FIRST BAPTIST BULLETIN 4701 E Poplar Drive, P.O. Box 3027, Terre Haute, IN 47803

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1 FIRST BAPTIST BULLETIN 4701 E Poplar Drive, P.O. Box 3027, Terre Haute, IN Volume No. XCIII Friday, February 13, 2015 No. 6. SUNDAY, February 15, :15 AM Deacon Prayer Time in the Pastor s Study 9:30 AM Morning Worship Service Whatever Genesis 50:15-21 Rev. John Campbell 10:45 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM Discipleship Class 2:00 PM Baby Shower for Asa Cowell 4:30 PM Youth Bells 5:00 PM Youth Music Team 5:15 PM Link Praise Team 5:30 PM Youth Snack Supper 6:00 PM Children s Choir 6:00 PM Evening Worship Service The Link 7:00 PM Trustee Ministry Team 7:00 PM Orchestra WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM Wednesday Programming: Children, Youth, Adults 6:30 PM Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:45 PM Sanctuary Bells Rehearsal WELCOME DESK 9:30 AM Dianna Harstine GREETERS Charles and Dawn Thurston and Family Tom and Laura Dever INTERCESSORY PRAYER CHAIN Kamela Farmer , Lori Moon VAN DRIVER Chad White REMINDER FOR PRE-SCHOOL Toddlers: 1st Hour: Kamela Farmer, Phoebe Farmer 2nd Hour: Judy Harris, Nathalie Rozo Nursery: 1st Hour: Kirsten Morrison, Amy Sizemore, Sharon Cordray 2nd Hour: Kirsten Morrison, Gina Dorsett, Connie Ralston

2 I encountered a statement in Contagious Generosity by Chris Willard and Jim Sheppard which has caught my attention and imagination. Scarcity is a cancer. Generosity is the cure. Stop and reflect upon that thought for a moment. We know all too well the devastating impact cancer can have in destroying life! When I view my situation and the world around me as a closed system, one in which there are only limited resources, limited energy and limited opportunities, one begins to hold on to what we have in our time, our talents and our finances. After all, if there is only a limited amount of resource to go around, I need to preserve it wisely! What if instead we understood we serve the God of creation? What if we realized that our God is the creator of all? What if God took the first step to demonstrate loving generosity to us? Willard and Sheppard suggest that one way of understanding this is Generosity flows from an understanding that all we have, are, and ever will become is not ours to possess, and it results in sharing what we ve been given with others for the advancement of the kingdom and the glory of God. We have an invitation to join God in the sharing of God s love with the world. God s desire is for the redemption of the earth, the whole earth through what He has done in Jesus Christ. We are invited to join with God as God s children in this journey! Willard and Sheppard share this observation which I really appreciated. Generosity is not an obligation; it s an opportunity for believers to be shaped into the image of Christ that people around them so desperately need. Generosity also reminds us that there is hope, even when our circumstances appear dark and grim. It draws us to look to God, and we are reminded that because we serve a God who creates out of nothing, the realm of possibility for our future is greater than we can ever imagine. Generous churches generate a positive energy that asks what God is calling us to do next, not what we can accomplish in our own strength and wisdom. Generous churches live with hands wide open, knowing that God is the source of all we have, are, and ever will become. The act of giving creates a contagious energy that draws people even those with little or no faith because it s authentic and unexpected. It s compelling evidence that God is at work. One of our church members recently posted an article on her Facebook page which I thought to be very timely. One of the goals that our deacon ministry team is working on this year is to be more intentional about follow-up and connectedness with our guests. This article is titled Ways that Churches Signal Newcomers That They are NOT Welcome. These are all very subtle actions, but yet being sensitive to these suggestions just might be the key to keeping our newcomers connected to our church. Please understand that I am not saying we don t already avoid these actions. I just share them as food for thought, in case there are areas where we might work on some improvement. 1-The entrances are locked or opened late. Perhaps all of the regular attenders know that no one parks in the back lot until the front is full. Therefore, there is no reason to rush to get all of the entrances opened. However, a first time guest won t have that information, and a locked door fifteen minutes before a service is set to begin could be a good indicator that the church is not prepared for newcomers. 2-The church bulletin gives inadequate information. References to in house terms (ABW, MCT or ABY) can leave guests in the dark about what those groups are and who is invited. It s always best to use general explanatory terms like Sunday School Class, Youth Group, etc. 3-The worship leaders are not sensitive to first-timers. One of the pastors may say Bob is going to lead us in prayer, or Sue is available to provide information about this event. Newcomers could ask who is Bob and what is his role in this congregation, or who is Sue and how do I get in touch with her? 4-The congregation sends its own signals. Is guest parking clearly marked? Are guests greeted at the door and directed to the sanctuary, nursery or other areas of the building? Do certain folks have certain pews where guests are not welcome to sit? Does signage give clear directions to restrooms, children s areas, Sunday School classes? 5-The insider language keeps outsiders away. For instance what is a Penny Project or the America for Christ Offering? There are terms that long-time church members know well, but they can be confusing to first-time guests and make them feel disconnected. If we are going to use this language, then we need to be sure to offer clear explanations. 6-No attempt is made to get information on guests (and we need to use the term guest a visitor implies someone who probably won t be around very long.) Do we explain why we ask them to fill out information in the attendance register and remind everyone to pass them down the pews? It does no good to ask guests to provide contact information and then never provide a place for them to do so. 7-No one follows up on first-timers. Asking people to fill out a guest card implies that there will be some kind of contact with them. A first-timer who visits a church and does everything right has a right to expect some kind of follow up from a leader of that congregation.

3 8-Intangibles often send the signals loud and clear. Often it s nothing more than a great smile that seals the deal; or, a warm, genuinely friendly handshake. A friendly, Have you found everything you need here? may be all that s needed. 9-What happens following the service can make the difference. Healthy congregations love each other and welcome newcomers and their people are reluctant to leave following the end of the service. Guests are invited to join others for lunch or invited to week-day small groups, Bible studies and other church events. KIDS HOPE In recommending one of our new students to our Kids Hope Program, the teacher wrote on the referral form is a sad child who could use some one on one time with an adult. As I read through the reports that the mentors leave each week after their mentoring sessions this child s mentor wrote: was happy and seemed to enjoy our time together. Perhaps I can make a difference in brightening his life for that one hour. Wow I read that and I thought to myself that this is a mentor who completely understands what the program is all about. Yes, we work to improve the quality of school work, especially in subjects where the child might be having difficulty. But yet, beyond the tutorial assistance, is the desire to brighten up a child s life if only for one hour each week! Thank you to all of our mentors for the dedicated ways in which you do that each and every week for the 22 children we have enrolled in our Kids Hope ministry! Mentors don t forget that school will be closed for Presidents Day Weekend on Friday, February 13 th and Monday, February 16 th. Be sure to check out the Kids Hope bulletin board for some new pictures from the Christmas party. SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH The Senior Lunch Bunch will meet at 12:00 PM at the church on Thursday, February 26. Come join us and bring your ideas about where we can go this year. JUICE FROM JILL Discipleship class will begin this Sunday, February 15 during the Sunday School Hour in the room next to the Children s Church room. This is a class that is offered every year to children in 3 rd -5 th grade class who want to learn more about what it means to give your heart to Jesus and follow Him. It is not a class where children are expected to be baptized at the end. It is a class where hopefully the pieces fit together and they feel free to ask those questions that they have about following Jesus. During Lent we will be having some special things going on during worship that I think will be beneficial to the children. We are going to change up the service. The children are invited to come up front and sit with me on the pews until we go out for Children s Church. During Children s Church we will be discussing the theme of the morning service. Though I will miss my time with the children up front, I think they will appreciate and learn from the other things planned. Please plan to be here for the kick-off of Lent on February 22. Staff for February 15 Preschool 9:30 Beginners Misty Keathley/Gina Dorsett Intermediates Lucinda Holston/Nathalie Rozo Pre-K Amber Renn/Amy Ennen/Jake Lyon 10:30 Beginners Karen Lyon Intermediates/Pre-K Danielle Rayburn/Melissa Lindsay Elementary K/1 st Grade Mabel/Allen Keathley 2 nd /3 rd Grade Connie Yarber/Lisa Reed Elementary Marty Petscher/Beverly Farnsworth Music Jean Penry Children s Church Jill Kirchoff Candle lighters Oscar Vega/Aaron Campbell MEN S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST Remember February 21. That s the morning of our Men s Breakfast at 9:00 AM in Esken Hall. All men of First Baptist are invited. God has given us two hands, one to receive and the other to give with.

4 DISCIPLESHIP CLASS We will be offering a discipleship class for children 3 rd -5 th grade beginning February 15 th and running each Sunday through March 22 nd during the Sunday School hour. We will be learning what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The children will learn about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the basics of the Bible, how to become a Christian and what that means, communion, baptism and much more. This study will have weekly assignments that the children will need to complete before the next class. This is NOT a confirmation class in which children are expected to make a decision to walk the aisle at the end. It is a class to try and help the children understand how to become a Christian and then follow Christ. Children, or their parents for them, may sign up at the Welcome Desk. This class is taught by Miss Jill. Please her with questions. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS (15-21) 15. Matthew Johnson, Lois King 16. Pam Palmer 17. Ruth Hayhurst, Robert Nichols, Marlene Smith, Jo Ann Stiller 19. Brenda Steward 20. Brandon King, Richard Wood 21. Abigail Abell, Sharon Cordray, Grace Palmer, Graham Palmer BIBLE READING SCHEDULE February 15. Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts Leviticus 26-27; Acts Numbers 1-2; Acts Numbers 3-4; Acts Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts Numbers 8-9; Acts Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1 PRE-SPRING CLEANING! As a part of their Day of Service on February 21 st, our youth (and any adult volunteers that would like to help ) will be addressing our clutter issue. We will be going through the stage area to sort and re-shelve what needs kept, but also, to throw away what needs pitched. We are working in conjunction with the Trustees who will be providing a dumpster for the project and want to be very sure that we don t get rid of anything that needs kept. To help with this, we are planning ahead, pre-identifying as much as we can what should go and what should stay. We also want your help. On Sunday, February 22 nd, any items that we come across and are not sure of the purpose or need of keeping will be left out. If you could, walk past them, help us identify them, and let us know if it is something that needs kept. After that Sunday, anything that remains up in the air will be thrown out. Since we will have a dumpster, we are also asking that each Sunday School class have a pre-spring cleaning of their own. If you have items in your cabinets or closets that need to go, if you have chairs that need repaired or are broken, set them out for us and leave them marked and we will make them disappear! Removing the clutter will help us with our limited storage space that we have here at the church and provide space for more ministry to happen along the way. Our youth will also be working to wash windows, polish/shine the wood doors leading into the sanctuary, and a variety of other small projects around the church as well. If you would like to work alongside them, helping and getting to know them, please let John know. We would love to have you! KODIAK BAPTIST MISSION The Kodiak Baptist Mission provides essential social and physical care to the people of Kodiak, Alaska while also teaching and modeling the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether it is through their food pantry, their VBS camps, their daycare services, their mentoring programs, or housing initiatives, the KBM is constantly busy reaching the needs of those around them. We want to help! We are currently looking into a possible mission trip to Kodiak in mid July or early August. The trip would involve jobs that require a variety of skill levels. We need professionals carpenters, roofers, contractors, plumbers and we need do it yourselfers that are willing to paint, hammer nails, mow grass, work in the kitchen, and more. Information on the trip is available on the Welcome Desk. If you have questions please contact jcampbell@thfbc.org. CONGRATULATIONS Eric and Krista Lubbehusen are the parents of a baby girl. Jessa Jane arrived on Monday, February 9. She has two older brothers, Conner and Maddox and two older sisters, Emma and Ruthee. May God bless this family.

5 MY EBENEZER By John Campbell The Great Story what story is that? It is God s story. It is your story. It is our story. In just two weeks, the season of Lent will be upon us and we will begin looking forward to Easter. As we do, our Sunday morning worship services will pattern, in topic, exactly what Christ and his followers would have been focusing on in the weeks leading up to the cross and the resurrection. As the Jewish season of Passover approached, Israel s mind would be firmly planted on the story of the Exodus. As a people, Israel would remember together the great faithfulness and works of God that rescued Israel from slavery and oppression. Jesus used this corporate memory to advance his Kingdom. He drew upon the stories of the Exodus, the stories of Moses, and the stories of great miracles and plagues that are a part of Israel s history to put up sign posts that all pointed to one thing: God was rescuing Israel again God was moving to bring his people out of slavery, out of bondage, and into the Promised Land. The disciples and apostles picked up on this after Pentecost, connecting the dots between the first Exodus experienced by Israel and the second Exodus led by Jesus the Christ. During Lent, we will be connecting those same dots. We will be viewing Christ as the leader of this second Exodus. We will be learning that we have experienced this exodus ourselves, that each of us was once a slave to our sin, but now have been set free by Christ and led towards the Promised Land. Perhaps, we will even become excited to do just what Israel learned to do to tell our story, the great story, of how God rescued us. BABY SHOWER Please join us for a baby shower to celebrate Asa Thomas Cowell, son of Mark and Brenda (Morgan) Cowell on Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 PM in the parlor. Their registry is available at Amazon.com by typing "Brenda Cowell Baby Registry" in to the search field. We are also asking that everyone bring a children's book for Asa. The Cowells, currently living in Michigan, will be joining us remotely. Shower hostesses are Amy Ennen, Djanedi Cardwell, and Lori Moon. LADIES SPRING BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY, BELIEVING GOD Registration for the spring Bible Study, Believing God, begins Sunday, February 15, at the Welcome Desk. Registration runs from February 15 thru Wednesday, March 11, The 10 week study will begin Thursday, March 19, at 9:30 AM. The workbook with the video study will cost about $16.00 (payable at first session). Believing God is based on Isaiah 43:10. The study explores what it means to believe God not just believing in God. The study encourages women to deepen their own trust in God through the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others. Beth shows how God is so much more than we have acknowledged and experienced. Sign up for study and workbook at the Welcome Desk or call the church office. Contact Connie Sheehan at shconnie@joink.com or with questions. FIRST BAPTIST FAMILY PRAYER LIST We invite you to join the staff in praying for the following persons during the week of February Each week we will be praying specifically for several in our First Baptist family. Please join us as we ask God s blessing upon our sisters and brothers in Christ: Bob Schwindy; Bob and Lanita Shafer; Ken, Marilyn, Ryan, and Marissa Shaffer; Jay and Phyllis Shaw; Connie and Cari Sheehan; Tim and Debbie Showen. PRAISES FROM THE PRESCHOOL This week will be a short week at Preschool. We have a four day weekend coming up. We always get Monday off for Presidents Day, but this year Vigo County Schools included Friday. Since we follow Vigo County for holidays, we have Friday off too!! Registration packets are NOW AVAILABLE! Pick yours up in the Preschool office or the Main office. In the packet, you will find the classes we offer and the prices, detailed information about First Friends Preschool and of course, an application for enrolling. I feel the more informed people are about the Weekday Preschool Ministry, the more comfortable they will be sending their child here. I will start accepting applications/$50.00 registration fee on Monday, March 2nd. If you know you want to sign your child up, please do not delay!! Registration will be open up to the public on Monday, March 9th. Classes fill quickly, so don't miss the deadline. Thank you for spreading the word about First Friends Preschool! I always say, I could rent the biggest billboard in town and it would not be as effective as a parent talking to another parent about our Preschool! Your kind words and confidence in our program is our best form of advertising. Thought for the day..."it's not a parent s responsibility to have Godly children, It's a parents responsibility to make sure their children have Godly parents." Caring for God's precious children, Gina.

6 ORDINATION SERVICE The First Baptist Church of Columbus, Indiana cordially invites you to be present for the Ordination of David Doles into the Christian Ministry on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 9:30 in the morning. Reception immediately following service in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to send a card or letter, please mail to: First Baptist Church, Attention: Doles Ordination Service, 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus, Indiana KUM DUBBLE CLASS President Wilma Roman opened the class by confronting us with the number of ways that we use "up" in our writing and conversation. So we shut "up", sat "up", listened "up" and spoke "up" as teacher Glenn Cardwell focused on how the Good Samaritan looked "up" and fixed "up" the beaten man. We looked "up" the scripture and found that the rich young ruler would not give "up" his wealth to enter the Kingdom. We checked "up" on our birthday persons, Mary Nasser and Evelyn Vaught, and reported on concerns: Joan Moore's neighbor and Bob and Jo Ann Stiller who have moved to Bethesda Gardens. We hope you are "up" and about soon. The lesson concluded with recognition that we should use our resources, whatever they are, for persons in need. Then we looked "up" at the clock, got "up" out of our chairs and headed for MCL in order to get there before the customers were lined "up." DOUBLE RING CLASS Glenn Cardwell subbing for John Penry who was on a rail getaway with Jean to celebrate John s??th birthday added a new twist or two to the familiar story of the Good Samaritan. Afterwards the officers hosted a soup luncheon in Esken Hall. Attendance is encouraging. Prayers were requested for Pat Fletcher (has returned home), Bob and Jo Ann Stiller (moved to Bethesda Gardens), John Kuykendall, Jim Eslinger, and the Butler s daughter, Angie Heitman, who lost her job in a major health care RIF in Indianapolis. Praises were shared by Venita Gastineau, Bob Rogerson and Lyle and Pam Hawkins in medically related reports, new doctors or upcoming medical appointments. John Penry will return Sunday to share a lesson entitled Serving the Least. PRAYER PROGRAM KICK-OFF The Deacon Board is inviting anyone interested to join us as we walk and pray through our surrounding neighborhoods! This is a unique opportunity to put our words in motion as we actively pray for our neighbors while distributing invitations to events in our church life. We have identified ten surrounding neighborhoods which we will pray through in We will continue to pray for that month's neighborhood throughout the month. We will kick-off this program ministry on Saturday, February 28th beginning at 1:00 PM in the church parking lot. A sign-up sheet will be at the Welcome Desk beginning 2/15 for anyone interested in participating. THANK YOU First Baptist Church, Thank you for the beautiful floral arrangements, food for the funeral, and all your prayers and support. Family of Anna C. Ferguson To the staff and members of T.H.F.B.C., Thank you for your prayers and thoughtfulness during my surgery and recovery. It may have been a visit, a card, or a phone call, all were very meaningful to me. Sincerely, Bob Meyers First Baptist Family, I want to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, phone calls, and food. I am living proof that prayer works. After two surgeries I am cancer free. A special thanks to Sue Weger, Joan Brown, Joan Richardson, and Ed and Sharron Utterback for being there the whole time. Thanks also to Pastor Bernie for his visits. Pat Fletcher

7 OUR RECORD THIS YEAR Beginning January 1, 2015 New Members: 4 Baptisms: Rededication: BUDGET INCOME: Envelopes 10, Loose Offering On-Line Giving 1, Bulletin Transfer Restricted Fund 9, TOTAL 21, NON-BUDGET INCOME: ABY Fund Designated TOTAL 21, BUDGET FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2/8/15 Budget Weekly 12, Collected 21, Difference +9, YTD Collected 89, YTD Expenses 77, Difference +12, WORSHIP / SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT (Statistics for February 8, 2015) AM Worship Service 306 Adults Sunday School 129 Youth Sunday School 21 Children Sunday School 22 Preschool Sunday School 29 Total Sunday School 201 Link Service 123 FIRST BAPTIST BULLETIN Church office Fax number Website Information Rev. Bernard Jackson...Senior Pastor BJackson@THFBC.org Rev. Steve Newman... Associate Pastor, Music/Worship SNewman@THFBC.org Rev. John Campbell... Associate Pastor, Youth/Discipleship JCampbell@THFBC.org Mrs. Jill Kirchoff... Children s Minister JKirchoff@THFBC.org Dr. William H. Griffith.... Pastor Emeritus Mrs. Susan Sneddon... Organist Mrs. Gina Dorsett....Preschool Ministries, Director GDorsett@THFBC.org Mrs. Linda McCammon... Church Secretary LMcCammon@THFBC.org Mrs. Jo Anne Woodcock.... Financial Secretary ....JWoodcock@THFBC.org Mr. David Everhart...Church School Superintendent Rev. Steve Newman/Mrs. Judy Fears... Kids Hope USA Directors Mr. Joe Craft... Contemporary Music Leader Mr. Shawn McCammon....Maintenance Supervisor Click to follow us on Twitter Facebook and the web

8 PRAYERS REQUESTED Cincinnati Hospital Steve Parsley Scott County Memorial Hospital Jim Hale Texas Hospital Jeff Scully Bethesda Gardens Marie Newman Bob Stiller Jo Ann Stiller Springhill Village Barbara Caton First Baptist Family Beth Allen Tom Bailey Sarah Barnes Kathryn Cordray Sharon Cordray Carol Crain Morris Crumrin Sandra Eggers Stella Ennen Nathan Farmer Pat Fletcher Venita Gastineau Kent H. Harris Dan Hunter Dave Jones Donna Jones Bill Kauffman Allen Keathley Jonathan Kirchoff Joyce Little Krista & Jessa Lubbehusen David Manson Norma McCullough Kim McDonald Bob Meyers Barbara Randall Tim Reardon Bob Rogerson Bob Shafer Susan Sneddon Cameron Switzer Jim Watkins Others Madi Adams James Anderson Alyssa Bedwell Gene Bradford Cathy Chaney Mike Doyon Dawn Forche Margaret Freeman Tom Harris Cindy Loudermilk Aline Mascari Elaine McBride Branden Ralston Sandy Ring Bunny Slough Jimmy Smith Gary Wallace Military LCDR Andy Cain Jake Culp Lt. Col. Brian Deas Jeremy King Capt. Robert O Meara Shut-ins Bonnidell Clouse Robert Clouse Karolyn Dreher Erma Farr Martha Johnson Charles Julian Jean Julian Helen Lehman Virginia Little Vera Morgan Pam Palmer Mary Peffley Pete Peffley Allyn Showen Juanita Stephens Leora Taylor Helen Westerman Pauline Wilson Betty Wolfe Names in italics are new on the prayer list. Names will remain on the prayer list for three weeks unless the office is notified.