Onward... God s Blessing to Glorify God! Onward... It s a word prompting progress toward a goal. It s an activity pursuing spiritual advancement. It s a movement advancing the kingdom of God. It s also a Capital Stewardship Campaign enhancing the ministry and expanding the facilities of First Baptist Church At The Villages. You, as church family or church friend, are invited to embark on a spiritual journey that holds the potential to be a life-transforming experience. This endeavor is about far more than giving money and building buildings. It is about preparing ourselves, individually and collectively, for walking with God into the future He has planned for us. This booklet provides complete details about the campaign. It is accompanied by a 40-Day Devotional Guide. Together, they are essential equipment reference manuals or road maps for this journey. Where are we going? What will happen along the way? Ultimately, only God knows. But His clear calling for each one of us is to take a next step with Him Onward!
What s Happening and When Onward!...How Much Is Needed? SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 Campaign Kick-Off Onward! is a three-year Capital Funds Campaign to raise funds for facility expansion over and above tithes and offerings given to the church s operating budget. MONDAY, JANUARY 16 THROUGH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 How is a Capital Campaign differentand fromdevotions regular weekly giving? Regular weekly or 40 Days of Prayer monthly supports the operating expenses of the church. pays for the costs of Guided by thegiving 40-Day Devotional Guide accompanying thisitbooklet. running the building, paying the staff and conducting the services and ministries. God told Moses to establish the tithe (one tenth of income) as a standard of giving so that SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 could THROUGH MARCH(Leviticus 4, 201727:30; Numthe Priests and Levites carry outsaturday, all religious observances FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 AND 26, 2017) bers(sundays, 18:26). This is a time for a Sermon Series and Church-Wide Bible Study But when theon time camealcorn s to build the God s instructions to Moses were based Randy TheTabernacle, Treasure Principle When Jesus tolddifferent: His followers to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from andheart His children maximum everyone whose prompts them to give.pleasure. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; rams skins 10 dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil FRIDAY, MARCH THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017 for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and 24-Hour Prayer Vigil other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Exodus 25:2-7 The Campaign Prayer Team will offer opportunities to sign up for 30-minute intervals on Sundays, February and 26. All these materials were to be used for 19 building and furnishing the tabernacle. This offering was totally separate from the tithe. And it was so successful that Moses had to tellmarch the people12 to THROUGH stop giving because they hadmarch brought in18, more than enough to SUNDAY, SATURDAY, 2017 complete theprayer tabernacle (Exodus 36:6).Building Site Walk on The The actual footprint new building will be identified and you are$3.725m. encouraged to is The cost of of the the proposed facility expansion is estimated to be The plan walk and pray for such things as the ministry and fellowship that the space will provide for, to finance approximately $2.5M with funds you, the church family or church friend, the safety of the who build the building, the office staff who work there, and areworkers led by God to will commit through the three-year Capital Funds Campaign. Additional the role Godnecessary wants each of us to the playchurch in making building a reality. monies will come from Reservethe Fund and/or an additional bank loan added to our existing mortgage. SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017 Commitment Sunday Commitment Sunday is set aside as the day to turn in completed Commitment Cards. SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 Victory Sunday A day set aside to announce the amount of total commitments made. SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017 First Fruits Sunday Whether your commitment is to a one-time gift or a gift over time, it is requested that you make your gift, or initiate your gift, on First Fruits Sunday.
God s Blessing To Glorify God God s Blessings. Have you stopped to count them? Have you paused to thank Him? Have you done anything with God s blessings? As the Holy Spirit inspires our individual hearts to acknowledge and appreciate God s gift of Grace, we are led to share this gift with others. This desire to share creates a giving and loving attitude that is inviting to others and shows generosity to one another. How we utilize this God-given attitude is the secret to successfully growing God s Kingdom. Utilizing God s Blessings to Glorify God is our desire! As we experience the warmth and comfort of God s Love through His gift of Grace, we seek to glorify God. To accomplish this we must share God s Love with the community around us. Telling others what God has done in our lives and how that same blessing can be theirs as well. We can also share God s blessings in a tangible way through financial gifts to the church to further God s work in and through us. That is the strategy and goal of the Onward! Capital Stewardship Campaign. God is continuing to Bless His Church at First Baptist Church At The Villages. All He has blessed us with, individually and collectively, we dedicate to His glory. God s Blessing to Glorify God is God s promise to us, well expressed by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:11, You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. outside that your gift is for Onward or wish credit on your giving record for the our gift will be handled only by the ly credits your record of giving. B when they are on an extended trip or. The mailing address of the church is: FL 32162. The already addressed enis postage-paid.
We are Motivated by the Past, Compelled by the Present, and Inspired by the Future. Onward...A Rationale for Your Consideration Why should I engage in another Capital Stewardship Campaign? Why should I continue reading this booklet? Why should I step forward with God? Why should I embrace Onward!? Great questions! Here s a simple answer Past, Present, and Future. We are Motivated by the Past, Compelled by the Present, and Inspired by the Future. That s why you should engage in another Capital Stewardship Campaign. That s why you should continue reading this booklet. That s why you should take a next step with God. That s why you should embrace Onward! Interested? Engage, continue, step forward, and embrace Onward!
Motivated By The Past First Baptist Church At The Villages began as a dream a vision of providing a faithful Christian witness to the growing retirement community in central Florida known as The Villages. That was more than fifteen years ago. What started then as a small group Bible study has now become a dynamic, spiritual fellowship a church. Along the way, God has provided both property and facilities as tools to assist ministry opportunities and accommodate continual growth. First there was a 10-acre tract on which the initial facility was constructed in 2004 the church s present Fellowship Hall. Then, there was the purchase, in 2009, of 30 adjacent acres, followed by the decision, in 2010, to pursue the first phase of a multi-phased campus masterplan. Ground was broken in January of 2012 and, in October of 2013, the present Worship Center was dedicated. Throughout these phases of property purchase and facility construction, God provided funding by rallying His people to participate in a series of Capital Stewardship Campaigns. Before occupying the initial facility, God enabled us to give over $1 million for construction. In 2008, despite having no identified property or facility plans, over $1.2 million was raised. Then, in 2010, with the vision of a Worship Center before us, over $1.5 million was given. But the church is more than property and facilities. The history of First Baptist Church At The Villages is about people people who have encountered God, had their lives touched and changed by Him, and who, by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within them, now live as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Such experiences are difficult to document, but their reality is confirmed through the spiritual faithfulness and Christ-like fruitfulness of the church s over 860 members. We are Motivated by the Past because throughout the church s history from small beginnings, through multiple property and facility moves, to personal spiritual experiences God has led us Onward! We are Motivated by the Past because throughout the church s history from small beginnings, through multiple property and facility moves, to personal spiritual experiences God has led us Onward!
Compelled by the Present We are Compelled by the Present because, together, the ministry initiatives and realized growth necessitate facility expansion. Onward! Right now, at the beginning of 2017, the life and ministry of First Baptist Church At The Villages is heavily influenced by the outcome of an effort launched in January of 2015. At that time, three special teams Vision, Growth and Structure were formed. They were tasked with determining direction and developing strategies to further the church s ministry over the next five years. Their results, called Focus 2016, highlighted one over-arching theme growth. Given the church s location, demographics, spiritual composition, and continuing ministry effectiveness, continued growth spiritually and numerically was to be anticipated. Specifically, growth was forecasted to propel the church toward a membership approaching 2,000 by 2020. Several strategies were recommended, and subsequently pursued, to foster and sustain such growth. They included Evangelistic Training and Outreach, Increased participation in Small Group Bible Studies, Enhanced Guest Interaction, Special Big Events, and Community Awareness through Marketing (The Big Yellow Church on 42!). One specific outcome from such anticipated growth was also identified the need to expand facilities. To that end, a Facilities Team later expanded and renamed the Building and Site Development Team was established to determine and prioritize needs. From that initial effort, the team was tasked with developing a revised campus masterplan to meet both present and future facility needs. Their plans were presented to and adopted by the church in October of 2016. The immediate phase includes: Additional Parking New Fellowship Hall with Commercial Kitchen Expanded Gathering Hall Relocated and Upgraded Cafe New Restrooms Relocated and Enlarged Staff Office Area New Meeting Rooms for Bible Studies and Children s Ministry Outdoor Courtyards to Enhance Ingress and Egress One additional ministry initiative helps define and describe our present. In mid- 2016, the Leadership Team presented to the church a God-given vision of developing a Ministry to Families with Children. That vision was enthusiastically embraced and plans are well underway to initiate this new ministry in 2017. Year-to-date and year-over-year metrics confirm that anticipated growth is occurring. Both worship participation and membership have increased by 10% and giving is up over 17%. We are Compelled by the Present because, together, the ministry initiatives and realized growth necessitate facility expansion. Onward!
Inspired by the Future The Mission is unchanged making fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The Vision remains reaching The Villages and Surrounding Communities for Christ. What does the future hold? Only God knows. But He has given us a glimpse. In a mission that extends to The Villages and throughout the state, nation, and world. In ministries that engage in Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, Service, Worship, and Prayer. In people whose hearts are touched and whose lives are changed by the Good News of Jesus Christ and who follow Him faithfully and fruitfully. In people who love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and who love their neighbor as themselves. We look to the future and see the advancement of the kingdom of God. We step into the future as the church of Jesus Christ First Baptist Church At The Villages! We are inspired by the future because it holds our best hope of God s Will being done in and through us. Onward! Our past is motivating. Our present is compelling. Our future is inspiring. Now is the time for commitment, individually and collectively. That commitment involves embarking on a spiritual journey that is a Capital Stewardship Campaign. It involves spiritually preparing to walk with God into the future He has planned for us. It also involves listening for God s voice and responding in faith as He directs each of us to give generously, sacrificially, and joyfully to His work at First Baptist. We are inspired by the future because it holds our best hope of God s Will being done in and through us. Onward! May the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:14 be reflective of our personal commitment, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Onward!
Onward!...How Much Is Needed? Onward! is a three-year Capital Funds Campaign to raise funds for facility expansion over and above tithes and offerings given to the church s operating budget. How is a Capital Campaign different from regular weekly giving? Regular weekly or monthly giving supports the operating expenses of the church. It pays for the costs of running the building, paying the staff and conducting the services and ministries. God told Moses to establish the tithe (one tenth of income) as a standard of giving so that the Priests and Levites could carry out all religious observances (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26). But when the time came to build the Tabernacle, God s instructions to Moses were different: Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; rams skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Exodus 25:2-7 All these materials were to be used for building and furnishing the tabernacle. This offering was totally separate from the tithe. And it was so successful that Moses had to tell the people to stop giving because they had brought in more than enough to complete the tabernacle (Exodus 36:6). The cost of the proposed facility expansion is estimated to be $3.725M. The plan is to finance approximately $2.5M with funds you, the church family or church friend, are led by God to commit through the three-year Capital Funds Campaign. Additional monies necessary will come from the Church Reserve Fund and/or an additional bank loan added to our existing mortgage.
Onward...How Can I Give? First, everyone is asked to participate in all the activities of the Campaign beginning with spiritual preparation through a 40-Day Prayer and Devotion time. A coordinated Sermon Series and Bible Study will follow leading us all to a God-directed personal commitment. A calendar of all the campaign events may be found on the back page of this booklet. Second, everyone is asked to complete a Commitment Card on or before Commitment Sunday on March 19, 2017. The Commitment Card is attached to the back cover of this booklet. A tally of Commitment Cards will tell us if we have reached our goal. And, Third Gifts may be given in one lump sum, or may be given...weekly, monthly, or annually. Your gift may also be in the form of stocks, bonds, property, or a designated portion of your will or trust. For more information on giving gifts of stock or other noncash funds, you may contact the church office and speak with Ken Howard, Pastor of Administration. The church office phone number is 352.205.7114. Whether your giving is a one-time gift or a gift over time, it is requested that you initiate that gift on, or beginning on, First Fruits Sunday which is April 2, 2017. The typical way of giving your tithes, offerings and gifts is by check payable to First Baptist Church At The Villages. You may include your gifts to the Campaign on the same check as your regular giving but please indicate on the memo line what portion of the check is intended for the campaign. The Counting Team will assume the remainder is for the General Fund. All checks are electronically scanned and automatically entered into our computer. The offering envelope provided in your weekly Worship Bulletin may be used to enclose your cash gifts but please indicate on the outside that your gift is for Onward or Building Fund and include your name if you wish credit on your giving record for the gift. Whether your giving is a one-time gift or a gift over time, it is requested that you initiate that gift on, or beginning on, First Fruits Sunday which is April 2, 2017. All giving is confidential and private and your gift will be handled only by the Counting Team and a staff member who properly credits your record of giving. Many people mail their offering to the church when they are on an extended trip or for some reason are unable to attend worship. The mailing address of the church is: 16985 SE 79th Clearview Avenue, The Villages, FL 32162. The already addressed envelope provided in the Sunday Worship Bulletin is postage-paid.
What s Happening and When SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017 Campaign Kick-Off MONDAY, JANUARY 16 THROUGH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017 40 Days of Prayer and Devotions Guided by the 40-Day Devotional Guide accompanying this booklet. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2017 (SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 5, 12, 19 AND 26, 2017) This is a time for a Sermon Series and Church-Wide Bible Study based on Randy Alcorn s The Treasure Principle When Jesus told His followers to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, He intended that they discover an astounding secret: how joyful giving brings God maximum glory and His children maximum pleasure. FRIDAY, MARCH 10 THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017 24-Hour Prayer Vigil The Campaign Prayer Team will offer opportunities to sign up for 30-minute intervals on Sundays, February 19 and 26. SUNDAY, MARCH 12 THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017 Prayer Walk on The Building Site The actual footprint of the new building will be identified and you are encouraged to walk and pray for such things as the ministry and fellowship that the space will provide for, the safety of the workers who will build the building, the office staff who work there, and the role God wants each of us to play in making the building a reality. SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017 Commitment Sunday Commitment Sunday is set aside as the day to turn in completed Commitment Cards. SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 Victory Sunday A day set aside to announce the amount of total commitments made. SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 2017 First Fruits Sunday Whether your commitment is to a one-time gift or a gift over time, it is requested that you make your gift, or initiate your gift, on First Fruits Sunday.