p 2 te 0 m 1 b 2 e

M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R

THE OPEN DOOR Know - Grow - Serve

R MORE
the month at a glance

N DUPUIS FO CONTACT JONATHO INFO.

coming Up
September 9th - 30th
Membership Classes Begin
Each Sunday, during Connect, join Pastor Sam Brooks as he leads The Open Door Membership Class. This class will give you information on the history of The Open Door, our mission and beliefs, how to serve and be served, how to become a member of the church and what that means.

RS A R O YA L A M B A S S N TD O LL EVE
1st fA

September 14 - 15th
At Acadian Baptist Center for Boys in 1st - 6th grade. Dads and Grandfathers invited too!!!

September 14th & 15th (Friday & Saturday)

RA Survivor Man Camp-ABC in Eunice, La

G a in i n g s k i l l s & F r i e n d sh i ps through Adventure

oys that are in grades 1st through 6th and that participate in Royal Ambassadors will have the opportunity to attend Survivor Man camp on September 14th - 15th at the Acadian Baptist Center located in Eunice, La. There, they will learn amazing survival skills that can save them in the wilderness, in urban environments, and in life. All boys are welcome and encouraged to invite their fathers and grandfathers along for this adventure. The boys will have the opportunity to to be a part of adventure recreation ( a challenge course), be exposed to Truth through lessons taught and a chance to cool o with swimming.

September 20th
If you have questions about the Survivor Man camp or would like to sign up, you can contact Jonathon Dupuis at 337-277-1993. You may also send your questions to info@opendoorla.org. Supporting our Military
We will be collecting items for Chaplain Nathan White, son-in-law of Fred & Debbie Davis. You can drop off your donations in the sanctuary under the military bulletin board.Thanks for participating!

Sunday, October 7th

Childrens Christmas Program Practice begins

Children will begin going upstairs during Pastor Sams sermon to practice their Christmas Program for Acadian Village. Thank You Debbie Davis for doing this again this year!

Mark 10:44-45 And whoever would be first among you

must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

hroughout the following pages of this months E news, there are several opportunities to reach out to others and share the love of Christ through the donation of our time and our gifts. As we enter into the Fall season, may our cups runneth over as we pour into others what the Father has poured into us. Let us look as these opportunities as just that and as privileges and ministries rather than burdens. Each of them oer a chance to bring hope to the hopeless, to share the gospel of Christ with those who have not heard, and to proclaim freedom for captives. John 15:5-16 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.You did not

choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruitfruit that will last. Lets seek the Father and ask for His favor, His help, His wisdom, His discernment and His strength in ministering to those around us that our lives might be pleasing aromas to Christ. Lets pray that we as a church may be lled with the [a] knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that we will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, [b] to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and [c]increasing in the [d]knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to [e]His glorious might, [f]for the attaining of all steadfastness and [g]patience; joyously12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualied us [r]to share in the inheritance of the [s]saints in Light. Colossians 1:10

If anyone is able to serve this Saturday, September 1, 2012, Acadian Village is still in need of volunteers for their upcoming Carnival. Areas needing volunteers are as follows: - 3 - 4 vacant spots -Concessions area 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. During both shifts ( 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. & 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.) - Assistance needed with horse shoe toss ( 1 person) , duck pond game (1 person), spin art (1 person), fun jumps ( 2 people), & pony rides (1 person.) If you or your family are able to give of your time this weekend for this great cause, please contact the church at 981 - 6438.

A S pe cia l T h a n k s t o F a mi l i ar Fac e s !
To Mrs. Alyson LeBlanc
(a.k.a. Peaches): Thank you Alyson for continuing to maintain our kitchen area. You do such a wonderful job of planning, scheduling, and preparing such delicious Wednesday night dinners! The time you put forth for grocery shopping and all that goes into making Wednesday evenings a yummy gathering is very much appreciated!

od ate Go Celebr Times!

September
To Mrs. Kathryn Beasley:
Thank you for taking care of all the behind the scene activities that are needed to run a church. You have given your job 110% and have not shrunken back from any challenge. You are very much appreciated! (We especially like the way you keep your candy bowl at least 1/2 full all of the time.)

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversaries
Dr. Cong & Dawn Vo September 27

Birthdays
Lisa Buckley September 4
September 4 September 6 September 8 September 9 September 14 September 15 September 15 September 23 September 24 September 24 September 26 September 26 September 27 September 28 September 29 September 29 September 30 September 30 September 30 Marie Doherty Jimmy Tarbell Caleb LeBlanc Robert Voitier Andrew Buckley JoAnn Buckley Ginger Davis Merida Brooks Veronica Hammons Joshua Todd Jayden Jones Blake Landry

To Ms. Cindy Arias:

Thank you for scheduling teachers for Wee Worship and for offering parents a safe place for their children to go during worship, where they too can hear the gospel and are growing in Christ. Your expertise, your wisdom, and understanding of little children is highly valued. We thank you for what you do when no one is looking!

To Mr. Grady Bourgeouis & Mr. Roland Trahan:

Thanks to you both for all of the hard work you put in around The Open Door property. It is so wonderful to have someone available to take care of all of the odds and ends and repairs that are necessary to keep our building functioning properly. Thank you for offering your gifts, talents, and time to the body of Christ. You are well appreciated.

Dont forget to watch for school supplies and summer items as stores will begin having major markdowns for these items. They make great shoebox llers for Operation Christian Child. You can visit their website at
www.samaritanspurse.org/occ/ for more information.

Geri Trahan Victoria Hammons Cyndi Gaudet Tristen Trombley Valor Hammons Jonathon Norton Cassidy Sims

Serving Those Who Serve Us::

the Davis' were blessed with two new son-inlaws and a daughter-in-law over the past nine months. One of their new "sons", Captain Nathan White, who serves as Army Chaplain and who is married to their daughter Caroline, is about to be deployed to Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne for nine months. We were surprised to learn that those who serve in combat are responsible for THEIR OWN toiletries, personal items, etc. while they are deployed. One of the many roles ofaChaplain is to keep the "storehouse" full of these things. Here is how Nathan describes his responsibilities: "Being a military Chaplain is a unique job, quite unlike any other ministry position. I work with, and when overseas even live with, those to whom I minister. I provide worship services and Bible studies as well as counseling and ethics training for Soldiers and their family members. One of the most unique opportunities for ministry is providing what is called a "ministry of presence", just being there with Soldiers and their families during their day to day work and activities, but also in their deployments and difcult times. It is a privilege to go where Soldiers go and do much of what they do in order to better minister to them.

any of you know that

For our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, Soldiers could use items such as toiletries, snacks/food, hand warmers, and games/things to do. As a Chaplain, I try to collect these items and distribute them to those in need. If you would like, you may send "care packages" and I will make sure they are distributed to Soldiers. Thanks so much for your prayers and support! It makes a huge difference! God bless, Chaplain Nathan White"

each month in time for the next month. Thank you for your prayers and support for this mission to our brave Soldiers. Keep Nathan, Caroline and the Davis family in your prayers. FRED W. DAVIS Attorney at Law 701 Robley Drive, Suite 210 Lafayette, LA 70503

November 6th Election If you are not a registered voter, you must be registered before October 6th or you will not be able to vote in this very important upcoming election.

As a church, weare starting aproject for the next nine months to help Nathan keep the storehouse full with these types of items. We will have a designated box in the church where you can deposit the items Nathan referred to. Around the 20th of each month, we will send these "care packages" to Nathan. Our rst date for mailing these items is September 20. He says they should receive the packages in about a week. This way, they will be able to be re-stocked at the end of

The following is a link that will give you each parishes registrar oce and the mail-in form. Please take the time to get registered this week and let your vote count!
http://www.sos.la.gov/Portals/0/ elections/forms/ form_0110_ver-011106.pdf

United For His Fame

WHO : Louie Giglio Chris Tomlin Francis Chan Kristian Stanll
1 Vacant Spot! Contact Stuart Amidon for more information:samidon@opendoorla.org Must be a Senior in High School - 25 years old to attend. Visit the Passion 2013 website @ http://268generation.com/passion2013

Beth Moore John Piper Matt Redman Christy Nockels

MEMBERSHIP CLASS IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!

Have you been attending our services for a while and would like to know more about the church? Are you ready to call The Open Door your church home? Are you not even really sure what that means? Or, do you want to know about how to get more involved? Sign up for membership classes held by Pastor Sam Brooks starting Sunday, September 9th Sunday, September 30th during Connect. You can send an email to notify us of your interest @

info@opendoorla.org or call the church ofce @ 981-6438.

Greetings from Pastor Sam Brooks

eptember marks the beginning of the new school year with students beginning classes, dealing with homework again, and anticipating all that this year will bring. It is also marks the close of summer and the beginning of a busy Fall at The Open Door. Our summer flip-flop has proven to enhance both our Worship Services and Connect Classes. Our recent survey shows that of those who responded, 28% either started attending or tried a connect class for the first time. 35% of you said that you have invited a guest to attend Connect. 40% said that their personal or familys attendance increased as a result of the flip-flop, and 65% said that they had met new people or developed new relationships as a result of the change. From the responses, it appears that all of the goals of the flip-flop were met. Just by observation of classes, it appears that attendance has grown and people are enjoying the fellowship and instruction the classes offer. I trust you have found a connect class that meets your needs and that you are taking advantage of the opportunity to develop new relationships.

the contents of our by-laws. Even if you do not become an official member of The Open Door, you will gain great insight into the heart of what we are about and why we do many of the things we do. Once the classes are over, you can return to your regular Connect classes.

Fall is also the time for two of our major service opportunities; Operation Christmas Child (OCC) and Sponsor Night at Acadian Village. Last year we sent 300 boxes containing much needed personal items, toys, and the Gospel message to children in other countries through OCC and Samaritans Purse. Our target this year is 500 boxes. It is a large undertaking, but I believe if we all get behind this opportunity, we can bless 500 children with a box of Christmas joy this year. Be looking for information on how you can make a difference in a childs life. Please be generous in helping.

what God will do. The people at Acadian Village are anticipating our return, and we have been given permission to do a live nativity, along with the program in the chapel, and the entertainment on stage. Of course, we will also be serving in the food court and throughout the village that night. We need everybody, so please make plans to participate now. For those of you who travel out of town during the Christmas break, I encourage you to wait until Saturday, Dec 22nd, after our sponsor night, to leave. This is our opportunity to touch people outside the church community and bless them. It is our chance to SERVE OTHERS! In closing, let me say again, it is a joy to be your pastor. As I look at our church, I see a smaller fellowship with a very BIG heart. You are servants! And, very generous! Thank you for loving others and being willing to serve within the community and the fellowship. Please do not grow weary in doing good. Father sees your labor and it is not in vain. Be blessed! P.S. Watch for new things to come in our Worship Services. Pastor Sam Brooks

As we begin Fall, I would remind you of several major events which will be occurring at The Open Door. Beginning Sept 9th through each of the next 3 Sundays, we will be offering membership classes during our Connect time. I encourage all of you who consider The Open Door to be your church home to sign up and take membership classes. You will receive a better understanding of the mission and focus of our church, our belief statements, the place and importance of personal testimonies, why stewardship is an important part of our lives, and

Almost all of you participated in our Sponsor Night at Acadian Village last year. You know the blessing it was to you, and you have heard the testimonies of how it blessed Acadian Village. It will take another all out volunteer effort again this year. Mark your calendar for Friday, Dec 21st. This is a major opportunity to help the people of Acadiana in their efforts to minister to those with special needs in our area. We are the only church that participates and Father has given us favor, so lets step out again in faith and see

Kidz Korner
Attention parents:
-For those children who are moving up to the next class, they will be promoted to their new classes on September 9th. -Anyone interested in serving as an alternate teacher for grades 1st through 3rd during connect, please contact Laura Daigle @ Lauradaigle3@gmail.com. -If you are a nursery volunteer and are unsure of this months schedule, please see page 9. Should you need to change your assigned date to work, please contact someone else on the schedule and make those arrangements. Thanks!

Practice for the Childrens Christmas Program for Noel Acadian au Village begins Sunday, October 7th upstairs during the Church service. All children participating will be dismissed during the oering. If you are interested in assisting in this wonderful production, you can contact Debbie Davis or the church oce at info@opendoorla.org

Noel Acadian au Village 2012

As mentioned in the August E news, December 21st brings with it another opportunity for The Open Door to minister to our community through the Christmas festival at Acadian Village. Last year, it took nearly every church member volunteering to have such a successful night of celebration. We held our rst meeting in August to begin planning for December. Thanks to everyone who came and offered your ideas, gifts, talents, and time. This year is sure to be another hit. If you have not signed up to volunteer for this exciting event, please do so in the back of the sanctuary or on our website soon so that further planning can begin taking place. Areas that need assistance are as follows: main stage entertainment, craft table, live nativity scene, sewing/costume prep. team, greeters, face painters, kitchen team, and the rafe table. Thanks so much for your cooperation and willingness to serve! Also, if youre interested in singing the Hallelujah chorus this year, contact Stuart Amidon @ samidon@opendoorla.org with your voice part ( Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.) Its time to get that ball rolling. If you are unfamiliar with the Christmas festivities of Acadian Village, you can visit their website at www.acadianvillage.org.

Nursery Schedules- Laura Daigle

Please save this E news for your reference needs if you are scheduled to serve. Thanks.
Volunteers for Preschool Worship Service Arrival Time: 9:15 a.m.
Sept. 2 Monique Ardoin & Helen Hughes Sept. 9 Kendra Coco & Amelia Sept. 16 Debbie Daire & Chris Riggs Sept. 23 Isy Falgoust & Dawn Vo Sept. 30 Rachel & Stuart Amidon Oct. 7 Dolly Pellessier & Elliot Durio Oct. 14 Monique Ardoin & Helen Hughes Oct. 21 Kendra & Amelia Coco Oct. 28 Debbie Daire & Chris Riggs Nov. 4 Isy Falgoust & Dawn Vo Nov. 11 Rachel &Stuart Amidon Nov. 18 Dolly Pellesier & Elliot Nov. 25 Monique Ardoin & Helen Hughes Dec.2 Kendra & Amelia Coco Dec. 9 Debbie Daire & Chris Riggs Dec. 16 Isy Falgoust & Dawn Vo Dec. 23 Rachel &Stuart Amidon Dec. 30 Dolly Pellesier & Elliot

Volunteers for Toddler Nursery Connect Class: Arrival Time: 10:45 a.m.
Sept. 2 Linda Place & Maria Grady Sept. 9 Jackie & Bart Hidalgo Sept. 16 Lisa Buckley & Elsie Fontenot Sept. 23 Alyson LeBlanc & Tracy Wood Sept. 30 Eva Montgomery & Kathryn Beasley Oct.7 Jennie Peterson & Cassidy Sims Oct. 14 Beth and Jerry Watson Oct. 21 Linda Place & Maria Grady Oct. 28 Jackie & Bart Hidalgo Nov. 4 Lisa Buckley & Elsie Fontenot Nov.11 Alyson LeBlanc & Tracy Wood Nov. 18 Eva Montgomery & Kathryn Beasley Nov. 25 Jennie Peterson & Cassidy Sims Dec. 2 Beth and Jerry Watson Dec. 9 Linda Place & Maria Grady Dec. 16 Jackie & Bart Hidalgo Dec. 23 Lisa Buckley & Elsie Fontenot Dec. 30Alyson LeBlanc & Tracy Wood

Thank you for volunteering in the nursery! If you are unable to serve at your appointed time, please contact someone to replace you.

Volunteers for Toddler Nursery Worship Service Arrival Time: 9:15 a.m.
Sept. 2 Madison Daigle & Victoria Hammons Sept. 9 Donna & Brooke LeBlanc Sept. 16 Trudi Alfandre & Geri Trahan Sept. 23 Betty Haynes & Cynthia Kimble Sept. 30 Laurie & Scott Broussard Oct.7 Rebecca Beasley & Taylor Broussard Oct. 14 Madison Daigle & Victoria Hammons Oct. 21 Donna & Brooke LeBlanc Oct. 28 Trudi Alfandre & Geri Trahan Nov. 4 Betty Haynes & Cynthia Kimble Nov.11 Laurie & Scott Broussard Nov. 18 Rebecca Beasley & aylor Broussard T Nov. 25 Madison Daigle & Victoria Hammons Dec. 2 Donna & Brooke LeBlanc Dec. 9 Trudi Alfandre & Geri Trahan Dec. 16 Betty Haynes & Cynthia Kimble Dec. 23 Laurie & Scott Broussard Dec. 30 Rebecca Beasley & Taylor Broussard

Volunteers for Infant Nursery Worship Service Arrival Time: 9:15 a.m.

Sept. 2 Diana Vice Sept. 9 Renee & Greg Moore Sept. 16 Mark & Laura Daigle Sept. 23 Giselle & Doug Dugas Sept. 30 Kathryn Beasley Oct.7 Alyson LeBlanc & Rachel Amidon Oct. 14 Debbie & John Daire Oct. 21 Kim & Don Knecht Oct. 28 Alice Avery & Melanie Sackett Nov. 4 Tracy Wood & Monica Viator Nov.11 Judy & Joe Mayers Nov. 18 Charisse Holloway & Deanie Walters Nov. 25 Maria Grady Dec. 2 Diana Vice Dec. 9 Giselle & Doug Dugas Dec. 16 Mark & Laura Daigle Dec. 23 Renee & Greg Moore Dec. 30 Staff Thank you for volunteering in the nursery! If you are unable to serve at your appointed time, please contact someone to replace you.

Volunteers for Infant Nursery Connect Class Arrival Time: 10:45 a.m.
Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Dennise & Dan Gabus Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct.7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov.11 Judy & Joe Mayers Nov. 18 Deanie Walters & Maria Grady Nov. 25 Dec. 2 Dec. 9 Dec. 16 Dec. 23 Dec. 30

Co ng ra tu la ti o ns to K at i e & Brian
Colossians 3:14 And over all #ese vi%ues put on love, which binds #em all to&#er in perfect unity. Congratulations to Fred & Debbie Davis on their third child getting married in nine months. Kat, their oldest child, married Brian Penna of Bay Minette, Alabama on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Their wedding was held at First Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, where the bride and her father, were ushered in by a string quartet. Betsi Doherty created wonderful oral masterpieces for the wedding party and Pastor Sam Brooks ociated the beautiful ceremony. The bride and groom were surrounded by friends and family from 8 states supporting their new journey. The reception was held at Abacus where guests danced the night away to the music of Louisiana Red. The couple honeymooned for a week in St. John and will now reside in Chicago. Congratulations and many blessings to Mr. & Mrs. Brian Penna.

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING TO OUR MONTHLY ENEWS.

Have a wonderful week!