Announcements (End of the Year Edition)

Christmas Cards - The card box in the church lobby is overflowing. That means lots of money for me if you don't come and get your cards!!!


Christmas Eve Service - We're having our annual candlelight communion service on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm.


Christmas Day - On Sunday, December 25th we will only have a morning worship service (no SS and no evening worship)


Sundays in January - Here's a glimpse at how we're starting off the year.

• January 1 - Heads or Tails
• January 8 & 15 - 2 week series called "What's God's Will?" all about (you guessed it)...knowing and living the will of God
• January 22 - youth pastor candidate, Shane Carr, will be preaching. The church will vote on Shane following the morning worship service.
• January 29 - We will start a sermon series called "Rich in Generosity"

Sunday nights in January we will finish Revelation. In February I would like to begin walking us through one of the 4 gospels. So, help me decide which one. Would you like to study the life of Christ from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John? Let me know by leaving a comment on this post or email me or just tell me in person.

First Baptist University - Starting Sunday, January 22nd at 5:00pm and going through April or May. The purpose is to equip you to be able to sit down with the Word of God, understand it, find the main point of a passage, and be able to communicate that to another person. If you come to this you will have to work and turn in assignments...that's why it's called University!!!

Membership Discovery - January 15th at 5:00pm

Announcements (12.13.11)

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering - Our Christmas offering for international missions will be this Sunday, December 18th. Of course, you can give during the entire month of December, but the 18th will be our day to focus on the offering.

• To learn more about who Lottie Moon was, click here
• To learn more about how the offering is used, click here.
• To go to the imb connecting website, click here.

Candle Light Christmas Eve Service - 6:00pm in the Sanctuary, December 24th.

Last 2 Sundays of the Year

• December 18th - Business meeting following evening worship service
• December 25th - Morning worship service only at 10:00am (no Sunday School or evening worship service)
  

Announcements (11.29.11)

This Sunday Night - "Memories of Christmas" - December 4th at 6:30pm in the FBC sanctuary. A night for family, fun, and focus on the Savior. Featuring the children's musical "Census Time in Bethlehem", memories of years gone past, Signs of Love performance, and more.

***Please bring a finger food to the LEC before the event, and we'll celebrate afterwards.***



Lottie Moon Christmas Offering - Our Christmas offering for international missions will be on Sunday, December 18th. Of course, you can give during the entire month of December, but the 18th will be our day to focus on the offering.

• To learn more about who Lottie Moon was, click here
• To learn more about how the offering is used, click here.
• To go to the imb connecting website, click here.

Sundays in December

• 4th - Missionary guest, Kim Margrave - Volunteer Missions Director at TBC
• 11th - Choir Musical and Holiday Dinner (no evening service)
  
• 18th - Lottie Moon offering (business meeting after evening service)
  
• 25th - Special Christmas Day worship service at 10 a.m. (no Sunday School or evening worship service)
  

Lighthouse Christian Camp - We'll leave the church parking lot at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday morning to serve at the Girls' Christmas Party, or you can just go directly to the camp on your own. Be there by 9:00am.

Announcements (11.21.11)

Sanctuary Christmas Decoration - This Saturday, Nov. 26th, we will be decorating our sanctuary for the Christmas season. Please come and join us. The decorating begins at 8:00am. Anyone and everyone is welcome and invited to help.


No Church Services, AWANA, or Youth this Wednesday - Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Enjoy this time with your family. Reflect on the blessings of God in your life.


Lighthouse Christian Camp Christmas Parties - We are collecting toy donations for the LCC Christmas parties. Bring your toys unwrapped to the church anytime before Thanksgiving and the church will deliver them to the camp. Dates for the parties if you want to go and serve...

• December 3rd - Girls party - 9:00 am
  
• December 10th - Boys party - 9:00 am
  

"Memories of Christmas" Service - December 4th at 6:30pm in the FBC sanctuary. A night for family, fun, and focus on the Savior. Featuring the children's musical "Census Time in Bethlehem". (Practices for the children are Sunday nights at 6:30pm). See Anthony for details.


Monday Morning Prayer - Our Monday morning prayer times are at 9:00am. You are invited to join us.


Lottie Moon Christmas Offering - Our Christmas offering for international missions will be on Sunday, December 18th. Of course, you can give during the entire month of December, but the 18th will be our day to focus on the offering.

• To learn more about who Lottie Moon was, click here
• To learn more about how the offering is used, click here.
• To go to the imb connecting website, click here.
  

Weekly Announcements (11.7.11)

Lighthouse Christian Camp Christmas Parties - We are collecting toy donations for the LCC Christmas parties. Bring your toys unwrapped to the church anytime before Thanksgiving and the church will deliver them to the camp. Dates for the parties if you want to go and serve...

• December 3rd - Girls party
• December 10th - Boys party
  

"Memories of Christmas" Service - December 4th at 6:30pm in the FBC sanctuary. A night for family, fun, and focus on the Savior. Featuring the children's musical "Census Time in Bethlehem". (Practices for the children are Sunday nights at 6:30pm). See Anthony for details.


Community Thanksgiving Service - The Community Thanksgiving Service will be on November 20th @ 6:00pm. This year's service will be hosted by First United Methodist Church.


Community Thanksgiving Choir - There will be 1 rehearsal for the choir for the community Thanksgiving service. This practice will be Tuesday, November 15th @ 6:00pm in the sanctuary of the Methodist church.


Monday Morning Prayer - Our Monday morning prayer times are at 9:00am. You are invited to join us.


Visit of Potential Youth Pastor - This weekend the candidate for the youth pastor job will be visiting our church. His name is Shane Carr. The purpose of this weekend is to allow Shane and his family to meet our church, and for us to meet him. Here's how the weekend has been planned out.

• Saturday 12:00 noon - Youth and parents of youth will meet Shane and his family for a cookout and casual afternoon of games and conversation. This will happen at the Terrell farm, located near the airport.
• Saturday 6:00pm - Deacons, Personnel committee, and their spouses will meet Shane and his family for dinner in the LEC.
• Sunday after morning worship - The entire church is invited to meet Shane and his family for a soup lunch in the LEC.

Please be in prayer for the Carr family as they come this weekend.

Weekly Announcements (10.25.11)

Gospel Centered Family - Join us for this 4-week seminar about aligning our families around the gospel. This will be taught on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30pm, starting October 26th-November 16th. So drop your kids off for AWANA or youth, and come join us. There is no cost for this seminar and no homework.




"Memories of Christmas" Service - December 4th at 6:30pm in the FBC sanctuary. A night for family, fun, and focus on the Savior. Featuring the children's musical "Census Time in Bethlehem". (Practices for the children are Sunday nights at 6:30pm). See Anthony for details.


Trunk-or-Treat - We need you to come up with carnival type games for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event. The event will be on Monday, October 31st. Also, anybody can donate candy for the event as well (and we need lots of it). Look for flyers Sunday morning to put on your doors on Halloween night.

***We need to know how many games we have coming. If you are bringing a game, please confirm with Pastor Mark.*** All games will be inside the LEC.


Sunday, October 30th - On the eve of Reformation Day we will be watching a feature film about the life of Martin Luther, the man God used to spark the Protestant Reformation. This film will be shown in the LEC starting at 5:30pm. Children will have movie in one of the classrooms as well.


AWANA Returns - This week AWANA starts back up this week on it regular Wednesday time, 6:00-7:30pm.

Weekly Announcements (10.5.11)

Gospel Centered Family - Join us for this 4-week seminar about aligning our families around the gospel. This will be taught on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30pm, starting October 26th-November 16th. There is no cost for this seminar and no homework.




Serving at Lighthouse Christian Camp - Sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board for you to sign up to serve any day or days, October 10-14. LCC needs help with painting, construction on Widow's Home, and leaf removal.


Trunk-or-Treat - We need you to come up with carnival type games for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event. The event will be on Monday, October 31st. Also, anybody can donate candy for the event as well (and we need lots of it).


Naco Mission Team - Your mission team is leaving October 15th to travel to Naco, AZ. Please be in prayer that God will be glorified in this time and through our work.


"Memories of Christmas" Service - December 4th at 6:30pm in the FBC sanctuary. A night for family, fun, and focus on the Savior. Featuring the children's musical "Census Time in Bethlehem". (Practices for the children are Sunday nights at 6:30pm). See Anthony for details.


"O Holy Night" - A Christmas worship service led by the FBC Sanctuary Choir. December 11 at 10:00am in the FBC sanctuary.


AWANA Break - AWANA is taking a break along with the school system's fall break the next 2 weeks. We will return on October 26th.

Weekly Announcements (9.26.11)

Communion Service this Sunday - So, Ecclesiastes is finished (I can hear your excitement). Communion is always a special time in the life of our church. See you Sunday.


Get Motivated Conference - We have a few free tickets available for this business conference. If any of our business men or women want to go please let pastor Mark know and we'll get you the tickets. Date of the conference is Monday, October 17th. Location is Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Click here to go to the conference website.


Serving at Lighthouse Christian Camp - Sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board for you to sign up to serve any day or days, October 10-14. LCC needs help with painting, construction on Widow's Home, and leaf removal.


Trunk-or-Treat - We need you to come up with carnival type games for our annual Trunk-or-Treat event. The event will be on Monday, October 31st. Also, anybody can donate candy for the event as well (and we need lots of it).


Business Meeting This Sunday Evening - After our evening worship service this Sunday, we will have our regularly scheduled business meeting.

Announcements (9.20.11)

Chasing After the Wind - This is our final week of our series in Ecclesiastes. We're going to finish up with Ecclesiastes 11:8-12:14. The most famous verse of the book (12:13) is found in our passage. See you Sunday as we look at the Scripture says to the young and the old.



Returning to Revelation - Sunday night we'll get back into the book of Revelation, chapter 11.


October Events

• Week of October 9th (fall break) - Teams will go to Lighthouse Christian Camp to help serve. We'll be helping with camp leaf cleanup (and they have a lot of leaves) and other tasks they request. For those who have construction skills, LCC is building a new widow's home and may need help.
• October 31 - 4th annual Trunk-or-Treat event

Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions - September is our month for collecting the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions. This offering goes 100% to support TBC ministries and new church starts in Tennessee. The offering envelopes are in the pew backs if you want to give to this offering. Click here to go to the Golden Offering website to learn more about this offering.

Weekly Announcements (9.8.11)

9/11 Memorial Service - This Sunday at 2:00pm on the city square, east side of courthouse, we will join with other churches in a memorial service on the 1oth anniversary of the terrorist attacks. We will not have an evening service here at our church.


Special Business Meeting - This Sunday immediately after morning worship there will be a short business meeting to approve money to be spent for heating and air units. The property committee will bring a proposal. The business meeting is necessary b/c the money needed is significantly more than budgeted.


Deacon Ordinations - Sunday night, September 18th, we will ordain our two new deacons, Mack Harney and David Hirsbrunner, during our evening worship service.


AWANA - We have jumped out to a great start this year. Our average club attendance has been 57 over the first 2 weeks. Please keep praying for these kids and for the volunteers who serve.


Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions - This month. Look for offering envelopes in your pews. 100% of this money goes towards mission causes in the state of Tennessee. 50% of all money collected statewide will go towards starting new churches.


Request from RT Ministry - RTs would like to have the names, addresses, and birthdays of all our college students. Please submit this information to the church office. You may call the church secretary Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 12:30 to give her this information. Or you may leave it on the secretary’s desk anytime.

Weekly Announcements (8.22.11)

2011-2012 Service Positions Open - We have just a couple of positions still needing to be filled for this coming church year.

1. Mission Friends teacher
2. Children in Action teacher

Mission Friends (preschool ages) and Children in Action (elementary ages) are our missions programs for our children. They meet during Sunday evening service.


Naco, Arizona Mission Trip - We will be partnering once again with Tim and Jennifer Scarbrough and Naco Baptist Church this fall to help spread the gospel in Naco. The main focus of our work will be in Naco doing a children and youth outreach camp to reach the younger population and intensive adult discipleship classes to help ground all of the new adult believers they have seen come to faith over the past several months. Dates for the trip are Sat, Oct. 15 - Sat, Oct. 22. This is during the second of the two school fall break weeks. You are officially invited to come!!! Speak with or email pastor Mark to sign up. We have up to 2 spots remaining.


AWANA Registration Night (this Wednesday, August 24th) - Registration night will start with some hamburgers and hotdogs off the grill. We will have our very on ventriloquists with us for some entertainment and then we'll finish off with ice cream. (We'll get the kids registered in the middle of all that as well.)


Puggles Is New to FBC AWANA This Year - Puggles is the AWANA club for boys and girls that are 2 years old (Cubbies is 3-4 year olds). So, if your child isn't quite ready for Cubbies, then come register him/her for Puggles!


Deacon Ordination Council - All ordained men are invited to ordination council this Sunday afternoon at 4:30 in the Sanctuary.


September 11th Memorial Service - This year Sept. 11th falls on a Sunday. This year is also the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks. We will be doing a special afternoon memorial service that day on the town square with other churches in the area. We have one request: if you or someone you know was particularly affected by the events of the day and found hope thru Christ will you please contact me to talk about doing a short testimony during the service? Thanks so much.

Weekly Announcements (8.16.11)

Naco, Arizona Mission Trip - We will be partnering once again with Tim and Jennifer Scarbrough and Naco Baptist Church this fall to help spread the gospel in Naco. The main focus of our work will be in Naco doing a children and youth outreach camp to reach the younger population and intensive adult discipleship classes to help ground all of the new adult believers they have seen come to faith over the past several months. Dates for the trip are Sat, Oct. 15 - Sat, Oct. 22. This is during the second of the two school fall break weeks. You are officially invited to come!!! Speak with or email pastor Mark to sign up.


Homecoming - This Sunday (Aug. 21) - This year's homecoming speaker will be Mark Thomas, former pastor of youth and worship. As always, make sure you bring a dessert/side dish or two for our Homecoming meal that follows our morning worship service.


2011-2012 Service Positions Open - We have just a couple of positions still needing to be filled for this coming church year.

1. Mission Friends teacher
2. Children in Action teacher
3. 3rd-4th grade SS teacher

Mission Friends (preschool ages) and Children in Action (elementary ages) are our missions programs for our children. They meet during Sunday evening service.


AWANA - School is starting back up so that means that AWANA is returning as well. Here's the schedule we have planned.

• Wednesday, August 24th - Registration / Parent Orientation, 6:00 pm
  
• Wednesday, August 31st - First Night of AWANA Clubs, 6:00 pm
  

Church - We have an awesome opportunity for you to serve children. I hope you remember the sermon from Mother's Day this year called "One Generation Away". The critical importance of passing on the faith to the next generation cannot be understated. Will you embrace this opportunity? We averaged over 50 children per week last school year, so that means we have a lot of opportunities for you to serve. Speak to or email pastor Mark to get connected to this ministry.

Parents - If your child is 3 years old thru 6th grade this school year please come to our registration night on August 24th to get your child in AWANA.



Youth Pastor Search Team - Our search team has worked diligently to take our list of candidates from 70+ submitted resumes down to a final 3 candidates. Please be in prayer for the search team as they continue forward.

Weekly Announcements (8.1.11)

Chasing After the Wind - Just when you thought it was gone for good...it's back. We continue this Sunday morning in the book of Ecclesiastes. We'll be chapter 7.




AWANA - School is starting back up so that means that AWANA is returning as well. Here's the schedule we have planned.

• Wednesday, August 24th - Registration / Parent Orientation, 6:00 pm
  
• Wednesday, August 31st - First Night of AWANA Clubs, 6:00 pm
  

Church - We have an awesome opportunity for you to serve children. I hope you remember the sermon from Mother's Day this year called "One Generation Away". The critical importance of passing on the faith to the next generation cannot be understated. Will you embrace this opportunity? We averaged over 50 children per week last school year, so that means we have a lot of opportunities for you to serve. Speak to or email pastor Mark to get connected to this ministry.

Parents - If your child is 3 years old thru 6th grade this school year please come to our registration night on August 24th to get your child in AWANA.



Deacon Elections - We didn't have a deacon election this past Sunday morning because we had only 5 men (the exact number we needed) who were willing to serve as deacon this year. Here's the names of the 5 men who will begin serving as deacon in September...

• Larry Redmon
• David Hirsbrunner
• CD Webb
• Roth Terrell
• Mac Harney

Men's Conference - "Leaving a Legacy" Saturday, August 27th 8am - noon at Calvary Baptist here in Smithville. Cost is $15. Breakfast and workbook are included. To sign up leave a comment below, email Pastor Mark or use the bulletin board sign up sheet. Sign up deadline is August 13th. Here's a description of the conference...

This conference will challenge each one of us to be the spiritual leaders of our families that God has called us to be. One of the greatest needs, if not the greatest need, of our day is Godly men. There is a gaping hole in our post-modern society that needs to be filled with men who will walk with integrity, be upright in their character, honest in their dealings, who will love their wives as Christ loves the church and raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Homecoming, August 21st - This year's homecoming speaker will be Mark Thomas, former pastor of youth and worship. As always, make sure you bring a dessert/side dish or two for our Homecoming meal that follows our morning worship service.

Weekly Announcements (7.27.11)

AWANA - School is starting back up so that means that AWANA is returning as well. Here's the schedule we have planned.

• Wednesday, August 24th - Registration / Parent Orientation, 6:00 pm
  
• Wednesday, August 31st - First Night of AWANA Clubs, 6:00 pm
  

We have an awesome opportunity for you to serve children. I hope you remember the sermon from Mother's Day this year called "One Generation Away". The critical importance of passing on the faith to the next generation cannot be understated. Will you embrace this opportunity? We averaged over 50 children per week last school year, so that means we have a lot of opportunities for you to serve. Speak to or email pastor Mark to get connected to this ministry.



Homecoming, August 21st - Former Youth and Worship Pastor, Mark Thomas will be our homecoming speaker this year. Also, you know the routine, bring some side dishes and deserts b/c we'll have our homecoming meal after the morning worship service.


Deacon Elections - This Sunday morning (7/31) after worship service we will have our deacon elections. The sermons from the past two Sunday mornings, "Deacon: The Man and the Ministry" are available on our sermon download page. On a related note, I have begun a series on my blog about pastoral qualifications if you would be interested in reading this.


Men's Conference - "Leaving a Legacy" Saturday, August 27th 8am - noon at Calvary Baptist here in Smithville. Cost is $15. Breakfast and workbook are included. To sign up leave a comment below, email Pastor Mark or use the bulletin board sign up sheet. Sign up deadline is August 13th. Here's a description of the conference...

This conference will challenge each one of us to be the spiritual leaders of our families that God has called us to be. One of the greatest needs, if not the greatest need, of our day is Godly men. There is a gaping hole in our post-modern society that needs to be filled with men who will walk with integrity, be upright in their character, honest in their dealings, who will love their wives as Christ loves the church and raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Youth Sunday - This Sunday morning will be Youth Sunday as our youth lead us in worship, testimony and preaching. Come hear what God is doing in our youth.

Weekly Announcements (July 4th edition)

Happy 4th of July - Today is our country's celebration of independence. May you live a life that is in dependence on Jesus every day. He is our everything!


Youth Group to Camp - Our Youth Group left for camp this morning. Please be in prayer for them this week that God will work greatly in their lives!


Guest Preacher This Sunday (7/10) - Emily and I are headed out on vacation for our 10th anniversary!!! This Sunday, Jimmy Arms will here preaching. He is one of the most gifted preachers I have ever had the privilege of listening to (and I've listened to a lot of preaching). Click here to link to his ministry blog. There is a link on the homepage of his blog that says, "contact me". Why don't you send him an email and tell him you're excited that he's coming to First Baptist??? That would be a blessing to him.


Deacon Elections This Month - Here's the schedule for the election of deacons this month. July 17th and 24th will be open for nominations. July 31st will be election of those who were nominated and willing to serve. We will be taking a break from our Ecclesiastes series on the 17th and 24th for a 2 week sermon series called "Deacon: The Man and the Ministry". Don't miss it.

Weekly Announcements (6.20.11)

VAN DRIVING ROTATION - We have kids who came to VBS who would like a ride to church on Sunday mornings. This is an awesome opportunity for ministry that we have before us. If we are to do this, we will need to create a rotation for the driving schedule. Please let me know asap if you are willing to be on this rotation. I am hoping for enough (8-10) people so that no one will have to drive more than once per month. It would require you to leave the church in the van around 8:45am so the kids will be here on time for Sunday School.

You can email me at mbass@smithvillefbc.org or leave a comment at the end of this post.


CENTRIFUGE / M-FUGE - Our teenagers are leaving Monday, July 4th to go to camp. Prayer sign ups are available on our bulletin board for you to be able to partner with a particular student in prayer for the week.


NEW TRACT RACK - Look for a new tract display in our side lobby this Sunday. These tracts are to help you share the gospel with your neighbors and our community. Spreading the gospel is at the core of what we do. Take as many tracts as you want.


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - Huge thank you to everyone who helped with Vacation Bible School in any way. You are each a huge blessing to our church and to all the children who attended.

Weekly Announcements (6.6.11)

Vacation Bible School - Next week (June 13-17) is VBS. 6-8pm

• If you are volunteering, please plan on attending a training meeting on Sunday 12th at 5:30pm in the LEC.
• Remember to bring in your snacks to the office this week if you grabbed a postcard this past Sunday morning.
• Totally weird/awesome way for you to help us...we need to borrow 2 portable basketball goals. If you have one we can borrow, please email Mark or Anthony.
• INVITE. INVITE. INVITE. (1st - 6th grade) We have invite cards in the office if you want to us those.
  

Communion Sunday, June 26th - This is a special time in our church family as we reflect on and remember the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Be here.


Youth Pastor Search Team Update - We met last night to begin working through all of the resumes we have received. We received a total of 67 resumes. Each person on the team read each of the resumes on their own before coming to the meeting. At last night's meeting we agreed on 10 candidates that we wanted to pursue in greater depth. We were not seeking to get a top 10 list, that's just the number of candidates that we all felt good about. We are in process of contacting each of these 10 candidates to see if they are still interested and to request more information from them. Please continue in prayer for your search team.

Weekly Announcements (5.16.11)

AWANA - This Wednesday is our closing ceremony where final awards will be given out. The entire church is invited to the closing ceremony (it will replace Wednesday prayer meeting for adults). We start at 6:00pm in the LEC. Come celebrate with our kids. Also, please consider serving in AWANA next year!!! The kids need you and you will be blessed!!!



Chasing After the Wind - Part 2 of our series continues this Sunday. If you enjoyed the beating you took from the introduction, :) then Solomon has something special in store for you this weekend. We'll cover Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 with a message titled Misplaced Hedonism.



Youth Pastor Search - Please be praying for your youth pastor search team. The team is Roth Terrell, Andrew Moore, Lynda Hansard, Jim Bell, Tonya Sullivan, Sheila Kirby, and Pastor Mark. We are currently in a time of waiting and prayer as we allow potential candidates to submit resumes. Our next meeting is planned for June 5th.

Weekly Announcements (5.9.11)

One Generation Away - We've had quite a few requests for the sermon audio from yesterday's message. It's posted on our church website for listening or downloading. Click here. Look for the sermon titled "One Generation Away"


Chasing After the Wind - This Sunday we begin a sermon series called "Chasing After the Wind". If you want to get a jump start on it, you can read the book of Ecclesiastes. I'm not trying to just hype this, but you don't want to miss this series. So plan on being here every week. It's gonna be good!



Revelation Returns - Our Sunday night series on the book of Revelation returns this week.


Senior Recognition Sunday, May 15 - We will be recognizing all of our graduating seniors on this Sunday morning. There will be a reception for them following our evening service.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.


Youth Pastor Search - Please be praying for your youth pastor search team. The team is Roth Terrell, Andrew Moore, Lynda Hansard, Jim Bell, Tonya Sullivan, and Sheila Kirby. We will be having church wide prayer time for our youth pastor search on Sunday, May 15th at 6:00pm in the Golden Circle classroom.

AWANA - This Wednesday is our last week of AWANA clubs for the school year. Next Wednesday (18th) is our closing ceremony where final awards will be given out. The entire church is invited to the closing ceremony on the 18th. Come celebrate with our kids. Also, please consider serving in AWANA next year!!! You will be blessed!!!

Weekly Announcements (5.2.11)

One Generation Away - I am extremely excited about what God is showing me in His Word about passing our faith down to the next generation. This Sunday morning we will hear from God about the importance of our children and grandchildren being raised up in the faith because Christianity is always "One Generation Away" from being forgotten and abandoned. Hear the words of David in Psalm 145:4, "One generation shall commend your works to another..."



Mother's Day - This Sunday is also Mother's Day. Call your mom. Tell her you love her.


Chasing After the Wind - On Sunday, May 15th we begin a sermon series called "Chasing After the Wind". If you want to get a jump start on it, you can read the book of Ecclesiastes. I'm not trying to just hype this, but you don't want to miss this series. So plan on being here every week. Ecclesiastes is perhaps the most painful book in the Bible when it comes to dealing with the reality of daily life.



Senior Recognition Sunday, May 15 - We will be recognizing all of our graduating seniors on this Sunday morning.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.


Youth Pastor Search - Please be praying for your youth pastor search team. The team is Roth Terrell, Andrew Moore, Lynda Hansard, Jim Bell, Tonya Sullivan, and Sheila Kirby. We will be having church wide prayer time for our youth pastor search on Sunday, May 15th at 6:00pm.


Vacation Bible School - June 13-17, 6-8pm each night - Mark your calendars. Stay tuned for how you can serve.

Weekly Announcements (4.20.11)

Good Friday - We will be showing The Passion of the Christ at 10:00am in the sanctuary.


Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast - We're having sunrise service this year. We will meet on the patio area of the LEC. Following the sunrise service our deacons will be cooking breakfast for all who come! Sunrise service will begin at 6:30 am. Just as a reminder...the sunrise service will not be replacing the regular morning worship service. This is just a special gathering time in addition to our regular 10:00 am service.


Easter Sunday Morning Worship - Please make sure you invite your lost friends and family. They will hear the gospel. If you took any outreach packets, make sure you get them handed out before Sunday! Please be in prayer for our worship time and for Pastor Mark as he prepares the message.


Senior Recognition Sunday, May 15 - We will be recognizing all of our graduating seniors on this Sunday morning.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.


Youth Pastor Search - Please be praying for your youth pastor search team. They will be meeting this Sunday night to begin the process. The team is Roth Terrell, Andrew Moore, Lynda Hansard, Jim Bell, Tonya Sullivan, and Sheila Kirby.

Weekly Announcements (4.11.11)

Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday at 5:30pm. All the outreach kits are prepared. We must have your help in order to deliver all 250 packets. Also, if you want to take some to your neighbors, please feel free to come back the church office and pick some up.


Good Friday - We will be showing The Passion of the Christ at 10:00am in the sanctuary.


Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast - We're having sunrise service this year. We will meet on the patio area of the LEC. Following the sunrise service our deacons will be cooking breakfast for all who come! Sunrise service will begin at 6:30 am.


Easter Sunday Morning Worship - Please make sure you invite your lost friends and family. They will hear the gospel.


Senior Recognition Sunday, May 15 - We will be recognizing all of our graduating seniors on this Sunday morning.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.


Youth Pastor Search - Please be praying for your youth pastor search team. They will be meeting this Sunday night to begin the process. The team is Roth Terrell, Andrew Moore, Lynda Hansard, Jim Bell, Tonya Sullivan.

Weekly Announcements (4.4.11)

Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday 4/11 and 4/18 at 6:30pm. Stick it on your calendar. We will meet each night at 5:30pm to prep for our outreach. We need you. Our goal is to reach 250 homes over the 2 Monday nights.


Good Friday - We will be showing The Passion of the Christ at 10:00am in the sanctuary.


Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast - We're having sunrise service this year. We will meet on the patio area of the LEC. Following the sunrise service our deacons will be cooking breakfast for all who come!


Youth Group Direction - Please be in prayer for our youth group in this time of transition. Also pray for Andrew and Jordan as they lead during this time. Please plan on attending the April 10th business meeting. The personnel committee will be bringing 2 proposals about the future direction for the youth pastor position to the church to be voted on. Please be in prayer until then. Pray that we will do exactly what God wants.


Senior Recognition Sunday, May 15 - We will be recognizing all of our graduating seniors on this Sunday morning.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.

Weekly Announcements (3.28.11)

DCHS Basketball Banquet - First Baptist is hosting the DCHS basketball banquet this Thursday, March 31st. We need lots of volunteers to serve our basketball players and their families. If you can serve please arrive at the LEC by 5:30pm. Also, let Andrew Moore know that you're coming.


Revival Week - April 3-6 - This Sunday starts our revival time. Please be in prayer asking God to do great things among us. Jason Groe, pastor of Upper Helton BC in Alexandria, will be our guest speaker. Now is the time for you to begin thinking and praying about who you will invite. Don't come alone. We are challenging everybody to bring somebody with them. Pray about who God would have you to bring. We start at 6:30pm each night.


Home Prayer Groups - Our final home prayer group is this Friday night (4/1). The purpose is simply to come together in a time of prayer, asking God to do great things among us. This Friday's prayer group will be hosted by the Rosolowski family. They live at 709 Cill St. Start time will be 6:30pm.


Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday 4/11 and 4/18 at 6:30pm. Stick it on your calendar. We will meet each night at 5:30pm to prep for our outreach. We need you. Our goal is to reach 250 homes over the 2 Monday nights.


Project Graduation - May 20th. Contact person is Lynda Hansard. We need can drinks to be donated.


Easter Sunrise Service & Breakfast - We're having sunrise service this year. We will meet on the patio area of the LEC. Following the sunrise service our deacons will be cooking breakfast for all who come!


Youth Group Direction - Please be in prayer for our youth group in this time of transition. Also pray for Andrew and Jordan as they lead during this time. Please plan on attending the April 10th business meeting. The personnel committee will be bringing 2 proposals about the future direction for the youth pastor position to the church to be voted on. Please be in prayer until that. Pray that we will do exactly what God wants.

Weekly Announcements (3.21.11)

Revival Week - April 3-6 - Please be in prayer for our revival time. Jason Groe, pastor of Upper Helton BC in Alexandria, will be our guest speaker. Now is the time for you to begin thinking and praying about who you will invite. Invitation cards were passed out this Sunday and more are available for you at the church. Don't come alone. We are challenging everybody to bring somebody with them. Pray about who God would have you to bring.


Home Prayer Groups - We are having home prayer groups the next 2 Friday nights (3/25, 4/1) leading up to our revival week . The purpose is simply to come together in a time of prayer, asking God to do great things among us. This Friday's prayer group will be hosted by Tony and Frankie Hagan. They live beside the Love Cantrell Funeral Home. Start time will be 6:30pm.


Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday 4/11 and 4/18 at 6:30pm. Stick it on your calendar. We will meet each night at 5:30pm to prep for our outreach. We need you. Our goal is to reach 250 homes over the 2 Monday nights.


Vacation Bible School Planning Team - March 27th at 5:30pm. This is the initial planning meeting. Open to everyone.


North American Mission Board & Annie Armstrong Easter Offering - We are taking up our special offering this month for North American church planting. You can use the special offering envelopes to give to the AAEO.


Pure: Mandate for Manhood - MEN, this conference is for you. We will be going together to this conference on March 26, 6-8pm at Upper Helton BC in Alexandria. There has been a slight change in schedule...the worship leader for the conference dropped out a few days ago, so pastors Anthony and Mark will be leading the worship. This means we need to leave a little earlier. We will leave the church parking lot at 5:00pm. If for some reason you cannot make it at this time, please feel free to drive on your own. Start time is 6:00pm. Here's the address...

Upper Helton Baptist Church
217 Upper Helton Road
Alexandria, TN 37012


AWANA schedule - There is no AWANA or meal this week b/c of Spring Break. It picks back up next week.

Weekly Announcements (3.14.11)

Reception for McNew family - As you know by now, God is moving Brett on to another ministry. We want to gather for a time of remembrance and thanksgiving of how God has used Brett and his family among us. This Sunday night Brett will be preaching a final message, and following evening worship service we will have a reception for the McNews. Please bring finger foods.


Pure: Mandate for Manhood - MEN, this conference is for you. We will be going together to this conference on March 26, 6-8pm at Upper Helton BC in Alexandria. We will leave the church parking lot at 5:30pm. To sign up, leave a comment at the end of this blog, or look for the sign up sheet on the bulletin board this Sunday. Check last week's blog for more info on the specific about the conference.
North American Mission Board & Annie Armstrong Easter Offering - We are taking up our special offering this month for North American church planting. You can use the special offering envelopes to give to the AAEO.




Revival Week - April 3-6 - Please be in prayer for our revival time. Jason Groe, pastor of Upper Helton BC in Alexandria, will be our guest speaker. Now is the time for you to begin thinking and praying about who you will invite. We will have invitation cards available for you this Sunday. Our goal is for each person to bring at least one other person with them. Pray about who God would have you to bring.


Home Prayer Groups - We will be having home prayer groups the 3 Friday nights leading up to our revival week (3/18, 3/25, 4/1). The purpose is simply to come together in a time of prayer, asking God to do great things among us. Bro. Mark and Emily will host the first prayer group on March 18th at their house. Start time will be 6:30pm.


Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday 4/11 and 4/18 at 6:00pm. Stick it on your calendar. Come.


2 Very Important Meetings
Outreach and Missions Team - March 20th at 5:30pm. If you would like to serve on this team please come to this meeting. Open to everyone. This will be a time of prayer and planning and Easter outreach.
Vacation Bible School Planning Team - March 27th at 5:30pm. Again, open to everyone.

Weekly Announcements (3.7.11)

Pure: Mandate for Manhood - MEN, this conference is for you. We will be going together to this conference on March 26, 6-8pm at Upper Helton BC in Alexandria. To sign up, leave a comment at the end of this blog, or look for the sign up sheet on the bulletin board this Sunday. Here's a little more about the conference...

Pure: Mandate for Manhood originated from 1 Timothy 6:11 where Timothy was reminded of his identity as a “man of God.” Paul further instructs Timothy that men of God “pursue after” and “flee from” certain things. And that is the purpose of this evening.

The morality and integrity of a man is in jeopardy moment by moment. Men battle lust and lucre, anger and addictions, faith and faithlessness, commitment and compromise, and success and satisfaction. So many men are losing the battle for their mind and heart. You are invited to join with other men for a night of worship and spiritual enrichment. Come and grow as a “pure man of God” in a culture of ungodliness.

Dr. Dean Sisk, senior pastor of Belle Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN will keynote the night. Dr. Sisk is involved in men’s ministries, challenging men to cultivate a Christ-centered heart. His challenges from the Word of God will highlight the worship service. There will also be two Break-Out sessions led by Ben Simpson, pastor of West Main Baptist Church and Dr. Jason Groe, pastor of Upper Helton Baptist Church. These Break-Out sessions will address specific struggles men face and provide strategies for victory. Each participant will receive a FREE bag filled with gifts and resources.

North American Mission Board & Annie Armstrong Easter Offering - This is our week of prayer for North American missions (click here for daily prayer guides). Also, we are taking up our special offering this month for North American church planting. You can use the special offering envelopes to give to the AAEO.



Revival Week - April 3-6 - Please be in prayer for our revival time. Jason Groe, pastor of Upper Helton BC in Alexandria, will be our guest speaker.


Home Prayer Groups - We will be having home prayer groups the 3 Friday nights leading up to our revival week (3/18, 3/25, 4/1). The purpose is simply to come together in a time of prayer, asking God to do great things among us. Bro. Mark and Emily will host the first prayer group on March 18th at their house. Start time will be 6:30pm. We need host homes for 3/25 and 4/1. Please let Bro. Mark know if you would like to host this.


Outreach and Missions Team - If you would like to serve on this team please come to a meeting on March 20th at 5:30pm. This will be a time of prayer and planning and Easter outreach.


Door-to-Door Easter Outreach - Monday 4/11 and 4/18 at 6:00pm. Stick it on your calendar. Come.


1-on-One with Jesus - Our new sermon series continues this Sunday as we look at the encounter the Samaritan woman had with Jesus (John 4).


Daylight Saving Time - Don't forget that this Sunday (3/13) you need to move your clocks forward 1 hour.

Weekly Announcements (2.21.10)

Soup Fundrasier - This Sunday we are having a soup fundraiser after our morning worship service. The youth group will be serving soup for lunch. All money raised will help send our youth group to camp this summer.


Revival Services - Week have planned revival week for April 3-6. Put it on your calendar and start praying now.


Pure: Mandate for Manhood - MEN, this conference is for you. We will be going together to this conference on March 26, 6-8pm at Upper Helton BC in Alexandria. To sign up, leave a comment at the end of this blog, or look for the sign up sheet that will be on the bulletin board this Sunday.
"It is Finished!" Easter Passion Play - This community-driven passion play is coming to our Life Enrichment Center on April 22 & 23. Spear-headed by Trinity Fellowship Church, the play is open to area churches and their members who would like to participate. Check out the cast list, rehearsal info, and script on our church bulletin board if you'd like to sign up. Parts and supporting roles for all ages available!


This Sunday - We've got a special Sunday lined up for you. Brett will be preaching a message about adoption and sharing his family's experience in adopting their son, Canaan.


Hot Topics - Our Sunday night series continues. Here's our final topic before beginning the book of Revelation.

• Feb 27 - What is the unpardonable sin?

Weekly Announcements (2.14.10) - Valentine's Edition

Happy Valentine's Day everybody. Emily and I have been married 9 years and 7 months today!!! Speaking of Valentine's Day, our first announcement is all about love...

"Love Your Family" Week - If you weren't able to come to church yesterday, then you can download the devotional that we have created. Click here to go to our church website where you can download. Instructions are on the front.



GIVE. ME. FAITH. - We finished our series yesterday with "Faith Risks". The 2 barriers to taking faith risks are 1.) the myth of safety, and 2.) fear of failure. We looked at Philippians 1:21 about how taking risks for the cause of Christ is right b/c live or die, we win. What risks do you need to be taking for Christ?



Next 2 Sundays - We've got some special Sundays lined up for the next 2 weeks. This coming Sunday (2/20) we will be celebrating communion. The following Sunday (2/27) Brett will be preaching a message about adoption and sharing his family's experience in adopting their son, Canaan.


Hot Topics - Our Sunday night series continues. Here are our final 2 topics before beginning the book of Revelation.

• Feb 20 - How can we apply the command, "Judge not, that you be not judged?"
• Feb 27 - What is the unpardonable sin?

Revival Services - Week have planned revival week for April 3-6. Put it on your calendar and start praying now.


"It is Finished!" Easter Passion Play - This community-driven passion play is coming to our Life Enrichment Center on April 22 & 23. Spear-headed by Trinity Fellowship Church, the play is open to area churches and their members who would like to participate. Check out the cast list, rehearsal info, and script on our church bulletin board if you'd like to sign up. Parts and supporting roles for all ages available!


Information Update Month - We want everybody to update their communication information this month. If you've had any changes in your info since last February, please fill out a connection card this coming Sunday morning with your new info and put it in the offering plate. Even better, go to your Sunday School class and check the membership info that we have for you. Make corrections as necessary.

Baby Boomer SS Group Update

Due to illness, the Valentine's party that was scheduled at the Webb's house on Friday night has been canceled.

2/9 AWANA STILL ON

Use your own discretion with driving conditions. If you are able to make it safely to FBC, we will see you at AWANA.

Weekly Announcements (2.7.11)

GIVE. ME. FAITH. - This Sunday will be our last week of the series. The sermon is "Faith Risks". The Bible is full of people who took risks for God. This is part of the nature of faith. What risks do you need to be taking for God?



"Love Your Family" Week - Valentine's Day is Monday, Feb. 14. We're asking you to set aside time every day during the week of February 13-19 specifically for the purpose of bringing your family together around the Word of God and prayer. Resources are available to be downloaded from our church website. They will also be available in next week's bulletin.


"It is Finished!" Easter Passion Play - This community-driven passion play is coming to our Life Enrichment Center on April 22 & 23. Spear-headed by Trinity Fellowship Church, the play is open to area churches and their members who would like to participate. Check out the cast list, rehearsal info, and script on our church bulletin board if you'd like to sign up. Parts and supporting roles for all ages available!


Hot Topics - Here's the lineup for the coming weeks (Sunday night sermon series)...

• Feb 13 - How were people saved before Christ?
• Feb 20 - How can we apply the command, "Judge not, that you be not judged?"
• Feb 27 - What is the unpardonable sin?
• March 6 - scheduled to start the book of Revelation (unless other Hot Topic questions come in during the next few weeks)

Membership Discovery - This Sunday at 5:00pm in Golden Circle room. This is a time for anybody to learn more about our church, our ministries, and how we operate. If you want to join FBC as a member, this is the place you need to be.



Attention Baby Boomer SS Group (Tom Groom teacher) - The Baby Boomers SS Group is having a Valentines Week social this Friday night at 6:30 at C. D. and Cindy Webb's house. All class members and prospective members are invited. The party is for couples and singles (Valentine dates are not required). The evening will include Food, Fellowship, and Competitive Games of skill and strategy. Contact Cindy or C. D. for more details.

Weekly Announcements (1.31.11)

GIVE. ME. FAITH. - Yesterday's message was called "Faith Fears God". Here's the 5 truths that we found in Daniel 3:1-30.

1. The world will demand your allegiance. (1-7)
   
2. The world is not your friend. (8-15, 19-23)
   
3. Living by faith means choosing to fear God over people - regardless of the outcome. (16-18)
4. God is able to save. (24-27)
5. God is glorified through our faith in him. (28-29)

If you missed it, you can check the church sermon audio page.

Next up is "Faith Asks" from Joshua 10:1-15.



Hot Topics - Here's the lineup for the month of February...

• Feb 6 - How do I share my faith at work & how do I keep God first with a busy schedule?
• Feb 13 - How were people saved before Christ?
• Feb 20 - How can we apply the command, "Judge not, that you be not judged?"
• Feb 27 - What is the unpardonable sin?

Membership Discovery - It's only 2 weeks away, Feb 13th at 5:00pm.



"Love Your Family" Week - Valentine's Day is Monday, Feb. 14. We're asking you to set aside time every day during the week of February 13-19 specifically for the purpose of bringing your family together around the Word of God and prayer. In the coming week we'll be releasing some resources we've created for you.

"It is Finished!" Easter Passion Play - This community-driven passion play is coming to our Life Enrichment Center on April 22 & 23. Spear-headed by Trinity Fellowship Church, the play is open to area churches and their members who would like to participate. Check out the cast list, rehearsal info, and script on our church bulletin board if you'd like to sign up. Cast meeting is Saturday, Feb. 5 so don't hesitate to sign up! Parts and supporting roles for all ages available!

GIVE. ME. FAITH.

I want to do a quick review and preview with you now that we're halfway finished with our series.

Message 1 - FAITH IS...
from Hebrews 11:1-6

1. Faith is assurance about the future
2. Faith is conviction about true reality
3. Faith is living a life that is commendable by and pleasing to God
4. Faith is believing God exists
5. Faith is believing God reward seekers

Message 2 - FAITH GROWS...
from Genesis 12-22

1. Faith grows from believing God can only work thru the natural to believing God works thru the supernatural.
2. Faith grows from trying to make God’s word/promise happen in your timing and wisdom to trusting God’s timing and wisdom.

Message 3 - PRIDE & FAITH
from 2 Kings 5:1-14

Main idea: Faith demands that you come to the end of yourself.

Here's the messages and their passages for the next 3 weeks. This is where our series will really get going. These next 3 messages are about the practical outworking of faith in your life. Be here!!!

Message 4 - FAITH FEARS GOD (Daniel 3:1-30)
Message 5 - FAITH ASKS (Joshua 10:1-15)
Message 6 - FAITH RISKS (various)

Weekly Announcements (1.24.11) - [Updated]

GIVE. ME. FAITH. - Yesterday's message was from the life of a man named Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-14). Main Idea: Faith demands that we come to the end of ourselves. Pride is a faith killer and faith is a pride killer. It's one or the other. It's us or God. If you weren't here, you can listen to the message on our church's sermon archive page here.



Membership Discovery - Interested in joining First Baptist? Want more info about how our church operates, what our mission and values are? This is the place. Membership Discovery will be on February 13th at 5:00 in the Golden Circle Room.



Superbowl Sunday (Feb. 6th) - The Superbowl is a fantastic time for you to do some outreach and build relationships with people who don't know Christ. Have a Superbowl party at your house. Invite people. Get to know them. Build relationship with them.

Our evening service time will be moved to 4:00pm and scheduled business meeting will be moved to the following Sunday evening in its normal time after evening worship.

The Book of Revelation - Someone asked for the book of Revelation to be taught as part of our Hot Topics series. So, this Sunday night we will begin. Be there at 6:30pm. Update: We have had some other questions come into the box today, so we will answer them before starting Revelation - this Sunday night will be about a favorite topic of mine...come and find out.