Events held at Central Baptist Church

(In Alphabetical Order)

Baby/Child Dedication  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 19:13 ¹³Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.

This event is a joyous occasion where parents dedicate the upbringing of their children to the Lord and we as a congregation dedicate ourselves to help parents bring up their children in a God-centered environment. Typically these ceremonies will be scheduled after several babies have been born into the church family. However, older children who have not been dedicated can participate as well. An announcement will be made during both worship services and published in the church newsletter. Then parents may sign up to be a part of this event by contacting the church office so we will have enough certificates, bibles and roses for each family represented. The dedication ceremony usually takes place at the end of the 10:45 am worship service.

Baptism  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 3:16 ¹⁶As soon as Jesus was baptized; he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.

Baptism is one of two Church Ordinances, the other being the Lord’s Supper. This church will receive for baptism any person who has received Jesus Christ as Savior by personal faith, who professes him publicly, and who indicates a commitment to follow Christ as Lord. Baptism will be by immersion in water administered by the pastor or person that the pastor, deacons (in absence of the pastor) or church shall authorize. The baptism team assists in the preparation for and the observance of baptism. Baptism may be administered as an act of worship during any worship service of the church or as designated by the pastor, deacons and/or the church. People who are candidates for baptism meet with the pastor to arrange a time to be baptized. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact the pastor so a time can be arranged. Some prior preparation of the church facilities is necessary for this to take place.

Business Meeting  (return to Table of Contents)

Acts 20:28 ²⁸Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Business meetings are scheduled quarterly on Wednesday evenings, unless otherwise designated by the steering team. These meetings generally take place once a quarter at 7:15 pm and last approximately 45 minutes. All active members of this church in attendance at these meetings will be eligible to vote on items brought up at the meeting. Meetings are governed by the spirit of the New Testament and Robert's Rules of Order, Revised. All church business and team meetings will seek a spirit of consensus and cooperation. An agenda and team reports are available at this time. Please check with the church office to see which items might be discussed during these meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to take care of the business of the church and should be attended by all members so information can be disseminated to the congregation.

Coffee Can Ice Cream Night  (return to Table of Contents)

Philippians 4:4 ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

This event is sponsored by the missions’ organizations and is held the last Wednesday night of July from 6:15-7:15 in the fellowship hall. The Mission Friends and the GA’s make ice cream by mixing ingredients and rolling them inside coffee cans filled with ice and rock salt. This creates the best homemade ice cream ever! This is the climax of the mission year before the August break. Everyone is invited to sample some of these frosty treats.

Easter Breakfast  (return to Table of Contents)

Luke 24:6a ⁶He is not here; he has risen!

The Easter breakfast is a time of celebration where all church members are invited to come at 8:00 am – 9:30 am on Easter morning to have breakfast together. The Fellowship Team organizes this event. A sign up sheet is posted weeks in advance so the proper preparations can be made for all to have an enjoyable time of fellowship celebrating the resurrection of our Lord! Following breakfast all participants are encouraged to go to Sunday School and then the 10:45 morning worship service. A 7:30 early service is also available before the breakfast.

Graduation Recognition  (return to Table of Contents)

2 Timothy 4:7 ⁷ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Students who are graduating from high school, college, or graduate school will be recognized during May prior to the Rockwood School District graduation ceremony. During this recognition time a video presentation is viewed during the morning worship service. This presentation contains photos of graduates from birth to the present. All those wishing to participate need to inform the church office and bring in photos a month in advance so the video presentation can be completed. Graduates are honored with a small gift from the church and a luncheon following the morning worship service at 12:30 pm. The purpose of this time is to honor our graduates and celebrate their accomplishments.

G.R.O.W.  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 9:35-38 ³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

This stands for God Rewards Our Work. This event is led by the Evangelism Team and is held every Thursday at 7:00 pm at church. This is a visitation ministry that reaches out to our community. Sunday School classes are asked to take turns participating one designated Thursday evening each month at 7:00 pm. Please see the church calendar for your Sunday School class’s date. However, if that Thursday evening does not fit into your schedule please feel free to come on a different Thursday or day of the week. During this time members are asked to visit people who have filled out visitor cards during worship services or Sunday school. The office gathers this information and gives it to the Evangelism Team member that will be in charge of that Thursday’s visitation. The purpose of this event is to help newcomers feel welcome in our church and in our community. The church also has an ample supply of cards that can be sent to prospects or church members who have been out of church attendance due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. Cards can be filled out at church for mailing by the church office. All of us are laborers together with Christ through the Holy Spirit and charged to bring the gospel message to those around us.

Ladies Christmas Dinner/ Secret Pals  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 1:18 ¹⁸This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

This event takes place the first Saturday evening in December. All ladies of the church are invited to attend this dinner. This dinner is organized by all the ladies of the church who wish to participate. Next year’s team of organizers is chosen during this celebration. Dinner is served first and a program follows. The Secret Pal program is also conducted at this time. Secret pals from the previous year will be revealed and new ones will be chosen for those wanting to participate. If you do not have a secret pal and would like to have one, please attend this event. However, it is not necessary to have a secret pal or obtain a secret pal in order to attend this holiday gathering. There is always a sign up sheet posted in November for those wishing to attend. The Ladies Christmas dinner helps the ladies of the church to get to know one another better through fellowship and gift exchange.

Lord’s Supper  (return to Table of Contents)

Luke 22:19-20  ¹⁹And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." ²⁰In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Matthew 26:26-30 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." ²⁷Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." ³⁰When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The Lord’s Supper is one of two ordinances of the church, the other being baptism. The church observes the Lord's Supper regularly at any worship service or place and time designated by the pastor, deacons, and/or the church. The pastor and deacons administer the Lord's Supper to born again believers in the congregation that are in attendance during this observance.  The Lord's Supper team is responsible for the physical preparations. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic observance. Jesus instructed us in Luke 22 to observe this last supper “in remembrance of me [Jesus].” The deacons distribute small, unleavened pieces of “bread” to those participating. This “bread” represents the body of Jesus Christ, which was broken for us as he died to become the sacrifice for our sins. Following a prayer, the deacons then distribute small glasses of purple grape juice used to represent the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for our sins so we could be forgiven. Another prayer is prayed and the congregation is dismissed after the singing of a hymn. It is at this time the deacons stand in the back of the church with offering plates in order to collect money for the benevolence fund. These monies are used to help individuals who come to our church looking for help due to unfortunate circumstances in their lives. 

Maunday Thursday  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 26:17-19 ¹⁷On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?" ¹⁸He replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.' "¹⁹So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

The Maunday Thursday service is held the Thursday evening before Good Friday. This is the day that Jesus met with his disciples and performed the first Lord’s Supper. This was the last time Jesus met with all 12 disciples before his crucifixion. This is a quiet evening service where the Lord’s Supper is served. Scripture is read and at the end everyone leaves the service in a quiet manner remembering what Jesus did so we might be forgiven of our sins.

Mother/Daughter Ladies Banquet  (return to Table of Contents)

Genesis 28:14 ¹⁴ And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

This event occurs around Mother’s Day in May. It is sponsored by the Missions’ Organizations. A committee of Baptist Women and Baptist Young Women organize this event. Any women of the church along with their relatives and guests may attend this celebration of Godly women. Please be sure to sign up for yourself and any guests you will be bringing. The signup will be on the bulletin board in April so proper plans can be made for the dinner portion of this get together. This celebration begins with a dinner followed by a program with a prayer calendar and speaker.

Pasta with the Pastor  (return to Table of Contents)

John 4:34-35 ³⁴"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ³⁵Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

This event takes place about 3 times a year and is hosted by the Discipleship Team. Others involved with its planning include the church staff, the Fellowship Team, the deacons and the pastor. Those who attend this event are usually sent a letter of invitation from the pastor several weeks in advance. Visitors and new members are typically those who are invited. If you are invited, please RSVP the number of family members that will be attending. If you have not been invited, but wish to attend, contact the church office. The purpose of this event is for newcomers to learn about Central Baptist Church and some of our organizations. This event is a luncheon that takes place immediately following the 10:45 morning worship service. After the luncheon the pastor and various other individuals explain the workings of the church. There is a short question and answer time following. The whole event typically takes about 2 hours.

Picnic – Annual Church-wide Picnic   (return to Table of Contents)

1 Corinthians 10:31   ³¹So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

The church picnic is an annual event sponsored by the Fellowship Team. This event is held on a Sunday afternoon in September at Drewel Park here in Eureka. It typically begins at 12:30 pm. Members of the congregation are asked to bring a vegetable, salad or a dessert. The Fellowship Team prior to the picnic will make these assignments. The church traditionally provides the meat for lunch. Fellowship is the main purpose of this event. After lunch games are set up for young and old alike. Everyone is encouraged to stay for praise music that is sung at the end of the event. Many times a touch football game takes place between the youth and the men of the church. Only those with proper medical coverage should consider playing. HA!! Those participating in the picnic are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or picnic blanket. Other recreational items may also be brought such as, ball gloves, Frisbees, bikes, or outdoor games. The park provides restrooms, playground equipment and a pavilion.

Reality House  (return to Table of Contents)

Romans 6:23 ²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

This annual event takes place in October the week before Halloween. The church begins publicity in late August and early September. The entire month of October is focused on getting ready for this event. We work with the Eureka Police and Fire Departments to depict a realistic car accident. Participants are shown a video of an event involving questionable and dangerous practices by young adults (drinking and driving) then participants walk through a church service where Christ is hanging on the cross. Then they are driven around to the back parking lot where they witness a car accident. After that they typically are taken through a hospital operating room, a morgue, and a funeral home before being lead to heaven and hell. Upon leaving Hell they are escorted to counseling rooms to discuss what they have just seen and how it has impacted their lives. Below is an advertising blurb that has been used in one local newspaper:

Before “Survivor”, before “Fear Factor” - Reality House!! Real people, facing real situations, real life and death destiny. How will your soul survive? Come and Experience Reality House!! Reality House is a spiritual alternative and challenge that allows you to travel through a series of events including Death, Hell, and Heaven. Come and experience the "Reality" of real life and death choices. Real actors, real events that everyone will have to face some day. Are you ready?

This event is free and opened to the public. Canned food donations will also be accepted, but not required for entry.

**Reality House is very realistic and children under 6th grade may not feel comfortable. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

All members of the church are involved in some capacity to help with this event. We need actors, counselors, set up crews, make up people, food & money donations, meal preparation, children workers and nursery workers to take care of the children of those who are helping with this event. There will be a series of sign up sheets where you can sign up to help. All are needed and welcome. We also have special prayer times to pray for those participating and working during this event. The event typically runs Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm depending the actual day of the week that the 31^st falls on. Set up happens after church the Sunday prior and tear down occurs Monday until Wednesday after. All other activities of the church are altered or cancelled during this time, so pay close attention to newsletters and announcements of how regular events will be altered. The purpose of this event is to reach the lost for Christ. Come be a part of this church-wide evangelism tool.

Revival  (return to Table of Contents)

Acts 2:36-41 ³⁶"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." ³⁷When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" ³⁸Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." ⁴⁰With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." ⁴¹Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Revival services are multi-day meetings where a guest evangelist comes and speaks several evenings during the week. Special events are held in conjunction with the revival services like luncheons, kids and youth events, and special music nights. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring their friends and family members that need to come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ.

Sports: Volleyball and Softball  (return to Table of Contents)

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ²⁴Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Volleyball is offered in the spring for men and women 16 and older There are usually one or two games per week. It is necessary to sign up to play on these teams. Once the schedules of games have been distributed and play begins be sure to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled game and tell your team captain if you can not attend a game so arrangements can be made to insure enough players are available for every game. The purpose of this activity is to promote exercise and fellowship. There are men and women’s teams offered, and the cost and schedules vary.

Softball is offered July through September for men and women 16 and older. There are usually one or two games per week. It is necessary to sign up to play on these teams. Once the schedules of games have been distributed and play begins be sure to arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled game and tell your team captain if you can not attend a game so arrangements can be made to insure enough players are available for every game. The purpose of this activity is to promote exercise and fellowship. There are men and women’s teams offered, and the cost and schedules vary.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)  (return to Table of Contents)

Proverbs 22:6 ⁶ Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Vacation Bible School usually takes place the first full week of July after the 4^th of July holiday. The opening begins in the sanctuary at 9:00 am. Parents pick up their children in the classrooms at noon. Workers need to arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 am. Classes are lead by adults and assisted by youth.  Thursday night is Family Night for parents to come watch the children sing and tour the classrooms. Usually outdoor activities are available during Family Night after the singing. A sign up for workers to teach classes and assist in other areas begins in the spring. Registration for children to attend VBS begins in spring as well. All children ages 4 (By July 1^st)– 5th grade can attend VBS. Workers are needed in the nursery and with the 2-3 year old classes. These classes are available for the children of people working in VBS only. People are also needed to work in the kitchen, to work with recreation and to supply snacks for the workers. The purpose of Vacation Bible School is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to children in our church and community.

Wednesday Night Activities  (return to Table of Contents)

Acts 2:42 ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Wednesday evenings are a great time of food, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer at Central Baptist. The evening starts with dinner in the fellowship hall beginning at 5:15 and going until 6:30 pm. These dinners are held during the months of September – May. Please sign up for dinner by using the yellow or blue cards located in the pews in the sanctuary. They can be filled out and placed in the offering plate during the Sunday worship service. You can also call the church office by Monday at noon to place your reservations for the following Wednesday. There is a slight charge for dinner that is collected before eating in the fellowship hall. Bible studies and Mission classes run from 6:15 until 7:15 pm. after the dinner. Children’s mission classes are located in the education space. The adult and youth Bible Study classes also take place in the education space or the youth houses. The EDGE youth Bible study and praise time begins at 7:15 pm in the sanctuary and runs until 8:00 pm. At 7:15 pm Prayer meeting begins for adults in part of the fellowship hall and the children are welcomed to choir from their mission classes. A nursery is available after the fellowship dinner and runs until 8:00 pm. Please come and join us for this weekly time to be refueled to serve Christ in our daily lives.

WMU Focus Week  (return to Table of Contents)

Matthew 28:19-20 ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The second week of February is devoted to Missions activities. One highlight enjoyed by the whole church fellowship is the Wednesday evening Missions Banquet. All other Wednesday evening activities are cancelled so the church as a whole can focus on missions. Each mission’s class or organization decorates a theme table and has prayer requests for missionaries in other countries. Dinner begins at 6:00 with desserts from countries represented in the themes at the tables. During the program that follows each mission class shares activities and awards are given. A guest speaker or group of guest speakers presents a presentation before the close of the banquet. Please sign up for this event on the bulletin board in January so plans can be made for the meal.

Enjoy Serving Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ at Central Baptist Church Eureka, Missouri.