First Baptist Church Montgomery. Volume 68 Week of April 19, 2015 Number 16. FBC Goal: $110,000 Given to Date: $95,905.22

Transcription

1 First Baptist Church Montgomery Beacon bring them in...build them up...send them out Volume 68 Week of April 19, 2015 Number 16 Retirement Reception for Sheila Hinds Join us as we celebrate Sheila Hinds and thank her for her fifteen years of service as our preschool minister. A reception will be held following the evening service in the fellowship hall. Baskets will be available for you to drop cards and expressions of thankfulness for her ministry at First Baptist. Sunday, April 19 7:15 pm Fellowship Hall M.I.C. (Membership Information Class) Sunday, April 19 12:15 pm Fellowship Hall Thinking of joining First Baptist? The Membership Information Class explains what is involved in becoming effective members of FBC. The class is led by our pastor, Jay, and is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and make new friends. Be our guest for lunch and discover how to become a part of the First Family. For more information or to register, call Patty Roper at FBC Goal: $110,000 Given to Date: $95, Office: Prayer Line:

2 CONNEC IONS from your Pastor s Heart The Final Appointment It is appointed once for a man to die and then comes judgment. (Hebrews 9:27) During the week leading to Easter, I helped with four funerals. I stood with grieving families as we celebrated life on earth and eternal life through Jesus Christ for Bill Dismuke, Michael Blades, Dr. David George, and Dr. Al Stumpe. Everyone makes appointments for meeting friends, doing business, fixing things, receiving information, and for managing our health and wealth. Every day contains appointments. One day we will have a final appointment with death. This appointment is not optional but inevitable so we should be prepared for it. The ultimate preparation for death s appointment is found in connecting yourself to Jesus Christ because He is the giver of eternal life. Jesus greatest proclamation came against the backdrop of death when He instructed, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me even if he dies, yet shall he live. (John 11:25) Jesus marched to the tomb of Lazarus and demonstrated His power over death by commanding His friend s reinstatement into earthly existence. The raising of Lazarus prefigures the resurrection of Jesus. Christ s empty tomb declares that death has been defeated. Our greatest fear can now be reliably replaced with God s promise of resurrection hope! Most people do not know the day or hour of their appointment with death. Although one young man told his pals, My grandfather was an extraordinary person and he knew the precise time and place of his death. His friends inquired, How did your granddad know the time of his death? The young man revealed, The Judge told him! For most of us, death will arrive at the end of an illness or through the sudden crash of a car or by a cardiac arrest. One day, I will take my last ride, eat my last meal and take my last breath. What happens next? God s Word explains, To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) The experience of the repentant thief and Stephen affirms that death ushers us into God s presence. Jesus explained in Matthew 25 that there are sheep and goats in this world. Some people are saved. Others are lost. Those who reject Jesus will not live in His presence for eternity. Those who embrace Christ as their Savior will experience His presence and the indescribable joys of heaven forever. (Revelation 21:1-8) Get ready for your final appointment by getting your relationships right. With humble, child-like faith commit yourself to Jesus. Next, seek to be at peace with all people. (Romans 12:18) Store up treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21) Additionally, wise people will craft a legacy/estate plan to honor God and bless people by using earthly resources to make an eternal difference! Living ready for His appointments TOGETHER, FBC Faithfulness Sunday, April 12, 2015 ATTENDANCE Bible Fellowship Enrollment 4965 Bible Fellowship Attendance 1956 Weekly Attendance 2478 Discipleship Attendance 1134 OFFERING Required Weekly $123, Received Sunday $141, Required To Date $1,853, Received To Date $1,669, Building Fund Sunday $ Building Fund to Date $10, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering $95, Under Budget $184,303.29

3 Ministry Announcements Children s Ministry ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!! Don t miss the RA/GA Pinewood Derby on Sunday, April 26. Registration begins at 3:30 pm and the race starts at 4:00 pm. Cars are available for purchase during GA s/ra s for $10. Everyone is invited to attend! For more information, contact Glen Leathers at or gleathers@montgomeryfbc.org. Student Ministry Join Tommy McGregor as he takes you through his new book, Selfie: A Parent s Guide To Social Media on Sunday, April 19 at 5:00 pm in the youth center. Come learn more about the influence of social media on kids and grasp how to lead your children to become healthier and more responsible online. Books ($10) will be available for purchase in the main sanctuary foyer on Sunday morning as well as at the seminar. Graduate Recognition is Sunday, May 3. Photos are DUE NOW! Register online at If you have any questions, contact Russell McCrory at Senior Adult Ministry Senior Adults, get ready to Journey off the Map for Vacation Bible School. Our study will be held Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 am to noon in room 413. Senior Adult Day is Sunday, May 17. Our JOY Singers will be singing in the morning services and all senior adults will be recognized. Plan to attend and support our seniors. During the evening service our JOY Singers will lead us in a special musical presentation called Windows on the Word. The service will be held in Stakely Sanctuary and feature the story of the stain glass windows of Stakely Sanctuary. Missions Ministry The Japan Mission Team will be taking some extra bags to help the Loomis with their Homeless Ministry in Nagoya. We are asking our members to bring the following and place in the bins at the missions wall in the main foyer or the reception area at Scott Street Entrance. Items needed include: new socks (both Pictorial Directories are here! They can be picked up at the reception desk at Scott Street during the week. If there are mistakes, changes, or additions that need to be made, please those to Amanda Smith at asmith@montgomeryfbc.org. First Family Dinner Wednesday, April 22 No reservations required! Adult & Children s Meal: BBQ Chicken, Vegetable, Salad, Dessert Adult Family Meal $5; Child s Meal (12 & under) $3 Maximum Family Amount $20 (immediate family only)

4 warm weather and cold weatherladies and mens); new ladies underclothing (mostly small and medium sizes); new boxers (mostly small and medium sizes, very few large); new undershirts (both shortsleeve and tanks); used sleeping bags; toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razor, comb, bar soap, travel-size hand sanitizer or small packets of antiseptic wipes; used shoes in good condition (Japanese wear smaller sizes, nothing above a men s 9-10 or ladies 8); used jackets and coats; new or used cold weather gloves. For more information, call Kathy Cooper at Music Ministry All ladies are invited to sing in our Mother s Day Choir on Sunday, May 10. We invite mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and all ladies to be in the choir loft that morning. Just come to the Roper Music Studio (behind the fellowship hall) at 8:00 am and we ll be singing a very easy and familiar song together. Don t miss the opportunity to sit with your mom, daughter or granddaughter. Even if other family members are not here, come sing with us all ladies are welcome! The all-ladies choir will exit the choir loft after they sing in both the 8:30 & 11:00 am services. Children s Hope Children s Hope is in need of child sponsorships! For just $35/ month, you can provide a child with housing, clothes, food, education, and a place to learn about God s love. To sponsor a child, you can go to make a check payable to Children s Hope, or contact Ann Amster at teamamster@ mac.com. Community Ministries Check out the Nehemiah Center Blog at nehemiahcenterblog. blogspot.com. New Members By Letter Mr. Jeff Clark 3505 Audubon Road Montgomery, AL Mr. Robert McKay Mrs. Robert McKay (Elaine) 9319 Bristlecone Drive Montgomery, AL Mr. David Oliver 1212 Hallwood Lane Montgomery, AL Miss Lynlee Tobias 88 Jasmine Drive Millbrook, AL Our Church Family If you would like to add someone to the prayer list, contact Carolyn Bryan at Sympathy Extended to Dr. & Mrs. Mike Dean (Kay) in the death of her mother Rev. & Mrs. Ed Cleveland (Sharon) in the death of his grandmother, Nita Pittman Mr. & Mrs. Don Cook (Diane) in the death of his uncle, Billy Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Steve Oswalt (Tina) in the death of his father, Bill Oswalt Hollis and Caton Oswalt in the death of their grandfather Mr. & Mrs. Leon Shirley (Gail) in the death of her uncle, Baptist South Michael Stewart Frank Montgomery Jackson Bob Sellers HealthSouth Hugh Maddox Alice Lott Faye Clements Children s Hospital Camp Hughes Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare Chad Lynn Aspire Physical Recovery Center Ann Cushing Hillview Terrace Dot Robinson Congratulations Extended to Mr. & Mrs. Eric Leatherwood (Elizabeth Nan) in the birth of a son; Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Leatherwood (Jane) in the birth of a grandson; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Roberts (Linda) in the birth of a grandson Mr. & Mrs. Rob McGowin (Emily) in the birth of a daughter; Mr. & Mrs. Bucky Ferrell (Teressa) in the birth of a granddaughter Ms. Priscilla Southall in the birth of a grandson Volunteer Opportunity of the Week: Broadcast Ministry The Broadcast Ministry is looking for individuals interested in volunteering their time in this exciting ministry. Training is provided, so experience is not a requirement. Broadcast volunteers work 1 to 2 Sundays per month in the worship services (am & pm) and for special events. For more information, contact Mike Kyser ( or kyserm@gmail.com) or Amanda Smith ( or asmith@montgomeryfbc.org).

5 Spring 2015 FBC Discipleship Classes For a complete list visit Smart Money, Smart Kids Wednesdays, April 8 April 29 5:45 pm B402 Come join us on Wednesday nights while your kids are in choir for a class designed to help equip parents to teach their kids how to handle money wisely. This brand new video study is taught by Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze. Throughout the class, parents will receive a step-by-step approach to teaching their kids the key principles of money, along with easy, interactive activities and ways to use teachable moments. Facilitated by Jody McClinton and his daughter Rachel Webb. Churchwide News & Events On Easter Sunday, April 5, we had 2,446 people present for Bible Fellowship Classes, setting a new attendance record. What a team effort, all the classes did a great job. Thanks to everyone for showing up on Easter. Let s make this a habit! If you keep calling and inviting people to come we ll continue growing and serving! Save the date for the Missions Auction and Cookout to benefit the Single Adult Missions Scholarship Fund on Friday, May 15 at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall. More details coming soon! If you would like to donate to the auction, please contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.com or VBS Journey off the Map is scheduled for Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26 from 9:00 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to guide our children on a journey to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Contact Tiffany Alewine ( ) if you are interested in helping with preschoolers or Glen Leathers ( ) if you are interested in helping with children. Parent/Child dedication Sunday, April 19 :: 8:30 & 11:00 am Tuesday, May 5 6:30 to 8:00 pm Fellowship Hall The guest speaker will be Ruthie Carlson. your mother/daughter photo and any questions to Sharon Windham at sbwindham@aol.com. Ticket sale dates will be April 19 and 26. Deacon Nominations Due By Sunday, April 26! Forms are available in the main sanctuary foyers or online at

6 This week at FBC Montgomery For the complete calendar, visit Sunday, April 19 8:30 Worship Service 9:45 Bible Fellowship Classes 11:00 Worship Service 12:15 Membership Information Class 5:00 Children s Missions Discipleship Classes Japan Mission Project Meeting One Voice One Heart Choir Visitation 6:15 Worship Service 7:15 Fellowship for Sheila Hinds Monday, April 20 9:00 English as a Second Language Senior Adult Ministry Council Retreat 12:00 Judgment House Leadership Meeting 5:30 Men s Bible Study Tuesday, April 21 9:00 English as a Second Language 9:30 Ladies Bible Study 10:00 Senior Adult Game Day 11:00 GriefShare 6:00 Narcotics Anonymous College Ministry: GROW Bible Study Wednesday, April 22 9:00 English as a Second Language 2:15 Baldwin Bible Study 4:45 First Family Dinner 5:30 Tutoring Picnic Sanctuary Orchestra 5:45 Graded Children s Choirs Smart Money, Smart Kids 6:00 First Family Prayer Time 6:30 Student Ministry: Powerhouse 6:35 Sanctuary Choir 6:45 Ejamat Prayer Time Thursday, April 23 Mission Project: Central Asia Men s Golf Retreat 9:00 Conversational English 10:00 Caregivers Support Group JOY Singers Rehearsal 6:00 English as a Second Language Friday, April 24 Mission Project: Central Asia Men s Golf Retreat Women of Joy Conference 6:45 Friday Morning Men s Group 5:30 Celebrate Recovery Saturday, April 25 Mission Project: Central Asia Men s Golf Retreat Women of Joy Conference 6:00 Narcotics Anonymous In Home Ministry Member :: Gurnia Moore 6517 Monmouth Mews Montgomery, Alabama Morning Worship (8:30 & 11:00 am) Parent/Child Dedication Prelude Sanctuary Orchestra By the Gentle Waters Sanctuary Choir Message Jay Wolf Evening Worship (6:15 pm) Bible Drill Demonstration Message Jay Wolf CrossRoads Broadcast Schedule 305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL Watch the sermon at the time below or online at Frazer Channel 13 (Montgomery & Prattville) Brighthouse Channel 122 (Elmore County) Sunday, 1:30 pm (full hour) & 6:00 pm Tuesday, 7:30 pm Thursday, 9:30 am & 6:00 pm WSFA-TV Channel 12 Sunday, 10:30 am The Beacon (USPS # ) is published and printed weekly by First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Beacon, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH montgomery