Today s News. First Baptist Church Fuquay-Varina Sunday January 8, Editor s Note. Sheep Rewarded for Following the Shepherd.

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1 Today s News Editor s Note The Good Stuff Do you ever wonder if there is some good still left in the world? Well let me tune you in on a little secret. Not only is there still some, but it can be found mixed with a little humility. I'm always on the lookout for help with the newsletter. It might look like it's something I just throw together. Most of the time I find my brain twisted with hubby frequently advising me to take breaks. Something as simple as giving me pictures can turn my light bulb on and push me to the next level. I asked Sheba Robinson in passing at the Big Hat Brunch to send me some photos. Her contribution energized me, but I neglected to acknowledge her in the October 2016 publication. When I sent her an apology, I received the following: Sheep Rewarded for Following the Shepherd Sometimes you just gotta get out there and follow the Shepherd to get an extra blessing. On October 12th during revival at Juniper Level Pastor Lowery delivered a word that blessed his supporting flock. The stage was set by an awesome Praise and Worship Team. They sang He has Done Marvelous Things in a manner that only elevated believers. And when our choir, and I say again when our First Baptist Church Fuquay-Varina choir sang, Pastor Lowery stated, The choir sang so good they gave me something to sing about. Yes, he has to be careful because we are always watching every word that comes out of his mouth. But that s not a bad thing. He followed with the message Not Ashamed Romans 1:16-18 that had everybody in that house of God jumping and shouting. Don't be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. You haven't always been saved. Somewhere along the line you heard the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel will change your life. The lost can put down gangs, guns, and pick up the word. What did it take to change you? I was so proud to be an FBC member. "That is fine and I do accept your apology. It does not matter either way. I did it for fun not for show." Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves. Wow. How good is that? For the record, I really appreciate her. Dr. Jeffery Robinson and Dr. Reginald Lowery Harriett Wilson Editor Send comments, questions, and articles to HarriettLeeWilson@yahoo.com Page 1

2 Giving Thanks for Another Year Here On October 16th FBC celebrated homecoming. At morning service Min. Charlene Mangum lead the choir in singing It s by God's Grace. By the end of the song not a soul in attendance could argue with them. FBC is still standing after 104 years. I guess the homecoming committee didn t get the memo. So they followed up the singing with a second dose of emphasis with Bishop Cranford Davis, Fresh Anointed Tabernacle of Deliverance, all the way from Henderson, NC. He preached to us about just obeying God and how God will ultimately work everything out. He will do it if you just stay in the boat with Him. But wait. There was more. The homecoming committee had a secret weapon. They unleashed it during the afternoon program when Rev. Wayne Wilhelm, Pastor of The Shepherd s Flock Baptist Church, Durham, NC stepped into the pulpit. The sermon was titled This Christian Race. What do you have your track shoes on for? He let us know we should be excited to be running this christian race because we are running for the Lord. The race is not given to the swift, but we learned the gold medal is attainable. We are just one leg of the relay team and Jesus is the anchor man. He is the finisher and every day we should run to be more like Him. The FBC church founders are cheering and encouraging us to keep on running. Always remember Jesus is running around us. Bishop Cranford Davis Rev. and First Lady Kelli Wilhelm with their dear friend Sis. Cynthia Howard Min. Mangum leading the choir Commissioner William Harris addressing the congregation about the importance of the African American vote Hattie Mae and the Hattiette Ensemble: Sisters Twyla Covington, Shenita Robinson, Jovita Simons, and Min. Mangum Page 2

3 Senior Social Contribution and photography by Twyla Covington The Christian Education Ministry hosted the monthly senior luncheon on October 31 st. About 25 senior members and guests from First Baptist Church and the community attended. Soup and sandwiches were served, but the twist to October s monthly luncheon was the Christmas wreath craft. The wreaths were as beautiful as the lively guests in attendance. I guess you can say lovelies for the lovelies. As always it s a delight to see our seniors engaged and enjoying themselves. Page 3

4 Walking Towards Greatness The Health Ministry is committed to promoting health and wellness in the new year among members as well as people in the surrounding community. In October we kicked off the FBC Walking Club. We had several group walks and we encouraged members to walk individually. The Walking Club participated in an eight week program under the guidance of Wake County Human Services. I would like to extend a big congratulations to Deaconess Harriett Wilson for having the most steps for the 1st and 2nd four weeks. Also a big congratulations to Trustee Perry Gaines with the second highest step count. The Health Ministry encourages everyone to continue to drink water daily as this is one of the commitments FBC made with Wake County Human Services. Thanks to everyone that participated in the Walking Club program and I look forward to our upcoming spring and summer sessions. Melissa Barbee Chair FBC Health Ministry Our Special November Babies Photography contribution by Jovita Simons The Youth Ministry Blessing Beyond Our Doors Zaria McDowell has been exposed to the Angel Tree program the last 5 to 6 years because of the generous hearts of her parents. When her mom, youth leader Cassaundra McDowell mentioned her desire to guide the ministry towards helping others this Christmas season, Zaria suggested the youth do the Angel Tree too. The 5 year old girl sponsored had the typical items on her list, but the number one item really made FBC youth do some self reflection. The first item on her wish list was something they normally take for granted. She asked for a coat. Wow. They realized just how blessed they really are. Well Ms. Cassie. Mission accomplished. Job well done. Coach Melissa Barbee listens intently to Elizabeth Spender Smith Wake County Human Services Santa s Little Helpers; Sakiyah Richardson, Joshua Diggs, Zahnya Palmer, and Zaria McDowell Page 4

5 Triple G Takes a Practice Break If you expose them to it they will embrace it Sunday Morning Payoff Our Newest Faith Believers There s nothing like family. Maisha McClain, Hezekia Settles, Ahmond McClain, Min. Debra McClain Page 5

6 What s in Your Bag? The magic number this year was 115. That s how many goodie bags that were prepared for the traditional Christmas treats Sunday School Superintendent George Newkirk faithfully makes sure are ready for those on the nice and sometime naughty list. Lets be honest. Saints are sinners that sometimes fell down and got back up. Brother Newkirk and his trusted elf Sister Ronda Burt made sure our senior citizens and sick and shut in received their blessings too. Apples, oranges, pecans, candies, yum, yum, yum. Thank goodness Bro. Newkirk has a heart of gold and looks forward to putting smiles on faces every year. FBC s resident Jolly Old Saint Nick Youth Ministry Christmas Gathering at Bahama Breeze Page 6

7 Trunk or Treat Photos compliments of Brother Jerry Murdaugh Page 7