The Rocky Hock Anchor - Rocky Hock Baptist Church

JANUARY 2016
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
The Rocky Hock Anchor
The Mission of Rocky Hock Baptist Church is
to magnify Christ and make disciples of all people.
What does a Christian look like? When you look in the mirror, do you see one? When you look into the
face of Jesus Christ, do you see a likeness of Him in your spiritual reflection? In the Gospel of John, Chapters 15 17, Jesus describes what it is to be a Christian. He says a Christian is a branch and He is the vine, not a vine.
Either the Christian is permanently connected to Him, or they die in their sin. We are loved in Christ to glorify the
Father and for no other reason. We’re like Him; in looks, and love. As Christians, we become enemies of the
world and are hated because of Christ’s name and our new name: Christian. Chapter 16 tells the Christian that
Christ’s departure is to allow the Holy Spirit to equip Christians and convict and convince other sinners of His
salvation before He returns. Christians are called to suffer for the glory of Christ and God the Father. Chapter 17
tells us a Christian is totally separated from the world and totally in the Holy Spirit, which of course is God the
Father through God the Son. We are born anew because of the Truth, sanctified by the truth, and knowing the
truth, live a life solely committed to the truth and the great commandment to carry the truth to all the world! A
redeemed sinner willingly dies to his old self to be reborn a new person. He lives in Christ and depends completely
on His Word for survival. Christians worship Him and praise Him in all circumstances. They give up all the things
of the world because they gain everything that is better: things not seen, which are eternal. They love the glory of
God more than the glory of man (Acts 2:42-47). A nonbeliever, a person not saved, will find these words
confusing and offensive. A believer will hear them as an encouragement and a call to renewal to steadfast faith that
will carry him to the end of the race (II Timothy 4:6-8).
2016 is a new calendar year. What will your living reflect? Glory of men, or glory of God? Christians live
like Christians because that’s what they are. The church doesn’t have to develop programs to prompt Christians to
be Christians. Christians want to worship, serve (please), and glorify God in and through Jesus Christ. The
occasions in Scripture where there is weakness or corruption (Corinth), it’s because of unbelief due to false doctrine
and unredeemed sinners influencing the church. Birds fly because they are birds. Fish swim because that’s what
fish do! Birds don’t try to fly in water and fish don’t try to swim through the air! Their DNA equips them to be
what they are! Christians are Christian because they are like Jesus Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. Christians
instinctively want to be the church, be in worship, and exercise their gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christians do not
struggle with loyalty to Christ. The first Apostle chose death rather than deny Him. Those who do not accept
Christ and remain with Him never knew Him (John 6:22-71).
Modern day hypocrisy is no different than in Jesus’ day. The hypocrite claims to be a Christian but tries to
live in both the secular world and the spiritual world. This has never been possible. They reveal their true identity
by their walking away from Christ as Jesus said in John 6:66-71. Christians don’t struggle with deciding it’s most
important to raise their children to know God in Christ and train them to be on mission for Him. Sports and
entertainment are for fun, when time permits, but are not the hub of personal and family life. Remember, Christ
demanded of His Apostles they walk away from all former relationships and the world (Luke 9:23-26; 14: 25-35).
Family life and faith life is dying to worldly self-interests and living for eternal interests which is living for Jesus
Christ (Philippians 3).
Living life devoted to Christ is not only the right thing to do, it’s the only thing a Christian wants to do!
When Christ is our Savior and Lord we look like Him, we live like Him, we serve like Him, we love like Him
(through sharing the Gospel), and we worship Him! Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins (love of self & the
world), and He’s soon to return to take us to His heaven. Are you a living example of Christ Jesus? Are you
watching (doing the work He gave to Christians) and ready (to give an account acceptable in heaven’s court)?
Saving faith is the free gift of God in, by, and through Jesus Christ. See all Christians in worship and on His
mission field!
Dr. Horton
THE ANCHOR
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From our Minister of
Youth & Children
2 Peter 1:3-15
3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of
Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious
promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is
in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to
virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to
godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you
will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these
things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things
you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these
things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in
this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord
Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these
things after my decease.
Peter urged his fellow believers to build their faith with goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance,
godliness, brotherly affection, and love (vs. 5-7). He said that using these building blocks will keep you from
being useless (vs. 8). Take a look at Peter’s list. It’s filled with faith-building foundations that can also
transfer to your physical health. Being good to your body and learning what to eat and how to properly
exercise leads to better lifestyle. Add endurance and self-control, undergirding your efforts with prayer, and
you’ve got a winning plan for setting and accomplishing goals.
The same resolutions tend to consistently rank as top goals for men: lose weight, eat better, and
exercise more. While many people abandon New Year resolutions almost as quickly as they are made, those
who stick with them may find unexpected benefits. For example, starting a new habit of reading your bible
daily will likely affect other areas of your life, such as your behavior, in a positive way. Notice in verse 5 how
knowledge leads to love in verse 7. Peter knew the power of a personal relationship with Jesus.
Don’t be afraid to make goals. Strive to become more physically and spiritually fit. Follow the
principles in God’s word. You might find that self-discipline in one area can lead to success in other areas as
well.
Pastor Mike
Events & Opportunities for Youth
Every Sunday @ 6 PM and Every Wednesday @ 7 PM - INCREASE (Youth Bible Study)
February 5 - 7, 2016 - Ski Trip to Winterplace Ski Resort, WV - Balance of $50 is due by January 10
(We will leave the church on Friday at 11 AM & return on Sunday at 4:30 PM. Bring money for meals.)
February 7, 2016 - Super Bowl Party @ 6:30 PM in the Youth Suite - Bring a friend!
June 25 - 29, 2016 - Youth Summer Camp @ Ridgecrest, NC - Deposit of $50 due by January 24, 2016
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THE ANCHOR
From Our Minister of
Music & Education
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I am looking forward to the New Year and I am
excited for all the things that God has planned for Rocky Hock this year. As I look back and think on the time
that I have been at Rocky Hock this past year, it has been a real blessing to serve God here. I would like to
thank everyone for your warm welcome and love that you have shown me. I would like to thank the choir for
all of their hard work that they have put in since April, for all the hard work on Wednesday nights at choir
practices, and for all of the hard work on the Christmas Program. The choir has been busy, but it has been a
great time for each involved in the music ministry. I would like to thank all of the choir members, drama
team, audio technicians, video technicians, light technicians, and behind the scenes group. I would like to also
thank the sound guys and video people that help us worship in song each Sunday. I thank each one of you for
your willingness to serve in the church in this way. If God is pressing upon your heart to join the music
ministry, we have a place for you to serve in the music ministry and we would love to have new members. I
promise you that you will have fun praising God with the choir through music each Sunday.
As the New Year starts, a lot of people make New Years resolutions. I ask and pray that each one of
you make the resolution to serve God more and allow Him to make a place in your heart like never before. I
challenge you to make worship something that you do on a daily basis and not just once or twice a week.
Make it a priority in your life for this upcoming year and years to come to place God first in your life and
worldly things second.
There are so many things that clamor for our attention and devotion: jobs, kids, spouses, hobbies, the
demands and distractions of life. And we have to be careful not to let them become more important or more of
a priority than our relationship with God. The first of the Ten Commandments states we will have no other
gods before Him. Deuteronomy 5:8-9 says, “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image
of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for
I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.” Yet how
many of the things that occupy our time, money, thoughts and attention have taken the place where God is
supposed to be? When you decide to serve God with your whole heart and make Him first in your life, your
soul will prosper and your joy and peace will increase. Remember to lean on Him more than anything else,
and tell Him, “God, I want to do this, but I can’t do it without You.” Anything can become a god to us,
anything we worship or put an excessive amount of time into. Even your feelings can become a god if you
allow them to control you. We need to ask ourselves, “Am I bowing down to God and His Word or to my
feelings?”
With Christ ALL things are possible! I ask that you remember, as we start this New Year, Philippians
4:13, “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.” That is a verse that means so much to me
in my daily walk and I ask that you remember that verse as we begin this New Year. Let’s have an amazing
God centered year at Rocky Hock!
Pastor Tyler
Pastor’s Conference
Our Pastors will be attending the 2016 Pastor’s Conference at First Baptist
Church in Jacksonville, FL on January 27 - February 1. The theme is:
Study to Show Thyself Approved. They will be praying for vision and
direction in ministry for the new year.
THE ANCHOR
PAGE 4
January Word Scramble
1. OSWN ____________________________
2. LDSE _____________________________
3. ANMSNOW _______________________
4. IEC IGTNSKA _____________________
5. ATNVOCIA _______________________
RA’s Derby Race
& Lock-in
6. EWN ARYE _______________________
Friday & Saturday,
January 22 & 23
8. ARAYJUN ________________________
Multi-Purpose Room,
Special Function Room,
& Youth Suite
10.RFSAC ___________________________
7. CPEEA ___________________________
9. LASGO ___________________________
11.NEISMTT _________________________
12.NURTOIEOLS _____________________
13.RNEWTI __________________________
Children’s
Summer Camp
July 25 - 29, 2016
@ Gardner-Webb
University
$50 deposit due
on January 24th.
Parent Discipleship Orientation
Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 6 PM
Parents, we invite you to come and learn what our
New Discipleship Program is all about! We will begin
at 6 PM in the Special Function Room with dinner,
followed by the presentation at around 6:30 PM. We
hope this will be a time for you to get familiar with
how the program works, learn the responsibilities that
each child and parent has, as well as ask any questions
about the program.
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THE ANCHOR
2016 Chowan County Church Basketball League Information for RHBC
“ . . . and whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.”
~ Colossians 3:17
The most important aspect of this league is for the young people to enjoy playing and promote good
Christian fellowship. Please make sure that all rules are followed, and we all, including players,
coaches, and spectators, set good examples and honor Christ.
Practice Schedule:
Teams:
Jan. 4, 6 - 7 PM - Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle School Boys
Jan. 5, 6 - 7:30 PM - 3rd - 5th Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle/High School Girls
Jan. 7, 7 - 9 PM - High School Boys
Jan. 11, 6 - 7 PM - Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle School Boys
Jan. 12, 6 - 7:30 PM - 3rd - 5th Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle/High School Girls
Jan. 14, 7 - 9 PM - High School Boys
Jan. 18, 6 - 7 PM - Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle School Boys
Jan. 19, 6 - 7:30 PM - 3rd - 5th Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle/High School Girls
Jan. 21, 7 - 9 PM - High School Boys
Jan. 26, 6 - 7:30 PM - Kindergarten - 2nd Grade & 3rd - 5th Grade
7:30 - 9 PM - Middle School Boys
Jan. 27, 8 - 9:30 PM - Middle/High School Girls
Jan. 28, 7 - 9 PM - High School Boys
Ballard’s Bridge Baptist (BBC)
Edenton Baptist (EB)
Open Door (OD)
Rocky Hock Baptist (RH)
St. Paul’s / Edenton Methodist (SP/EM)
Game Times: Co-ed Grades K - 2
Co-ed Grades 3 - 6*
Boys Grades 6 - 8
Girls Grades 7 - 12
Boys Grades 9 - 12
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
Game Schedule:
RH vs. EB
RH vs. BBC
RH vs. OD
RH vs. SP/EM
January 9
January 16
January 30
February 13
*6th Grade girls only
All RHBC games will be held at RHBC. We are the Home Team responsible for opening prayers, game balls,
scorekeepers, concessions, and clean-up after games. Parent assignments for each game will be distributed
soon.
NOTE: The Old Timer’s Game at RHBC is scheduled for Saturday, February 20th. Sign up sheets are
located on the bulletin board outside the Choir Room. More information will be forthcoming.
THE ANCHOR
PAGE 6
Baptist Women
A Message from Belva
The arrival of a new year brings excitement and offers hope of new beginnings, a fresh start, and
anticipation of good possibilities. How can we be sure of God’s plan for our lives? How can we open our
hearts and minds to allow God to cultivate vision, and how can we remain open in order to successfully
navigate the twists and turns that come as we walk with God? Begin praying for God to renew your
understanding of His will for your life. Ask for courage to believe that God can and will do amazing things
through you!
Please continue to pray for our missionaries, especially those who have been asked to take early
retirement. Pray they find jobs and homes for their families. Pray for courage and peace as they face more of
the unknown.
Bap ist Men
Baptist Men’s Breakfast
Sunday, January 17th at 7:30 AM
in the Special Function Room
2nd Annual
Men’s Bible Conference
Potecasi Baptist Church
3264 NC Hwy 35 N
Potecasi, NC 27867
January 16, 2016
9:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Coffee & donuts, lunch, and snacks provided!
Theme: Striving Together
Speakers: Andy Sloan, Pastor of Creeksville Baptist
Terry Stockman, West Chowan Baptist Association Director of Missions
Dr. James Horton, Senior Pastor of Rocky Hock Baptist
Dr. Rick Speas, Past President of NC Baptist State Convention & Sr. Pastor of Old Town Baptist
Music led by Pastor Tyler Cone, Minister of Music & Education at Rocky Hock Baptist Church
Cost: $10 per person
A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board outside the Choir Room for men from Rocky Hock Baptist
Church who would like to attend. Please sign up by January 3rd.
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THE ANCHOR
at Rocky Hock Baptist Church
on Monday, January 25, 2016
at 6:45 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room
We are instructed in scripture to, “Go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19-20) This is
the motto verse for CREW. By participating in
this outreach each month, you will experience
how to become a better disciple and how to grow
new disciples. If you have not been to CREW
before, I challenge you to come this month on
January 19th at 7 PM to the Special Function
Room. Let’s strive to see this ministry take off
for one reason, and that is to build the kingdom of
God!
Sincere Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended in Christian love to . . .
Maryann Bunch & Family on the loss of her
brother-in-law, Guy Delton Bunch, Sr., on
December 1, 2015
Offering Envelopes for 2016 are in your
Sunday School Classroom. If you are not
listed on the roll of a Sunday School Class,
your envelopes are in the vestibule. If you
do not currently have offering envelopes,
but would like to receive a set, please
contact the Church Office.
Robert Harrell & Family on the loss of his
brothers, Marcus Harrell on December 14, 2015
and David Harrell on December 22, 2015
Carol Shutt & Family on the loss of her brother-inlaw, Charlie Hogge, on December 17, 2015
The Family of Kathryn Byrum who passed away
on December 19, 2015
THE ANCHOR
PAGE 8
“Serve the Lord with gladness . . .”
~ Psalms 100: 2
Deacon Officers for 2016
Deacon Greeters
Allen Peele, Chair
Steve Evans, Vice Chair
Keith Nixon, Secretary
Sanctuary Main: Donald Bass
Deacon Ministry Teams
1/3/16—1/9/16
Donald Bass, Carroll Evans, Chris Turner
1/10/16—1/16/16
Wayne Bunch, Jack Evans, Mike Evans
1/17/16—1/23/16
Keith Nixon, Scott Noble, Phil Smith
1/24/16—1/30/16
Russell Byrum, Col. Bill Smith, Chris Sykes
Multi-Purpose Main: Allen Peele
Sr. Adult SS Center: Wayne Bunch
Connecting Corridor: Lee Bass
Offering
Lee Bass (Chairman),
Donald Bass (Co-Chairman),
Wayne Bunch, Allen Peele,
Bill (Janet) Smith, Phil Smith
1/31/16—2/6/16
Wayne Howell, Ted Peele, Bill Smith
Ushers
Counting Committee
Joe Asbell, Neal Bass, Tony Bass,
Randy Parks, Aubrey Tynch,
Stanley Tynch, Bob Wallace
Mike Evans, Frank & Hope Gosser,
Carroll & Judy Peele
January & February are “SOUPER MONTHS”
Donate items to make a hearty pot of soup:
Kidney Beans, Northern Beans, Black Beans, Black
Eyed Peas, Rice (1 lb. bags), Dried Lima Beans,
Canned Tomatoes, Carrots, Corn, or Green Beans
or you can simply donate cans of
Tomato or Chicken Noodle Soup
PAGE 9
THE ANCHOR
Nursery & Pre-School Workers
During
Sunday School
Sunday AM
Worship
(Nursery)
Sunday AM Worship
(2 year olds)
1st Sunday
Maryann Bunch
Kim Forehand
Kimberly McPherson
Denise Nixon
Lindsay Smith
1st Sunday
Louvenia Stewart
Amanda O’Kelley
2nd Sunday
Ashley Byrum
Kristia Noble
Michelle Tynch
2nd Sunday
Alanna Bass
Melissa Chappell
Lauren Smith
Peggy Weiss
2nd Sunday
Holly Evans
Dawn Bunch
2nd Sunday
Megan Bass
Karen Miller
3rd Sunday
Mary Jo Bass
Amanda Howell
Susan Sykes
3rd Sunday
Amanda Goodwin
Jessica Hoggard
Kristia Noble
Tanya Turner
Michelle Tynch
3rd Sunday
Hope Gosser
Susan Sykes
3rd Sunday
Karen Miller
Susan Sykes
4th Sunday
Bonnie Bond
Holly Evans
Marcia Evans
4th Sunday
Laura Bass
Dawn Bunch
Gloria Horton
Amanda Howell
4th Sunday
Anna Evans
Karen Smith
Logan Smith
5th Sunday
Claire Evans
Karen Miller
Kristia Noble
Mia Noble
5th Sunday
Kimberly McPherson
Denise Nixon
1st Sunday
Penny Byrum
Linda Layton
Lisa Smith
5th Sunday
Arlene Bass
Betty Bunch
Beth Evans
* indicates teachers of the week
Sunday PM
Worship
1st Sunday
Sue Hoggard
Elizabeth Riddick
Wednesday PM
Worship
1st Wednesday
Leslie Peele
Elizabeth Riddick
Mission Friends
Chris & Susan Sykes
2nd Wednesday
Rhonda Bass
Laura Turner
Mission Friends
Kim Forehand
Sherlynne Smith
3rd Wednesday
Ashley Byrum
Linda Layton
Mission Friends
Alanna Bass
Molli Riddick
4th Sunday
Donna Harrell
LeAnn Nixon
4th Wednesday
Alanna Bass
Molli Riddick
_
5th Sunday
Ashley Byrum
Michelle Tynch
Children’s Church
Mission Friends
Michelle Tynch
Laura Turner
5th Wednesday
Gloria Horton
Elizabeth Riddick
Mission Friends
Sallie Chappell
Clara Peele
Molli Riddick
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
5th Sunday
Son Seekers
(3-4 year olds)
Son Seekers
(3-4 year olds)
Son Seekers
(3-4 year olds)
Son Seekers
(3-4 year olds)
Son Seekers
(3-4 year olds)
Catina Byrum
Faith Byrum
Molli Riddick
Regina Copeland
Kim Forehand
Chelsea White
Melissa Chappell
Claire Evans
Alanna Bass
Sherlynne Smith
Allen & Sarah Nixon
Clara Peele
Kingdom Kids
(K-5th Grade)
Kingdom Kids
(K-5th Grade)
*Joey & Ashley Byrum
Amanda Howell
Laura Turner
*Mike & Heather Denny
*Gloria Horton
*Jay & Felicia Parrish
Lisa Bullock
Kingdom Kids
(K-5th Grade)
Kingdom Kids
(K-5th Grade)
Trey & Alanna Bass
Wayne & Donna Harrell
*LeAnn Nixon
*Mike & Heather Denny
Debbie Bicknell
*Sharon Nixon
*Chris & Susan Sykes
No Children’s
Church for
Kingdom Kids
(K-5th Grade)
on 5th Sunday
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
EDENTON, NC
PERMIT NO. 127
Rocky Hock Baptist Church
113 Rocky Hock Church Road
Edenton, North Carolina 27932
Address Service Requested
January
Check us out on the web at www.rockyhockbaptistchurch.org
Weekly Church Activities:
Sundays:
9:45 AM - Bible Study for all ages
Designated Sundays:
10:55 AM - Worship
5:45 PM - GROW - Kids In Discipleship (K.I.D. Groups)
6:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth Bible Study)
Tuesdays:
10:00 AM - Adult Bible Study
7:00 PM - Senior Adult Choir
Wednesdays:
4th Tuesdays:
6:00 PM - Ignite & Jr. Ignite
(Contemporary Children’s Worship)
7:00 PM - Prayer Shawl Ministry
7:00 PM - Adult Bible Study; INCREASE (Youth); GROW (Children - Mission Friends, GA’s, RA’s)
8:00 PM - Sanctuary Choir
Dr. James Horton, Senior Pastor
jhorton@rockyhockbaptistchurch.org
221-4948 (Home)
Pastor Mike Denny, Minister of Youth & Children
mdenny@rockyhockbaptistchurch.org
336-266-9493 (Cell)
Pastor Tyler Cone, Minister of Music & Education
tcone@rockyhockbaptistchurch.org
252-903-2565 (Cell)
Mr. Allen Peele, Chairman of Deacons
221-8814 (Home)
Mrs. Linda B. Bunch, Administrative Assistant
lbunch@rockyhockbaptistchurch.org
221-4133 (Office)