FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON JANUARY, 2015 VOL. 60 NO. 1. Fresh Start University. Small Group Classes Begin January 11 5:45 p.m.

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1 The Challenger The true meaning of love... Christ died for us. John 3:16 FBC FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HARRISON JANUARY, 2015 VOL. 60 NO. 1 Fresh Start University Small Group Classes Begin January 11 5:45 p.m. Adult Studies Crown Financial Biblical, Inspirational, Relational, Highly Practical Personal Finance Study The purpose of this study is to help participants grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, increase their knowledge of His financial principles and learn to apply them to their personal financial decisions. This process will lead you to a life of meaning and purpose and eternal joy. Cost $50 per couple First Place...This study addresses many issues of everyday life. Combined with prayer and Scripture reading this study helps to impart God s strength, empowering members to overcome temptation and make long-lasting lifestyle changes. Through a Biblical approach this program of weight loss and overall health management puts Christ first and improves every area of a person s life. Cost $75 You and Me Forever...Marriage is great, but it s not forever. It s until death do us part. Then come eternal rewards or regrets depending on how we spent our lives. In this marriage study through scripture we will understand what it means to have a relationship that satisfies the deepest parts of the soul and will radically shift the way we see one of the most important relationships in our life. Cost $10 The Power of God's Names In this study Dr. Tony Evans shows that it s through the names of God that the nature of God is revealed to us. Who is God in His fullness? How has He expressed His riches and righteousness? How can you trust His goodness? As you get to know the names of God and understand their meaning, God s character will become real to you in lifechanging ways. Cost $10

2 THE.ROB.BLOG Dadgum it! It s here again! Yep, it s resolutions time. You know, the comfort fibs we tell ourselves about how we are gonna do better, be different, and accomplish much. I am faced with this annual reminder of minor successes in a sea of epic fails. I m not being negative. I m being honest with you. Seriously, every year I have determined to read daily My Utmost for His Highest. Let s just say that I ve read every one of the devotionals just not in one year. Oswald would be so disappointed in me. And what about reading the Bible through in a year?? I do great until I get to what I call God s little speed bump otherwise known as Leviticus. (If I had been asked, I would have suggested that book be placed at the end. Just saying ) Every January I give my body (i.e. weight) to God. I wind up losing some pounds only to be surprised how convenient that Branson Krispy Kreme really is! I mean, it s only a short mile and a half out of my way. Maybe I should get out of the car and RUN to KK. Oh, that reminds me did you know that there is actually a KK running event?! You run 2 miles, eat a dozen KK s, then run back 2 miles to the finish line. The race appears to be diabolically designed to make you hate running and/or doughnuts. The real question here is: Am I setting myself up for failure? How? I hope you aren t like me but if you are, you may struggle with unrealistic expectations. Perfection is an unrealistic and unhealthy goal. You can t do it. And news flash God doesn t demand it. We read in the Bible be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect and make that into our life verse only to find a life filled with constant frustration. So, what do we do about this? First, understand that God is the ONLY one who can be perfect. He would never put that criteria on us. Secondly, the word translated perfect actually means complete; finished. Does knowing that fact change things for you? It should. Why? Because it is by His grace that we are made complete in Christ by His power. Notice that our ability had nothing to do with it. Freeing thought, right? And back to those pesky resolutions. My suggestions are as follows: 1. Make them bite sized. Don t overwhelm yourself with goals that bring up the thought What was I thinking? 2. Find a partner. Two can become more consistent than one. 3. Speaking of consistent focus on that. If you miss a day start over the next day. 4. Celebrate the little victories. (See bite sized ) Take time to thank God for the accomplishment. 5. Make it a God thing. Make your bent towards obedience not perfection. If you fail, repent and thank Him for His grace. (And yes, I did use the r word.) 6. Finally, let love lead. You will always be able to do more from a heart of love than a sense of guilt. Well, now that I ve written this I feel much better. I think I can enjoy my goals this year. But for full disclosure I need to make you aware that KK s are in none of my resolutions. Well, kinda. I told God that I wouldn t stop unless the hot now light was on. (I m glad gas prices are down. Driving up and down the Branson strip was getting expensive!) Your sort of resolute pastor, Rob << COMING UP >> ORIENTATION for 2015 FBCH COMMITTEES SUNDAY, JANUARY 4th 5:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING is scheduled for Sunday, February 8th, at 5:15 p.m.

3 What s happening in FBCH Student Ministry? The student ministry had their annual Christmas party this year on December 10 th out at the Arkansas Baptist Boys Ranch. That evening was a great night for most of our students to experience what the Boys Ranch is for the first time. We had a time of worship at their chapel and then a time of fellowship in the cottages, as we celebrated Christmas together. Wednesday, December 17 th, the students went around our community singing Christmas carols to some of our church members. In January we will be finishing up our Wednesday night series called Life on Mission, which has been a great study to learn about what it means to join the everyday mission of God. God has been working in the lives of students in our ministry over the course of this study and challenging them to live out their faith. On January 28 th we are going to attend a student lead Youth Rally at the Harrison High School. This rally has been organized by the efforts of students and will hopefully involve many youth groups and students from around the community. Also starting on January 11 th the youth will have a Sunday night small group class for the Fresh Start University called Prayer by Francis Chan. Come join us and learn more about your prayer life. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools in all circumstances of our lives today. Does prayer really work? Prayer is a frequent theme in Scripture, but students often struggle with questions about the purpose, practice and power of prayer. Does God really answer prayers? We ll explore questions and hear students share how prayer impacted the tough situations they were facing. ROC Ministry VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Contact Ryan if interested UPWARD BASKETBALL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!! The Upward season starts up on Saturday, January 24 th. We will need volunteers for concession stand, clock, and refereeing. Please contact Ryan if you are available and interested in any of these areas. Thanks! January Bible Conference January 25 Special Guest February 8 Dr. Tommy Turner Senior Pastor First Baptist Paris, Texas Dr. Bobby Welch Creator of F.A.I.T.H. evangelism strategy; former President of the SBC; current associative executive director of Tennessee Baptist Convention

4 FBC Harrison FBCH Students First Baptist Church P.O. Box 996 Harrison, AR Return Service Requested HARRISON, AR PERMIT NO. 73 NON-PROFIT ORG. Our Purpose: First Baptist Church exists to help people develop loving relationships with God and with others. Our Staff: Rob E. Davis Jr. Senior Pastor Dave Hart Assoc. Pastor Music/Sr. Adults Lance Read Interim Assoc. Pastor Adult Education/Media Ryan Puls Assoc. Pastor Youth/Recreation Susan Anderson Financial Secretary Betty Johnson Receptionist/Secretary Ron Pittman Facility Supervisor From All the Staff at FBCH... We wish you a Happy New Year! May the Lord bless you and keep you and cause his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. Pastor Rob is challenging the Church Family to READ THE BIBLE THROUGH in An insert is included in this Challenger with a schedule of scripture reading for January April. TOUCH THE WORLD SUNDAY On Touch the World Sunday, December 7th, we received $10,000 for World Missions. Thank you for supporting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. SENIOR ADULT LUNCHEON Tuesday, January 20th 11:30 a.m. Bring your Brown Bag Lunch... We will go to retirement homes to sing some hymns to the residents. THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE this Christmas Season possible! Decorating Committee: Cindy and Don Sugg, Jan Revard, Jeri Redding, and Kate Hughes. Thanks to Alex McGraw and Richard Weller in the sound booth. Thanks to Angela Jones and her children s choir leadership and to Emily Crow and her preschool choir leadership... and ALL the kids! You were wonderful! DAVE

5 MEMORIALS Patricia Reddell September 7, 1935 December 20, 2014 United with our Church: February 20, 2011 I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. John 11:25 With Sympathy Extended to the Family of Patricia Reddell on her passing. Extended to Martha Rose and Family on the passing of her father, John Lamb, of Harrison, Arkansas Extended to Greg Kimrey and Family on the passing of his aunt, Ellen Thurmon, of Arp, Texas. Extended to Ron Pittman and Family on the passing of his sister-in-law, Marie Pittman, of Berryville, Arkansas. Extended to Mark Mistler and Family on the passing of his uncle, Jim Mistler, of Owensville, Missouri. THANK YOU! Thanks to my Church Family for your many deeds of kindness, your prayers, food, visits, phone calls, cards, and many others during the death of Wayne s son, Gary Reese. Wayne Reese & Dorothy Cox Reese Thanks to my Church Family for all the cards and concern you gave me during the illness and death of my sister, Bonnie. In Christ, Wilma Pollock EXTENDED SESSION WORKERS SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 a.m. January 4th Babies: Cy Bowers, Shelly Hyatt 1 Year Olds: Lisa Hudson, Ronelle Tallant 2 Year Olds: Chris & Mary McNew 3 & 4 Year Olds: Glen & Jenny Curtis January 11th Babies: Karin Nabors, Paige Estes 1 Year Olds: Brittany Puls, Anne Hubbard 2 Year Olds: Shannon Still, Deana Reed 3 & 4 Year Olds: Derek & Stephanie Henderson January 18th Babies: Evan & Jenny Cowling 1 Year Olds: Marjorie & Amber Weller 2 Year Olds: Aldon & Crystal Taylor 3 & 4 Year Olds: Josh & Amy Petersen January 25th... Babies: Jim & Jan Sprott 1 Year Olds: Brent & Kim Rosson 2 Year Olds: Chris & Heather Reading 3 & 4 Year Olds: Troy & Carolyn Rook Children s Church Schedule for January 4th..First Family Worship 11th..Steve & Dixie Shrum 18th..Jonathan & Jessyka Dove 25th..Tom & Beverly Stokes THANK YOU! We wanted to express our appreciation and gratitude to you for allowing us to have our food drive boxes at your church. With your help we were able to raise a large supply for our backpack program. Sincerest thank yous and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Shirley Smothers & Julie Smith BIRTHS Congratulations to: Haley Hudson on the birth of her son... Jacob Ryder Hudson Born: December 9 8 lbs. 9 ozs. (Grandparents: Wes & Linda Hudson) (Great Grandmother: Freida Hudson) YOU ARE INVITED A sweet baby boy is on the way! Join us to bless Brittney Puls Saturday, January 24th 10:00 a.m. (drop-in) at the home of Cindy Sugg 503 Paddington Lane Registries at: Target, Wal-Mart, and Shelby s THANK YOU! The comfort and blessings that everyone from First Baptist Church offered Dean Wilburn and Family during his illness and then the funeral are too many to list. The wonderful staff, Bro. Rob, Dave, Ryan and Lance lifted us up daily during the time. To the membership and other employees, your prayers carried us. Those of you who called, visited, sent cards and brought food, thank you. Your prayers and words of comfort are still appreciated. Thank you from the Family, Kathy, Tina (Tim), Suzanne and Grandchildren

6 Sunday 2015 Monday 4 Tuesday Wednesday 5 6 Friday LE 2 E1BIB H T READ OUGH THR.. YEAR THIS ODAY! T BEGIN Saturday 3 15 The Harrison Christian Women s Connection cordially invites you to attend the 9 10 PRAY EVERY DAY... PRAY FOR ONE JOIN US at 5:15 for the WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP MEAL Worship with Us! FRESH START UNIVERSITY 7 Thursday WINTER WONDERLAND LUNCHEON Tuesday, January 13th 12:00 2:00 pm First Lutheran Church 1001 Gipson Drive Speaker: Kirsten Hart Re-inventing You Special Feature: Bev Bailey Ozark Rape Crisis Center Special Music: Dave & Kirsten Hart For reservations call: BEGIN THIS EVENING 5: NEW MEMBERS Since JULY 2014 By Profession of Faith & Baptism: 11:30 a.m. 25 JANUARY BIBLE CONFERENCE with Dr. Tommy Turner GAMES BEGIN Budget Receipts... Nov. 30th, Dec. 7, 14, 21 $122, Receipts to Date: $937, Required to Date: $1,002, G. F. Expenses to Date: $892, Margaret Bowles Mary McNew, Jenny Curtis Montana Crabtree Daniel Rondell Blake Wadsworth By Letter: Jim, Becky, Landon & Kanon Kirkland Brandon & Laura Horn Lance & Charlotte Read By Statement: Leigh Ann Thompson

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