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THE NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH OF BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA

Sunday Bulletin
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2013

THE STORY BEHIND O HOLY NIGHT

In 1847, Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure was asked by his parish priest to pen a poem for Christmas mass. In a dusty coach traveling down a bumpy road to Paris, he imagined witnessing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Moved by his work, Cappeau decided that his "Cantique de Noel" was not just a poem, but a song. Not musically inclined himself, the poet turned to one of his friends, Adolphe Charles Adams, for help. As a man of Jewish ancestry, Adams quickly went to work, even though he didn't celebrate Christmas, or view Christ as the Son of God. He finished the job, and the song was performed just three weeks later at a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Initially, "Cantique de Noel" was accepted by the church in France, and the song quickly found its way into other Christmas services. But when Placide Cappeau walked away from the church and became a part of the socialist movement, and the church discovered that Adolphe Adams was a Jew, the song was denounced by the church. Yet even as the church tried to bury the Christmas song, the French people continued to sing it. A decade later, an American writer, John Sullivan Dwight, felt that this wonderful Christmas song needed to be introduced to America. An ardent abolitionist, Dwight strongly identified with the lines of the third verse: "Truly he taught us to love one another; his law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother; and in his name all oppression shall cease." The text supported Dwight's own view of slavery in the South. Published in his magazine, Dwight's English translation of "O Holy Night" quickly found favor in America, especially in the North during the Civil War.

BUILDING PROJECT NEED

After a recent inspection of our roof, it was apparent that the churchs roof needed work. There are some areas of our roof that need immediate attention. Our church will need approximately $22,000 to re-roof the church (not the new addition). Funds have already been received in the amount of $10,000 for this project. We need to raise the remaining $12,000 by the end of December. You can designate your financial gift on our giving envelopes by using the BUILDING FUND box.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2013

10 AMSunday School 11 AMMorning Service

Thank you for choosing to worship at the New Testament Baptist Church of Butler. Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred for the eternal as we sing songs & hymns that direct your heart toward Christ and challenge you through the preaching of Gods Word. There are friendly people at our Welcome Center in the lobby who will gladly assist you with any questions you may have during your visit. Allow us to make you feel at home during your visit. Firsttime adult visitors and families are asked to visit our Welcome Center to receive a hospitality bag with a gift card to Chick-fil-A.

First Time Visitors

DO YOU KNOW WITH BIBLE CERTAINTY THAT HEAVEN WILL BE YOUR ETERNAL HOME?
Our Dilemma: We are, by nature, sinners who stand guilty and condemned before our Creator and Judge. In our thoughts and actions, we have disobeyed His perfect standards. We are sinners. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God Romans 3:23. Our Inability: We are helpless to save ourselves. Forgiveness is a gift to be received, not a reward that can be earned. We need a Saviour. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord Romans 6:23. Our Saviour: Because of His love for us, God provided salvation through His Son, Jesus. He became a member of the human family, lived sinlessly, and died on the cross to pay for our sins. Jesus is the Saviour! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life John 3:16. Our Response: Salvation is an individual matter and requires a personal response on the part of anyone that wants to be saved. All who acknowledge their sin and place their trust in Christ are adopted as Gods children. Whisper a sincere prayer and invite Christ to save you. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Romans 10:13.

Parents with Infants & Young Children

Out of respect for your loved ones and those in attendance, we ask parents to use our clean & well -equipped nursery. This free service is available for newborns and infants (birth through 24 months). Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. Assistance is available at the Welcome Center. During the Winter months when our church does not have organized soul winning, our church family is encouraged to TAKE FIVE Gospel tracts and distribute them throughout the week.

Service Schedule
Sunday: 10:00 AM Adult & Childrens Bible Study Classes 11:00 AM Morning Preaching 6:00 PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM Evening Preaching Patch the Pirate Children Choral Clubs Wednesday: 7:00 PM Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Saturday: 10:30 AM Bus Visitation
724.282.2494

Bring a food item to share with other ladies. Ladies should also bring a gift for their Prayer Sister. If you do NOT have a Prayer Sister, bring an ornament to exchange with another lady.

Secret Prayer Sisters Revealed Thursday, December 12 6:30 PMLower Level

Church Family Christmas Dinner At the Atrium

Sunday, December 22, 6 PM $18/adult $7/ child (10 yrs, or younger) $50/family rate
Register & pre-pay at the Welcome Center
www.VisitNTBC.com

437 North Duffy Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16001