FBC Newsletter. Decatur Campus 8:00 am Early Risers (Room 209): Come join us at 8:00 a.m. each Sunday. There is no

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1 FBC Newsletter A Monthly Source of News and Information for Members & Friends of First Bible Church Decatur Madison August 2015 FBC Mission Statement Our mission is to glorify God by helping people know, love, obey, and exalt Jesus Christ FBC Vision Statement Our vision is to present Christ to Decatur, Madison and the world in a contemporary and creative way through equipped and mobilized believers who make disciples. Adult Bible Fellowships Resume August 16th! Studying God s Word Together Caring for One Another ~ Reaching out to Others Decatur Campus 8:00 am Early Risers (Room 209): Come join us at 8:00 a.m. each Sunday. There is no children s programming or childcare available during this time. Contact Charlie Adams ( or cadams2206@charter.net). 9:15 am Sojourners (Room 222): Some are parents of middle school students. This group would be great for anyone not yet connected to an ABF. Contact Vance Helms ( or vance@fbc.org). Cornerstone (Room 202): Singles and couples in their 30 s and 40 s, many have school-aged children, striving to apply God s Word to everyday life. Contact Stratton and Lida Orr (sorr@psibuds.com or lidaorr@gmail.com). Carpenters (Room 215): A community from all ages and walks of life who seek to build a strong faith through an expository study of the Bible one book at a time. Contact Glenn Whiteside ( , glenn.cgw@gmail.com). Torchbearers (Room 221): Equipping ourselves and our children to be torchbearers for Christ. Contact Don Barthel ( , dmabarthel@charter.net) or Gary Metzgar ( , gmetzgar@bellsouth.net). Pathfinders (Room 209): Many of the parents in this flock have children in high school and college and want to be on the right path as they help each other through these years. Contact Jess Montegudo ( or jess@fbc.org). Kindred Spirits (Room 201): A mix of parents with children at home, empty nesters, and grandparents. We spend time each Sunday morning praying for one another, our church, our missionaries, and being encouraged from God s Word. Contact Tom and Robin Varwig ( or tvarwig@icloud.com). ABF Classes Continue on page 2 FBC Newsletter 1 August 2015

2 Neighbors (Room 219): Come join us as we seek to reach out to our own neighborhood with the love of Christ. Contact Ray Cain ( or Worship (Choir Practice Room)) Many, but not all, of these members are involved in various areas of the worship ministry. Contact Bruce Ellsworth ( or College ABF (Room 205) This group consists of college students here in Decatur and those home for the weekend. Contact Contact Patrick or Alyson Clemons or ; or ). 10:45 am Trailblazers (Room 221): Young singles and couples engaging in community to fix our eyes on Christ and live the Christian life with purpose and perseverance. Contact Brian and Leslie Cook or ). Foundations (Room 202): Couples with no children and parents of toddlers or preschoolers developing a biblical foundation for living the Christian life. Contact Ashley McIntyre ( , amcintyre1978@gmail.com) or Cronan Connell ( or cronan@valleyrubber.net). Seekers (Room 215): This group seeks knowledge of God s Word, a closer relationship with the Lord, wisdom in dealing with life s problems, and genuine fellowship with like-minded Christians. Contact Darrel and Sandra Phillips (darrel@fbc.org, or cavaliertours@charter.net, ). Adventurers (Room 209): This community of mostly empty nesters is always looking out for new members to join them on the great adventure that comes after the children are launched. Contact Don or Deborah Haynie (dohaynie1@gmail.com, or deborahmhaynie@hotmail.com, ). Ladies Class (Room 201) A new class for single sisters of all ages to connect and learn God s word together. Contact Hope Cheshier ihopeso@ .com Madison Campus 9:15 am Tentmakers: Singles, couples, and parents of toddlers or preschoolers seeking to build community in the Huntsville/Madison area and grow in our faith through the study of God s Word. Contact Justin Knighten ( , knightenjs@gmail.com) or Ty Batchelor ( , ty.batchelor@stacktest. com). Catalyst: If you are interested in gaining a better understanding of the Bible and learning how God s Word can be applied in 2015, join us in the Catalyst Adult Bible Fellowship. Open to adults of all ages. Contact Joey Harris ( or joey@cookspest.com). FBC Newsletter 2 August 2015

3 The FBC Institute exists to equip believers for life and ministry by offering courses in Bible, theology, ministry, and the Christian life. Fall 2015 Classes Classes marked with * are core classes, required for the Certificate of Bible and Theology. The Book of Nehemiah Dates & Time: Details Coming Soon Location: Madison Campus Office Cost: $30 Instructor: Joey Harris Old Testament Survey, Part 1 * An overview of the Old Testament from Genesis through Esther, as well as a general description of individual books. Dates & Time: Details Coming Soon Location: Decatur Campus Cost: $30 Instructor: Vance Helms Old Testament Survey, Part 2 * (Prerequisite: Old Testament Survey, Part 1) An overview of the Old Testament from Job through Malachi, as well as a general description of individual books. Dates: Sundays, September 13 November 15 (10 weeks) Time: 5:15 6:30 p.m. Location: Decatur Campus Cost: $30 Instructor: Alexander Roberts Systematic Theology, Part 2 * (Prerequisite: Systematic Theology, Part 1) The second in a two-part overview of the major areas of doctrine: The Bible, God, Man, Christ, Holy Spirit, Redemption, Church, and the Future. Dates: Sundays, September 13 November 15 (10 weeks) Time: 5:15 6:30 p.m. Location: Decatur Campus Cost: $30 Instructor: Vance Helms Bible Study Methods, Part 2 * (Prerequisite: Bible Study Methods, Part 1) An evangelical foundation and a simple method of how to understand and apply the Bible that utilizes the four steps of observation, interpretation, application, and correlation. Dates: Sundays, September 13 October 18 (6 weeks) Time: 3:45 5:00 p.m. Location: Decatur Campus Cost: $30 Instructor: Paul Cheshier The First Bible Institute has provided an outlet for my desire to dig deeper in the Bible and Bible history. I have enjoyed being able to learn from church leaders on how to apply this knowledge to my personal growth and my witnessing in the community. For more information or to register for classes, institute@fbc.org. FBC Newsletter 3 August 2015

4 Welcome New Members Rachel Brannon Decatur Campus Wayne and Deborah Huff Madison Campus Scott & Cherie Humphries Decatur Campus Save This Date: Wednesday, October 7 Angela Thomas Calling all ladies! You are invited to the Beauty and Strength Luncheon featuring author Angela Thomas to benefit Refuge of Grace. The event will be Wednesday, October 7, from 11:30am to 1pm at First Bible Church (Decatur Campus). Angela s books include Choosing Joy and 52 Things Kids Need from a Mom along with numerous Bible studies including Brave, Stronger, and Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering. Refuge of Grace is a local ministry that leads weekly Bible studies in the Morgan County Jail and follows with an 18 to 36-month program providing a home as these women seek a new path to freedom in Christ. Tickets are available for purchase in the church office or online at or by calling FBC Newsletter 4 August 2015

5 Looking Ahead with Steve Collin Hansen has written a provocative book that is generating some discussions about how to do church in a time of seismic cultural shift (Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church). There are three main responses to these changing times. The Courageous Church responds to the cultural shift by emphasizing sound doctrine, resisting liberalism, renouncing heresy, and refusing to commit theological treason. This church stands firm while other churches compromise the central tenets of the Christian faith. The courageous church is known for its strong doctrinal teaching, expository preaching, and its commitment to producing theologically literate Christians who can articulate and defend their faith in Christ. The courageous understand that they are in a minority and are prepared to defend unpopular positions that the world will despise. They stand firm, won t back down, and live counter-cultural lives. The Compassionate Church responds to the cultural shift by bringing relief to people who are suffering the consequences of sin, either their sin or the sin of others. A fallen world produces all kinds of agony from hurricanes, tsunamis, war, poverty, crime, greed, illegal immigration, discrimination, breakdown of marriage, the destruction of the family, and unfair economic systems. The compassionate clothe the naked, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and protect the poor, and protest those who oppress on behalf of the oppressed. They notice in the gospels how Jesus sought out and cared for the little people, the marginalized, the powerless minorities. The Commissioned Church responds to the cultural shift by adjusting its methods to accommodate realities in order to be relevant to the current generation. The commissioned fear being boring, irrelevant, and unfriendly. Commissioned churches are early adopters of the latest technology and newest innovative techniques in order to reach people who would never enter a traditional church building. The commissioned are especially worried about the younger generation and its turning away from traditional church, so it adapts its worship services to have a younger appeal. Traditional liturgy, songs, and worship service elements are revised or discarded and replaced with contemporary communication methods, usually involving electronic media. The commissioned are often market-driven and know they have to compete with football, golf, and sleep to get people to church. Each of these churches have their strengths and each of them have their blind spots. Which one do you think is First Bible Church? Where do you think are our blind spots? Let s talk. FBC Newsletter 5 August 2015

6 In just a few days the playgrounds at Francis Nungester will be buzzing with activity as our friends start back to school. With the beginning of the new year our church has many opportunities to serve our neighbors at Nungester. Please consider being a lunch buddy or a reading buddy. You will receive many blessings from these programs and the students and teachers really appreciate the extra attention. Our church will also be involved in a new program at the school called First Priority. This is a Christian club designed to teach the bible in public schools!! The possibilities of reaching unchurched children with the gospel are so exciting. This program will also equip the children to be able to share the gospel with their families and friends. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Sherry Fite at or sherry1861@yahoo.com. FBCers Ministering In Poland - Romania July 8-20 FBCers Ministering in Uganda July 30-August 8 Suzanne Holms, Bob Suran, Cindy Viall Not Pictured: Kevin Byrd, Abigail Cania Sophie Batchelor, Jonica Howard, Mary Kate Culpepper, Diane Hubbard, Emily Hubbard, Sherrie Collins No Pictured: Jill Batran, Lida Orr, Lucy Orr, Sally Batchelor, Cheryl Fitts, Mackenzie Fitts FBC Newsletter 6 August 2015

7 Happenings for W3 for August Registration for Fall Bible Studies begin Sunday, August 9th! Look for sign up sheets located in the Coffee Commons and outside the Fieldhouse at the Decatur Campus and and the Kiosk at the Women's Ministries Table at the Madison Campus. Decatur Campus: Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places by Angela Thomas Tuesdays, Sept. 8th - 6:30-8pm Rm. 202 and Wednesdays, Sept. 9th 9:30-11am (7 wk study) $15 Through biblical teaching and practical daily application, Stronger will help you realize you do not have to live in weakness.god is stronger than every struggle you will ever face. Because of Jesus Christ, your life has been hidden in Him, made alive in Him, filled in Him, brought near to God in Him, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Him. 1 Thessalonians Precept Study - You - Blameless at His Coming - Kay Arthur Wednesdays, Sept 9th - 9:15-11:30am Rm. 209 beg. (11 week study) $26 Are you an example to others? Learn the principles of exemplary Christian living - the very mission of Precept Ministries International. Understand the spiritual warfare, sparked by the presence of the Gospel in the world, and the rapture of the church -- God's ultimate rescue. Madison Campus: Stronger:Finding Hope in Fragile Places - Angela Thomas Mondays 6-8pm beg. Sept 14th (7 wk study) $15 Madison office see description above. W3 Fall Event "Connect" Madison Campus - Wednesday, September 9th from 6-8pm (RSVP aukathrynk@gmail.com) at Cook s Pest Control Madison 143 Dublin Drive, Madison, AL Decatur Campus - Thursday, September 10th from 6-8pm (RSVP sonyahodge@aol.com) First Bible Church Fieldhouse Who is W3? What are my spiritual gifts? Where can I serve? Come join the ladies of our church to connect with each other and meet the W3 team as we identify our spiritual gifts to best glorify God and serve one another. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace...in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11 Childcare is provided. Monday, August 24th at 5pm Rm. 201 "Forged Prayer" Decatur Campus Please come join the ladies of the church to pray for one another. FBC Newsletter 7 August 2015

8 Alexander Roberts Pastor to Students Student Ministry Rising 6th Grader Student/Parent Meeting August 5th at 6:00 PM in the Student Wing Matt Dubach, Asst. Director of Student Ministry -Informational meeting for rising 6th grade students and parents. Come learn about all the new things available for your child as they enter the student ministry. Wednesday 1:8 Fall Kickoff - August 19th at 6:00 New this Fall: Middle School meets in the Field House High School meets in the Student Wing Sunday Morning Kickoff on August 16th 9:00-9:30 - Doughnuts and Juice/Hangtime 9:30-10:00 - MS-Small Group/HS- Large Group 10:00-10:30 - HS-Small Group/MS- Large Group FBC Newsletter 8 August 2015

9 August Deacons of the Month Scott Anderson Decatur Campus Justin Rogers Madison Campus This Month Aug 5 6th Grade Parent Meeting 6 pm Aug 9 Deacons meet 3 pm Aug 11 Men s Prayer Breakfast resumes at 6:30 am Aug 11 Elders meet at 5:30 pm Aug 15 Half Day of Prayer 8-11:30 am Aug 16 ABFs, Student Ministry & Shine elementary groups resume Aug 16 Communion Sunday Aug 16 Regular 9:15 & 10:45 Sunday AM scheduling resumes Aug 16 Field House Service 10:45 am Aug 19 1:8 Kickoff Aug 24 W3 Forged Prayer Time 5:45 pm. Sympathy Pray for the following in the loss of family members. Joyce Bateman (her brother) Ken Richardson Steve Bateman (his uncle) Ken Richardson Ella Martin (her mother) June Wyker Bill Wyker (his aunt) June Wyker Mike Hutchens (his brother) Rick Hutchens Newest Addition Charles Lucian (Clay) Adams, IV born: July 8, 2015 Parents: Luke & Chelsea Adams Evening Bible Study and Sunday night ministries will resume after Labor Day! FBC Newsletter 9 August 2015

10 First Bible Church Decatur Campus - Spring Avenue, SW Decatur, AL FAX Decatur Office Hours 8:00 am 4:30 pm Monday Friday [Closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 pm] Sunday Services 9:15 & 10:45 am; 5:15 pm Madison Campus County Line Road Madison, AL Office - 20 Main St., Suite A Madison, AL Sunday Service Time 10:45 am info@fbc.org Visit ourwebsite: Telephone Ex. Pastoral Staff Steve Bateman - Senior Pastor Wayne Campbell - Madison Campus Pastor... Paul Cheshier - Outreach & Assimilation Pastor Bruce Ellsworth -Worship Pastor Vance Helms - Pastor of Discipleship Jess Montegudo - Associate Pastor Alexander Roberts - Pastor to Students Matt Dubach -Associate Director of Student Ministry Support staff Telephone Ex. Earlene Baker - Administrative Assistant Lori Bateman - Worship Assistant Telete Chappell - Elementary Coordinator Joy Conway - Children s Ministry Assistant Beth Ellsworth - Administrative Assistant Ronne Harvell - Business Manager Amy Holdbrooks - Children s Ministry Assistant Mary Gail Olinger - Madison Children s Director Kelly Martin - Nursery/Preschool Coordinator Darrel Phillips - Director of Facilities Cheryl Vinton - Administrative Assistant-Students Elders Charlie Adams Steve Bateman Ty Batchelor ~ Madison Campus Kevin Burleson Cronan Connell Scott Dubach Reggie Gladish Joey Harris ~ Madison Campus Donnie Haynie Barry Hill Chris Howard Scottie Hubbard Stan Moore Tom Varwig Glenn Whiteside Deacons Scott Anderson Joe Cimino Barry Fuller Marvin Grimm C.J. Jacobs Madison Campus David Jones Jeff Korotky ~ Madison Campus Ashley McIntyre Joel McWhorter Phil Olinger ~ Madison Campus Justin Rogers ~ Madison Campus Joe Sanders ~ Madison Campus Dave Truitt Nathan Williams ~ Madison Campus Joe Woodson ~ Madison Campus Ministries Audio-Visual ~ Bruce Ellsworth Adult Bible Fellowships [ABF] ~ Vance Helms AWANA ~ Joe Cimino Celebrate Recovery Women ~ Sheree Hutchens Celebrate Recovery Men ~ Jess Montegudo Children's Elem. Coord. ~ Telete Chappell Children s Ministry Assistant - Madison ~ Mary Gail Olinger... First Team ~ Girls ~ Earlene Baker ~ Guys ~ Chris Howard Nursery/Preschool Coord. ~ Kelly Martin Church Hostess ~ Mary South Flowers ~ Ella Martin G3 Ministry ~ Glenn Byrd Men s Prayer Breakfast ~ Jess Montegudo Mission Closet ~ Joy Conway Mission Committee ~ Scott Dubach Movers & Shakers ~ Jay Reichmann Charlie Petty Local Mission Committee ~ Paul Cheshier Worship/Music Ministry ~ Bruce Ellsworth Newsletter ~ Jo Cook ~ Mission letters ~ Maria Coker ~ Info and Proof ~ Lyn Cook Student Ministry ~ Alexander Roberts ~ Student Ministry Secretary ~ Cheryl Vinton Women s Ministry ~ Diane Hubbard, Coordinator Deacon Area of Responsibility Joe Cimino... Chairman / W3 Joel McWhorter... Secretary Barry Fuller... Treasurer Nathan Williams... Website / AV / Music / Worship Justin Rogers... Global & Local Missions Marvin Grimm... Baptism / Communion Dave Truitt... Benevolence / Disaster Recovery / CR Ashley McIntyre... Children / Student / Nursery / ABF Scott Anderson... Furniture / Movers & Shakers Barry Fuller... Membership Track Nathan Williams... Ushers 1st Service David Jones... Ushers 2nd Service Dave Truitt... Building / HCAC / Madison Office Joe Cimino... Fieldhouse / Programs Ashley McIntyre... Security / Tornado / Emergency Response Phil Olinger... Widows & Shut-ins Barry Fuller... Grounds Joel McWhorter... W3 FBC Newsletter 10 August 2015