdays, Feb. 6—March 12
4:00—4:45 p.m.
Library
Sign up January 6–29 in the Welcome Center
Space for 6 couples, then waiting list
Please plan to attend all 6 sessions
Contacts: Ev & Roger Rhoderick
214-227-7440
[email protected]
Patti Garrett
Trustee of Discipleship & Christian Education
Launching in
January 2016
Pew Angels
The Worship Ministry is in need of
additional Pew Angels!
Cancer care ministry is a hope ministry. While it
involves prayer, counsel, visits and assistance, it is
centered on bringing God's hope to patients and their
caregivers, family and friends.
Contact Pastor David for more information:
[email protected].
Please contact Chub Meeker, [email protected] for
task description and/or to sign up. (On a rotating basis,
this group is responsible for replenishing the seat back
materials in the sanctuary after worship services.)
Gifts from November & December
Condolences
Donations were received in memory of
Richard Crain, Jack Rogers,
Ruth & Howell Jones,
Mildred Coughman, Shirley Griffin,
Jimmie Barnett, Kathryn Sue Daniels,
Marita McElvain’s mother,
and Ed Jasperson,
and in honor of Coletti Barnett.
The Worship Place
extends condolences to the families
of Jack Rogers, Ed Jasperson,
Charles “Chily” Jackson and
Joe Phillips on their
recent passing.
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Regular TWP Events
Women’s Ministry Brunch
Monday, January 11
10:00 a.m., $7 at the door
“Name Dropping” is the topic by speaker, Sun
City resident and author, Phyllis Robinson, who
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will share some of her favorite Bible
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verses with humor.
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Monday, February 8
10:00 a.m., $7 at the door
More details to come.
TWP Book Club
3rd Tuesday of each month
January 19 & February 16
Sign up in the Welcome Center.
1:30 p.m. in the library
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
For more information contact
Sandy Cherney, 512-863-9751.
2nd Tuesday of each month
January 12 & February 9
8:00 a.m.
$5 at the door, sign up in the Welcome Center.
Christian Literature Book Club
Last month, the men's
ministry was joined by the
women's ministry in a
Christmas mission project for
cottage #17 at TBCH. Outside
lights and decorations were
installed and indoor
Christmas decorations were hung. All the mothers and
children were present and we got to visit with them while the
children made personal ornaments for the tree. Afterwards
we enjoyed a hamburger and hot dog cookout along with all
the fixings.
3rd Monday of each month
January 18
9:30 a.m. in the library
Welcome to the New Year of Reading. Our TWP
Christian Book Club will meet on Monday, January 18 to
select new titles for 2016. This is a great time to join
us. Come to the church library at 9:30 a.m. and bring
possible titles and authors to suggest. Contact Ann Hay,
512-869-1120 or [email protected] to get on the
distribution list.
Fellowship Tuesday
(2nd & 4th Tuesdays)
January 12 & 26
February 9 & 23
1:00—5:00 p.m.
We completed costumes for the
Christmas musical and are currently
working on mesh tote bags for Texas
Baptist Children's Home. We also have
a group that enjoys a variety of games.
Join the fun and make new friends! For
more information, contact Coletti
Barnett, Elaine Cielo or Deanna
Campbell.
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Join us Saturday
4:00 p.m. Bible Study, Fellowship Hall
5:00 p.m. Worship, Sanctuary
Come to Experience:

A friendly, warm welcome
 Gifted & inspirational music leaders
 Appealing Spirit-led music style
 Enthusiastic worship
 An atmosphere favorable for inviting guests
 Interactive & inclusive Bible study
 Worship with a “family feel”
 New relationships
 New serving opportunities
“Sweets for the Sweet”
Dessert Buffet
Valentine’s Day Social
in February
Introducing our Newly Organized
Church Library
New Opportunities to Serve
The church library, located in the sanctuary building to
the north of the sanctuary, is now organized
alphabetically by author. You are welcome to borrow
books from the library and return them to the Blessings
Basket (please do not remove the sticker from the
spine of the book as that tells whether or not it is in the
data base).
Volunteers Needed for Saturday Worship
Welcome Center & Sanctuary
Reception Desk greeters
 Door greeters
 Ushers
Please contact Mary Anne, 512-843-4684
[email protected]

The books are currently listed on librarything.org with
the user name: theworshipplace and the password:
church.
The website allows sorting by title, author and
category. You may use your home computer or the
laptop in the church library for your search. You may
also create a free account of your own with Library
Thing which allows you to create your home library, but
also search the church one. Any questions can be
directed to Linda Holstien, [email protected].
TWP Long-Sleeved Polo-type T-shirts
Approx. $25
Call the church office if interested
in ordering, 512-869-1310.
Couple’s Hideaway, Nov. 2015
Fredericksburg, Texas
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SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF
Kay Merritt
Accounting Assistant
Spotlight on
Benevolence Recipient
Hope Alliance
Kay holds a Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Business Administration
with minors in Accounting and
Management. She spent the majority of her life
working in Administration, Personnel or Accounting in
various industries. Kay is a retired First Sergeant from
the U.S. Army with 21 years of combined active and
reserve service. Ron and Kay have been married over
28 years and have a shared family with five (5) children,
eight (8) grandchildren, and eight (8) greatgrandchildren. We are blessed to have Kay on our team!
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Mission: To assist those affected by family and sexual
violence by providing services and developing
partnerships that renew hope, highlight possibilities
and change futures, while working to prevent these
crimes from occurring.
Objectives: Hope Alliance operates under the belief
that physical, sexual, emotional and psychological
abuse of one human being by another is unacceptable.
We believe that all abuse diminishes or prohibits the
full expression of life and growth that is every person’s right.
Women’s Ministry for their
$2,000 to the Building Fund
Power Lunch for their $5,500
OFFERINGS:
General Operating Fund
Benevolence
Buidling Fund
Memorial Fund
Missions
Other
Thrivent Choice
The Worship Place is now enrolled as a participating
organization in Thrivent Choice. Thrivent is a charitable
grant program that allows eligible members to
recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes part of
its charitable outreach grant funds each year. You may
direct your Choice Dollars to The Worship Place.
TOTAL
October
$70,961
16,985
32,164
345
230
250
November
$81,050
20,262
46,276
260
220
25
$120,935
$148,093
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING
11/30/15 (for Treasurer's Report):
Electronic Giving
Electronic giving is a simple and
convenient way to sustain and
support your church. One
member recently said “It’s the
best decision I’ve made. I don’t
have to remember to bring my
checkbook to church anymore!”
Actual
Budget
General Operating Fund
Income
$843,312
$797,839
General Operating Fund
Expenses
$781,120
$800,171
$1,410,577
$1,237,068
$998,721
$981,583
Total Income
Total Expenses
See Janie Peak, in the Finance Office, for assistance.
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November/December New Members
Edith Williams
Don & Francia Gentry
Randy & Marcia Trott
Tony & Joyce DiRosario, 120 Breckenridge Street
Matt & Nancy Wiegand, 104 Mustang Island Trail
John & Peggy Rapp, 103 River View Cove
Ray & Regina Kurtz, 124 Mountain Laurel Way
David & Darlene Homeier, Heritage Oaks
Larry & Gladys Hunting, 107 Coreopsis Way
Jim Hester, 101 Elderberry Cove
Don & Francia Gentry, 800 Rio Grande Loop
Edith Williams, 106 Deer Meadows Circle
Al & Lynda Jones, 108 San Antonio Road
Kevin Patterson, 253 Red Poppy Trail
Betty Geddes, 288 Whispering Wind
Ann Brown, 202 Whispering Wind
Barry & Cheryl Cristillo, Georgetown Village
Linda Shoemake, 410 Cooper Lake Drive
Mike & Mary Dunn, 121 Stockman Trail
Bill Ramsey, 107 Sea Rim Cove
Marla Forrest, 107 Sea Rim Cove
Ken & Karen Martin, 109 Travis Drive
Howard & Barbara Fletcher, 108 Crosby
Betty Geddes
Ann Brown
Larry & Gladys Hunting
Ray & Regina Kurtz
David & Darlene Homeier Barry & Cheryl Cristillo
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Jerry Atkinson
John & Peggy Rapp
Matt & Nancy Weigand
Decisions from November 16, 2015 Trustee Meeting

Approval of expenditure of $12,500 for LED dimmable bulbs to replace all incandescent and
fluorescent lighting in the Sanctuary for an annual energy savings of $3,600.

Mexican Free Tail Bats found in the ceiling of the sanctuary. In January 2016 the ridge vents will be
covered at a cost of $10,000 to $12,000. This closure will result in an annual energy savings of
$1,550.

Approval of up to $6,000 to cover a title search, building inspection, appraisal fees, consultant fees,
and attorney fees to allow us to gather information for a vote in December.

Building debt at the end of October was $261,189.

Couples for Christ, a new ministry for married couples, will have a six week course held on
Saturdays in 2016. Soul Mates and Fireproof Bible Study also planned.

Approved $3,200 for a spotlight, additional wireless microphone for Allen Christopherson and a new
computer for the lighting system.

Mission Committee distributed a donation of $15,000 of Benevolence funds to Somerset Community
Church (NewChurch).
Decisions from December 14, 2015 Trustee Meeting

Building debt as of December 14th is $133,400, should be paid off in April 2016.

Budget is complete with pro forma expenses of NewChurch included.

The Voices of Christmas performances’ attendance was record-setting with a total of 1,521 359 more than last year.

Tom Dodds is offering to serve for another 3 year term and Gary Cluck is offering to serve his first 2
year term.

Full minutes will be posted on the bulletin board and on the web site. All are invited to attend the
next trustee meeting on January 18, 2016 at NewChurch.
Decisions from December 8, 2015 Special Called Trustee Meeting

Trustees approved TWP purchase NewChurch property consisting of 20 acres, 18,200 s/f building,
furniture and equipment; by paying off their existing loan, an equity payment of $225,000 plus
closing costs for a total of not more than $1.725 million. The congregational vote for approval of this
purchase will be December 19 & 20.
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Christmas Musical 2015
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The Worship Place
811 Sun City Boulevard
Georgetown, TX 78633
Non Profit Organization
Permit No. 417
US Postage Paid
Georgetown, TX 78626
Address Correction Requested
Love Where You Live.
January/February 2016
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Saturday—5:00 p.m. (Blended)
Sunday—8:15, 9:15 & 11:00 AM (Traditional)
Dr. Kelly Barnett, Senior Pastor
David Cobb, Associate Pastor
Allen Christopherson, Associate Pastor
Jim Clayman, Minister of Music
Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
[email protected]
Member/Attendance Information
Retirement of the Debt
Full Members
1,133
Associate Members
56
Non-resident Members
68
Total Membership
1,257
Regular Participants
226
We are working toward the reduction of debt on the
Fellowship Hall building. We will keep you informed
of our progress through the monthly newsletters.
-0- Debt
New Members
$110,882
Balance, 12/21/15
Guests
Avg. Sunday
Attendance
Avg. Saturday
Attendance
$739,199
Balance, 8/31/14
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Oct.
Nov.
9
21
23
27
745
752
____
140