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Note: All news items are due by Mondays at 5 p.m.

As we move into the fourth week of Advent, we turn our hearts toward Love—a love rooted not in circumstance, but in the unshakable promise of Christ’s presence among us. This season reminds us how deeply grateful we are for the Gayton family God has gathered together.

At Gayton, we remain committed to growing in faith, serving with joy, and building authentic community. Our mission continues to guide all we do: to be disciples who make disciples of all generations. It is a privilege to walk alongside you in worship, service, and fellowship.

We also recognize that this season can feel heavy for some—those far from family, those carrying quiet griefs, and those uncertain about what tomorrow may bring. Please know that you are held close in prayer, and that we seek to embody the love of Christ through presence, care, and encouragement.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we invite you to lean in with us, to watch and wait with expectant hearts, and to reflect the love of Christ in our community and beyond.

With gratitude and love,

Merry Christmas,

The Gayton Baptist Church Staff

Bridges Adult Sunday School Class

Adult Worship (Worship Center):

Rev. Bryon LePere will preach from Matthew 1:18–25, reflecting on the love of God made flesh in Jesus—love that entered the world quietly and faithfully, for the sake of all.

Kids & Families*:

During their worship time, Elementary Kids Worship and Preschool Church (ages 3–Pre-K) will celebrate Jesus’ birthday with a special birthday party, honoring the love God shared with the world through Christ’s birth.

Nursery Care: Nursery care for children ages 0–2 is available (as volunteers allow).

*Just a reminder, there will be no kids ministry next week (Dec. 28) at 10 AM or 11 AM, so all children are invited to stay in worship with their families.

Bible Study:

Join us for Bible studies for elementary school, youth (with brunch!), and adults.

And don’t forget to stop by the Coffee Bar!

Nursery & Preschool:*

Preschool Church Fellowship is available.

Nursery Care: Nursery care for children ages 0–2 is available (as volunteers allow).

*Just a reminder, there will be no kids ministry next week (Dec. 28) at 10 AM or 11 AM, so all children are invited to stay in worship with their families.

Join us for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service as we gather to worship and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Services will be held in the Worship Center at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Come as you are—bring your family, invite a friend, and step into the beauty and peace of Christmas. Through Scripture, music, and candlelight, we’ll remember the hope of Emmanuel, God with us, and give thanks for the Light who has come into the world.

On Sunday, December 14 at 3 PM, our Gayton family gathered for Hope Awakes, a meaningful and intergenerational Christmas concert telling the story of Jesus’ birth through Scripture and music. Although winter weather led to the church being closed earlier that morning, the snow did not deter the spirit or diminish the beauty of the afternoon. With 73 families participating, voices from across generations—children, youth, young adults, and senior adults—came together to proclaim the good news of Christ’s coming.

A special thank you to our Worship Pastor, Matt, for his dedication, hard work, and God-given talent. His faithful leadership and steady presence helped bring Hope Awakes to life, guiding our church family in worship and ensuring that, despite the weather, this celebration remained a powerful and joyful proclamation of hope and the story of Jesus’ birth.

Traditionally, the Gayton family has shown its appreciation for our staff through a Christmas monetary gift, rather than including it as a salary bonus. This affords friends and members the opportunity to contribute as they are led.

How to give your love offering if so desired:

• Check: Donations by check should be made out to Gayton Baptist Church. Please write “staff gift” on the memo line. Place the gift in the offering boxes throughout the church or in the offering plate during a service.
• Online: Make your online gift through e-giving by selecting “Staff Christmas Gift.”

Beginning January 1, 2026, to better protect and ensure the safety of everyone who enters our building during office hours (Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM), all guests—including volunteers—will be required to sign in at the church office and wear a badge while in the building.

This step helps us care well for our community by allowing us to know who is present in the building in the event of an emergency and to more easily identify visitors during the day. With an active preschool on our premises, this added measure supports a safe and welcoming environment for children, staff, volunteers, and guests alike.

If a group is meeting during office hours, one representative may sign in and on behalf of the group and note the number of attendees present and wear a badge.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we work together to keep Gayton a safe place for all.

During the Sundays of January, we will gather together in the Worship Center for a combined Bible study during the 11:00 hour. Grounded in the Gospel of Mark and supported by insights from Matthew and Luke, this study invites us to engage deeply with Scripture and with one another. As we approach the Lenten season beginning in February, we will also recenter our hearts around the simple yet powerful theme: “Jesus.”

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Robert Kruschwitz as our guest teacher. Dr. Kruschwitz is Professor Emeritus at Baylor University and a Senior Scholar at the Institute for Faith and Learning. He also served as the inaugural director of the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor. With more than 40 years of teaching and writing on Biblical and Christian topics, Dr. Kruschwitz brings a wealth of wisdom, scholarship, and pastoral insight to our January study.

Start the new year by rooting yourself in God’s Word! Join us as we read through the Bible in one year using The Bible Recap. Whether you’re new to Scripture or have read it many times, this plan offers a simple, accessible way to grow in understanding and love for God’s Word.

Each month, readers will gather for fellowship, food, encouragement, and discussion as we journey through Scripture together.

For more information about the reading plan, visit thebiblerecap.com or contact Karen Bowles or Janet Letteer.

For: All students in 6th–12th grade (friends welcome!)

What is DNOW?

A youth discipleship retreat held at Gayton, featuring:

• Small-group Bible studies in host homes
• Worship gatherings with guest band & teaching
• Meals, games, and community-building
• A Kindness Scavenger Hunt
• 
  

When: January 23–25, 2026

Begins Friday at 6 PM; ends Sunday after students lead Youth Sunday worship at 10 AM.

Where:

Most activities at Gayton Baptist Church; students stay in nearby host homes (all hosts/background-checked).

Why DNOW?

A powerful blend of discipleship, friendship, service, and fun—helping students grow in faith and community.

How to Sign Up:

• Complete the registration form
• Cost: $80 (includes meals, materials, shirt, journal, welcome bag)
• Bring medical release + code of conduct
• Invite friends!
• Deadline: Sunday, January 11

We are excited to offer another way to give! Just text “give” to (757) 379-8236 (or scan the QR code) for instructions to complete your gift. It’s quick, safe and convenient! Please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kelly Chin with any questions.

For more information, contact Worship Pastor Matt White.

Here is a summary of the tithes and offerings received in November 2025:

* Total Tithes & Offerings (November): $59,430.29

* November Budget Goal: $75,000.00

* Deficit: - $15,569.71

Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.

Want to keep up to date with prayer requests? Click here to receive prayer request emails.

Did You Know? Gayton Members are eligible for RightNow Media, which has thousands of multi-media personal and group studies. Click the here and get started!