December Highlights at NBBC

Zoe Willows

Hey everyone, welcome back to What's Up NBBC! I'm Zoe Willows, here as always with Samuel Rivers. Hope you're ready for a whirlwind of December goodness at New Bethel Baptist Church, because there is a lot to cover—and, uhm, if you're like me, you probably need that extra nudge to keep track of everything in December, right, Samuel?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely, Zoe! December at NBBC is always packed, and honestly, it's one of my favorite times of the year. It's got that perfect blend of warmth and anticipation. We're diving into Advent this month—Pastor Dianna Cline's Advent sermon series is already underway. Each week is anchored in a theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and then The Gift on Christmas Eve. She’s got scripture reflections lined up for every Sunday, with Isaiah, Romans, James, Matthew, and finally, Luke on Christmas Eve. It's such a nice build, you know?

Zoe Willows

Yeah, it has that kind of story arc. I love that. And before the service, if you need a little caffeine boost—which, trust me, I always do—you can join 'Coffee and Jesus' with Pastor at 9:30 a.m. The main service kicks off at 10:30, so there’s absolutely zero chance you’ll run out of good company or, more importantly, coffee. Right, Samuel?

Samuel Rivers

Totally—can’t have church without some coffee, I’m convinced! I might be getting a bit nostalgic here, but this whole Advent rhythm brings me back to my small town days. Our pastor would light a candle each week, and we'd all get up to read little scripture pieces—sometimes we'd mess up the words, but nobody cared. It was about being together and waiting for Christmas, you know? New Bethel’s got that same spirit. It’s about hope, peace… all those big, beautiful ideas, but made feel real in community. Zoe, did your family do Advent growing up—or, was December more of a, uh, “scramble for holiday tickets and hot chocolate in Times Square” kind of thing?

Zoe Willows

Oh, I wish it was that cozy! In my family, December was all about dodging traffic and trying to get a seat on the subway, but I honestly love how NBBC does Advent—like, it’s intentional, it’s full of meaning, but there’s also a lot of space for, well, just showing up and being part of something hopeful. Plus, Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. is always such a highlight, and, uh, it’s just really moving. Even, you know, if you don’t know the words to all the carols.

Samuel Rivers

That openness is what I love, too. Whether you grew up with advent candles or, like Zoe, running through the city looking for gingerbread lattes—there’s room for everyone at New Bethel. So, seriously, if you haven’t experienced Advent here, come by. Grab some coffee, catch the sermons, and just soak it all in. You’ll be glad you did.

Zoe Willows

Speaking of soaking in December, let’s talk about the big events happening! I mean, who could resist the annual chili supper and rummage sale? It’s happening Saturday, December 6th, from 10 in the morning till 3 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. And there’s more—The Polar Express is playing at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary. That’s peak holiday vibes, right?

Samuel Rivers

Oh, absolutely! Nothing says “it’s almost Christmas” like a good rummage sale and a chili supper. And I gotta say, every year I tell myself I’m only picking up one thing… but then I walk out with an armload of, uh, “treasures.”

Zoe Willows

Okay, Samuel, I have to jump in—I am a rummage sale fanatic. True story, last year, I got this old-school record player at a church rummage. I wasn’t even looking for it—just spotted it sitting behind some board games. I felt like Indiana Jones, you know? The excitement, the adrenaline, and the people cheering when I plugged it in and, miraculously, it worked. Stuff like that only happens in these church sales, because honestly, everyone’s just excited to see each other score something fun. That sense of community is super unique.

Samuel Rivers

It really is. That’s what these events are about—coming together, having some laughs, sharing a warm meal, and maybe discovering a hidden gem. And hey, a quick reminder—December 7th is communion Sunday, followed by a fellowship lunch. I always look forward to that meal. There’s just no better way to wrap up a Sunday service than with good food and even better company.

Zoe Willows

And don’t forget Christmas Eve! The service is at 6 p.m., so put it in your phone’s calendar—or write it on your hand like I do, honestly. It’s one of those traditions that, even if you’re new or you’ve been away for a while, makes you feel like you belong right away. The music, the light, and—this is maybe cheesy—the way everyone lingers after, not wanting to leave just yet?

Samuel Rivers

Nope, that’s not cheesy at all, Zoe. That’s what December at New Bethel is all about. So chili, rummage sales, movies, lunch, Christmas Eve—it’s a full lineup. Jump in wherever you can and bring a friend. Or, you know, five friends. There’s plenty of chili to go around.

Zoe Willows

Alright, so, December is definitely about celebration at NBBC, but it’s also a big month for giving back. The Elf Program toy collection is already underway. You can bring toys for kiddos from newborn through 18, and they’ll be distributed through Franklin Township by a local group—kind of a home-grown effort, which is awesome. There’s a box downstairs, and those toys will get picked up by December 15th, so don’t wait!

Samuel Rivers

And Pastor Dianna’s got a list for two specific Franklin Central kids in need of Christmas gifts. She’s got all their wants, needs, and clothing sizes if you’d like to help out. Just reach out to her directly—it means so much, especially at this time of year. On top of that, we’ve still got God’s Bounty pantry. Donations are taken Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and every Thursday at 1 p.m., they’re serving food to folks in the community. NBBC’s helping out the first Thursday every month—so if hands-on service is your thing, that’s a great way to jump in. Talk to Paul Young for how to get involved.

Zoe Willows

And if you’re looking for connection, maybe outside Sunday or service projects, the community groups at NBBC are honestly one of my favorite things. Book Club is led by Janie Bryant—meets Wednesdays at 11 a.m. on Zoom, and new folks are totally welcome, just message Janie. Euchre Club gets together at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays, down in the Judson Room. And Saturday morning yoga? That’s at 9:30 a.m., same spot. Totally free, just bring your mat and chat with Barb Fengya if you need more info. It’s such a relaxed way to meet people and, honestly, loosen up tight December shoulders.

Samuel Rivers

Yeah, all those groups—Book Club, Euchre, Yoga—they’re real lifelines. I gotta say, serving at God’s Bounty used to be just something I signed up for, but after a while, it became a family thing. We’d go together, sort cans, laugh over the most... questionable produce donations. And somehow, those little acts—sorting, packing, talking with folks—made us closer. That firsthand kind of involvement, it just makes NBBC feel less like a building and more like, well, home. Anyone wanting to plug in, there’s truly a place for you no matter your interests or schedule.

Zoe Willows

I couldn’t agree more, Samuel. December isn’t just about what’s happening inside the sanctuary, it’s about what’s happening everywhere folks from NBBC show up. Whether you’re swinging by with a toy, staying for lunch, or yoga-flexing on a Saturday, you’re part of this community. That’s it for this month’s episode of What’s Up NBBC—thanks for hanging out with us! Samuel, as always, so much fun chatting with you about all things New Bethel.

Samuel Rivers

Right back at you, Zoe. And thanks to everyone listening—whether you’re new or tuning in every month, we’re glad you’re with us. Don’t forget, we’ll be back soon with more stories, more events, and more ways to connect. Until then, have a happy, hopeful December. See you next time, Zoe!

Zoe Willows

See ya Samuel! Bye everyone—take care and stay warm!