6-13-09

First Word

First Baptist Church Naples

June 13 & 14, 2009

     

                                              

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              

De-baptism or Discipleship? Recently in London over 100,000 people downloaded “Certificates of De-baptism” from the internet to renounce their membership in the Church of England and their so-called Christian faith. The National Secular Society followed the example of other atheistic campaigns. John Hunt, a 58-year old Londoner, felt that he was too young to make any decision for Christ when he was christened at five-months old. Michael Evans branded baptizing children as “a form of child abuse” and was told to contact the European Court of Human Rights. Many see this as a reaction to the more politically active Catholic Church and “a strong feeling of wanting to punish the church by leaving it,” said a representative of the movement. Of course, selfcentered living is the real reason. As one bus poster noted: “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” While we abhor such apostasy and blasphemy, for hundreds of years Baptists and others have believed in “a regenerate church membership” of baptized believers. I believe that it is premature to christen infants as a “believer’s baptism,” though denominations say that it is a commitment to covenant teaching in the context of the church. We believe that faith is the prerequisite (Acts 2:41). “Disciples” are to be “baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) as those who desire to “observe all” that Jesus “commanded” us (verse 20). We picture that Jesus died, was buried, and raised for us. We repent, which is the “no” and believe, which is the “yes” of discipleship. Those two words imply following Christ. We never master either fully and graduate to higher things. Though we should be baptized initially after salvation, we would never think of being involved in a “collective apostasy campaign” with the slogan “not in my name,” as an Argentinean secularist movement declares. The true Christian will never want to be de-baptized or detached from his Lord. He actually keeps us from worrying and helps us to enjoy life. The 24 who were baptized in the Gulf in driving rain on May 17 have no regrets!

Guest Reception

There is a guest reception in the Commons immediately following the Saturday night and Sunday morning worship services. Come and meet Dr. Wicker.

Prayer and Fellowship Night

Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel

Join together as a church family to pray and seek God’s will for our lives and our church. The prayer time will be followed by a time of fellowship in the Courtyard with funnel cakes and ice cream!

June 15 - 19 9am - 12:15pm Register at www.fbcn.org/vbs

Incoming 5th & 6th grade students (current 4th & 5th graders) are invited to join us on an extreme adventure beginning Mon, June 15th. Check in begins @ 8:45 am in the Commons along with Crocodile Dock VBS.

Janet’s Summer Reading Club Ladies, once again this year, join us for a precious time of book discussion with our Senior Pastor’s wife, Janet Wicker. This year promises to be even more exciting and rewarding than last year. All books are available in our bookstore.

O u r F i r s t N i g h t i s Tu e s d a y, J u n e 3 0 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commons “Shadow of the Almighty” by Elisabeth Elliot

This book tells the gripping story of the life and testament of Jim Elliot. This very personal account by the woman who would become his wife reveals a missionary story that is truly a heroic spiritual pilgrimage. Original writings from Jim Elliot himself are included and give insight into the heart of a man who could pray, “Give me not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.” It is considered a modern Christian classic.

Experiencing

GOD

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center, Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry meet together around tables organized by Bible and Life Group. Workbooks are on sale in the Lighthouse Bookstore.

Calling all actors and writers! FBCN WANTS YOU TO BE INVOLVED! If you have a talent either as an actor/actress or in writing scripts, or maybe it is something you have always wanted to try, please let us know! We are excited about beginning a new drama ministry in which we will participate in worship services both on Saturday and Sunday, Living Christmas Trees, and other ministries throughout FBCN. We would like all ages to be involved and training will be provided. If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please contact Keith in the music office at 596-8600 x229. ROUTE 56 is an exciting new preteen ministry uniquely designed for 5th & 6th grade students. We want to help them identify who they are in Christ and how they fit into His Body, with a goal of helping them develop into Godly teenagers! BIBLE & LIFE GROUPS: (beginning June 6/7) Students will begin in a large group and then break off into age & gender based classes for close fellowship and Bible study. Saturdays at 7:30pm in ED222 Sundays at 11:00am in ED222 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS: (beginning June 10) Students will begin in a large group for praise & worship, Bible study and games and then break off into age & gender based groups. Wednesdays at 6:30pm in DC121

Athletic Field Update

The athletic field is well on its way to the completion date of August 1st. This new field will be used for field and track meets, soccer events, and football. During the month of June, the installation of the synthetic turf will begin. All of this was made possible by an anonymous, generous designated gift by one of our members. More photographs and updates will be provided in First Word in the weeks to come so you can take note of the progress.

Our Special Guest the Weekend of July 4 & 5 is

Dr. Richard Land

President of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Princeton (A.B., magna cum laude) and Oxford (D.Phil.) educated, Dr. Richard Land has served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission since 1988. Dr. Land has represented Southern Baptists and other Evangelicals’ concerns in the halls of Congress, before U.S. Presidents, and in the media. In 2005, Dr. Land was featured in Time Magazine as one of “The Twenty-Five Most Influential Evangelicals in America.” As host of “For Faith and Family,” “For Faith & Family’s Insight,” and “Richard Land LIVE!” (three nationally syndicated radio programs), Dr. Land speaks passionately and authoritatively on the social, ethical, and public policy issues facing our country. The “For Faith & Family” Broadcast Ministry is heard by listeners each week on over 600 radio stations across the country and throughout the world on the Internet. Dr. Land’s latest book, The Divided States of America? What Liberals and Conservatives are Missing in the God-and-Country Shouting Match! is published by Thomas Nelson.

Life Action Revival Ministries Critical Needs Life Action just concluded their 38th season of ministry in local churches around the country. They have concluded what has been the most fruitful year ever as measured by impact and even financial provision through love offerings. Fifty-three communities felt a measure of revival and subsequent authentic Christianity. Hopefully, small movements of personal and corporate revival and awakening were ignited. But, their passion of seeing our nation touched by God escalated to almost unbearable levels. Just last week, two Muslim nations expressed hesitancy about talks with President Obama because of the “degradation” they see in America. Not coincidental, last week they also received a White House press release proclaiming June LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) month. Our country has fallen a long way, but just think how much further toward destruction we would be as a nation if it were not for the churches who are reaching millions with the power of the gospel! Times of desperation are ripe for seasons of revival. Therefore, Life Action has never been more excited about their mission and message! However, they are still lacking a few key recruits for this next ministry year. They are looking for young people who have hearts for the Lord, basic character, servant’s hearts, teachable spirits, and specific skills applied to each area of need. Would you please pray and see if the Lord impresses your heart to suggest to them someone for the following positions: 1. A youth revivalist - This person could be single or married but without children. He will travel with one of our teams and teach youth an average of 6 times per week. 2. Music Director - This is someone who can lead and train a team musically both congregational worship and a variety of vocal venues. 3. Percussionist - This is for a quality, worshipful drummer. 4. Male Singers - They need quality vocalists who radiate/convey their love for the Lord and engage easily with the audience. These are very critical needs. It would require these individuals to arrive by the end of July. As with all of their road team ministry and ministry staff, it would also require raising a modest amount of financial support as a missionary. Please feel free to contact Byron (Executive Director of Life Action Revival Ministries), or his assistant, Cristi, personally by email for more information at [email protected] or [email protected].

Summer Days at Your Lighthouse Bookstore Janet’s Summer Reading Club! Wednesday Night’s “Experiencing God” Study! Father’s Day! Weddings! Bibles, books, music, home decor... all at the bookstore, and all at 10%, 15%, even 20% off! For your shopping convenience, the store is open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! We are here and waiting to serve you. Come see us soon! Remember your bookstore is a ministry of FBCN. All profits go to furthering God’s Word in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Lighthouse Cafe Special Summer Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Re-Open Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.) Closed Friday Saturday 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Don’t forget some of our regular summer favorites Ice-spressos (regular or light), Edy’s ice cream, Smoothies, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Espressos, etc. Monday - Thursday Lunches Salads and Sandwiches All prepared by Chef Herb Small Made with Boars Head meats and cheeses Only $4.95

Important Announcements Worshipful Atmosphere

It is our desire that Jesus be the focus in our worship services. Therefore, in consideration of others desiring to worship with limited distraction, we ask each person to do the following: - Please turn your cell phone off or set to vibrate. - Please remain in the worship center (except in the case of emergency) once you have entered to worship. - Should your child become unsettled or noisy during the worship service, please take your little one to the Fellowship Hallway or preschool ministry area in the Education Building where you can comfortably watch the service on a television monitor. Thank you for helping us maintain a worshipful atmosphere for everyone!

Personal Contact Information Update

Has your email address changed recently? Have you just moved? Did you change jobs or cell phone numbers? We would like to update our records. Please send personal contact updates to [email protected] or call 596-8600 x463.

Vote on Church Budget

Church members will have the chance to vote on our 2009-2010 church budget during the worship services the weekend of June 13 and 14. The budget is available for you to see in any of the turnstiles in the Fellowship Hallway and in the Commons.

Celebrating a 50th, 60th, or 70th Anniversary?

Please call Vada at 596-8600 x268 to give her the date of your 50th, 60th, or 70th wedding anniversary to be announced in First Word.

Vacation Bible School Extras If You Bought Online...

Vacation Bible School t-shirts, music cds, dvds, and Extreme Roadtrip t-shirts that have been pre-bought online will be available for distribution before and after worship services on June 13 and 14 in the Commons area. We will also have t-shirts and cds for sale if you haven’t already bought yours.

VBS Snacks

Cookies are needed as snacks for Vacation Bible School. There are bins in the Fellowship Hallway and Education Building for collecting cookie donations. We are asking for Oreos (chocolate or vanilla hydrox-type cookies) or chocolate chip cookies.

KidzTown

Attention all KIDZ! Have we got a great worship experience for you in KidzTown Worship today! This week, we will be continuing in our sports theme in “Super Sports Spectacular” as we worship the Lord together “Kid Style.” We will be looking at the pride of James and John seen in Mark 10. KidzTown Worship is exclusively for all children in 1st through 3rd grades (2008-2009 school year). It starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. on Sundays and is located in DC120. KidzTown Worship is followed by an exciting hour of small group time in our KidzTown Neighborhoods (BLGs). You will not want to miss one moment, unless you are allergic to fun!

Family Deaths

William Jones (husband to Betty Lou Jones) passed away on May 29, 2009 in Pennsylvania following complications to heart surgery. Leopoldo Saul Jimenez, born December 9, 1948 (father of C.J. Jimenez) passed away on June 3, 2009 with pancreatic cancer. Our deepest sympathies go out to both families!

PrimeTimers Senior Adult Luncheon

Come and join our PrimeTimers on June 25 to celebrate the 4th of July! Cost is $7.00 per person. Be sure to wear your red, white, and blue! Please note that we will be meeting in the Student Center for this inside picnic celebration featuring hamburgers with fixings and making your own sundaes. See you there 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Absolute deadline to purchase your tickets is the morning of June 22. Please call Vada at 596-8600 x268 for details.

Anna’s Tea

Our next Anna’s Tea is Monday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m. in WC117. This is a ministry to widows and single women 55+ led by Yvonne Fisher. Come and join us for sweet fellowship and encouragement from God’s Word. Please sign-up in the Fellowship Hallway. Call Vada at 596-8600 x268 for details.

Summer Camp SOS

Camp sponsors are needed for middle and high school students who are not able to afford to go to camp. If you are able to Sponsor One Student, please call Ginny in the Student Ministry office at 449-4480.

Work Ministry

Our new work ministry is up and running. If you are currently unemployed and are looking for a job, please check out our website at www.fbcn.org, hover over “FBCN Ministries,” and then click on “Work Ministry.” As we receive “help wanted” information from our church membership, we will post those positions on this site. If you are hiring, or know of someplace that is hiring, please email [email protected] with details so that we may post that information too.

Planning on Getting Married?

The Marriage Savers program will help you have a healthy marriage and will enhance your relationship. It is a requirement here at FBCN and involves a premarital inventory and a mentor couple who will meet with you for six sessions. Please contact Pastor Roy Fisher at 596-8600 x265 for an appointment or for more details.

FBCN Employment Positions Available

First Baptist Church Naples is currently accepting applications (with a July 1st start date) for a Ministry Assistant to the Associate Pastor in Education. Qualifications for this position include strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook), great organizational skills, multi-tasking is a must, and good people skills are essential as well. Qualified candidates may go online to www.fbcn.org to retrieve an application to print, complete, sign, and forward to Human Resources. You may also pick up an application at the church office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. FBCN is also accepting applications (this position is for immediate employment) for a Membership Information Ministry Assistant. Qualifications for this position include good computer and organizational skills (experience with a database is helpful). Qualified candidates may go online to www.fbcn.org to retrieve an application to print, complete, sign, and forward to Human Resources. You may also pick up an application at the church office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. First Baptist Academy is seeking a part-time Assistant Football Coach (prior coaching experience desired) and a part-time Athletic Trainer. Please contact Billy Sparacio at 596-8600 x652 or [email protected].

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our next Prayer Shawl Ministry meeting will be Friday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m. in the large conference room (AD145). Anyone interested in making prayer shawls for the sick are welcome to join us.

Homebound Ministry

We are thankful to the Lord for those who visit and minister to our homebound people, week by week, month by month. We refer to our members as “C.I.A.” (Christians in Action). This is a vital ministry. One day, we may be in that same situation and it means so much to those who are visited that FBCN lovingly cares for them. Should you have an interest in this ministry, please contact Pastor Roy Fisher at 596-8600 x265 for more information.

Christian Business Owners and Professionals

Please stop by the kiosk at the bottom of the stairs in the Commons this weekend before and after all worship services to see how you can place your business in the online directory of Christian Business Owners and Professionals. You can also stop by to get information on how you can use the directory to find fellow church members’ businesses. If you have any questions, please call Jody at 253-0954.

Holding on to H.O.P.E.

(Helping Others through Pregnancy Encouragement) This new ministry offers Christ-centered support and encouragement to married women who are struggling with the pain of infertility challenges, including primary and secondary infertility, pregnancy loss, early infant death, and adoption loss. This group of women will meet monthly for a time of prayer, discussion, and encouragement from God’s Word and other Christian supplemental materials. If you find yourself in need of H.O.P.E., please join us on Thursday, June 18 in the Discipleship Center, Room DC108 at 6:30 p.m.. For more information, please contact Sue Gonzalez at [email protected] or call the Women’s Ministry office at 596-8600 x241.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 13 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Worship Service/Worship Center KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120 Hispanic Worship Service/Chapel Bible and Life Groups/Various Rooms on Campus

Sunday, June 14

8:15 a.m. Bible and Life Group for 60+/DC107 9:30 a.m. Worship Service/Worship Center 9:30 a.m. KidzTown Children’s Worship/DC120 10:00 a.m. Romanian Bible Study and Worship/Modulars 3 & 4 10:00 a.m. Vietnamese Bible Study and Worship/DC220 11:00 a.m. Bible and Life Groups for All Ages/Various Rooms on Campus 12:30 p.m. Hispanic Worship Service/Student Center 2:00 p.m. Romanian Celebration/Chapel 6:00 p.m. Prayer and Fellowship Night/Chapel & Courtyard

Monday, June 15

8:45 a.m. Vacation Bible School Check-in Begins/Commons

Tuesday, June 16

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School 7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center

Wednesday, June 17

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School 4:45 p.m. Wednesday Night Family Meal/Gym 6:20 p.m. Wacky Wednesdays Children’s Ministry/DC120 6:30 p.m. Combined Men’s & Women’s Ministries “Experiencing God”/WC 6:30 p.m. Middle School Ministry/Gym 6:30 p.m. High School Ministry/Student Center 6:30 p.m. Worship Choir Rehearsal/Choir Room 7:00 p.m. Hispanic Bible Study/Modulars 2, 3, and 4 8:00 p.m. Worship Orchestra Rehearsal/Worship Center

Thursday, June 18

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/Student Center 6:30 p.m. Holding on to H.O.P.E./DC108

Friday, June 19

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry/AD145 Large Conference Room

Tithing Envelopes

Please be aware that the yellow tithing envelopes will now be mailed to you every two months instead of every three months. When you receive your next set of envelopes, you will notice a small number because of this change. If you are currently not receiving yellow tithing envelopes in the mail, please contact the Finance Office at 596-8600 x250 and we will assist you in getting established.

Last Weekend Decisions For Christ

Worship Attendance June 6 & 7

Professions of Faith Christopher Andrews Robin Andrews

Saturday Night Total Sunday Morning Total

Financial Stewardship 2008-2009 Operating Revenues July 1, 2008 - June 7, 2009 Budget Actual Variance $7,066,130 $7,036,845 -$29,285

1,093 1,594 2,687

Bible & Life Attendance June 6 & 7

Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups

Total

829 16 891 113

1,849

Next Week Deacon of the Week

Dr. Wicker on the Radio

June 15 - June 21

Dr. Wicker is on WSOR 90.9 FM at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings, and on Praise FM 89.5 at 1:30 p.m. Sunday afternoons. You can also hear Dr. Wicker every day at 1:00 p.m. on WJYO 91.5 FM.

Roger Curran & John Shelford

If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 601-6051.

Wednesday Family Meal Roasted Pork Loin, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable, Salad, Roll, and Dessert Advance tickets may be purchased in the Lighthouse Cafe at any time for $4.50, or $18 for a family of 5 or more. At the door it is $5.50 each, or $22 for a family. The alternate meal is a choice of pizza or hamburger.

Bookstore Hours Monday Tuesday & Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cafe’s Summer Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Sermon Notes

Did you miss last weekend’s worship service and wish you had some way to view it? Are you seasonal and wish you could be part of our worship services while you are up north? You are just one click away from being able to watch all of our previous worship services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy! Just go to...

www.fbcntv.com

and then simply click on the worship service you wish to watch (either the previous Saturday night or Sunday morning). If you prefer to watch one from previous weeks, just go to the tab on the left column that says "past services" and then click the service you wish to view. It’s that simple!

Pastoral Staff Dr. Hayes Wicker....................................................................................................... Senior Pastor Miguel Cruz.....................................................................................Hispanic Congregation Pastor Greg Davidson....................................................... ......Associate Pastor/Evangelism & Discipleship Beverly Day................................................................................... Director of Preschool Ministry Nathan Dooley.......................................................................Associate Pastor/High School Ministry Dr. Roy Fisher................................................................................ Associate Pastor/Pastoral Care Nathan Gaddis....................................................................................................Worship Associate Steve Hayes....................................................................... Associate Pastor/Single Adult Ministry Forrest Head...............................................................................................Senior Associate Pastor Jim Hill........................................................................ Director of Single Parent Family Ministry Lewis Howard......................................................................................Associate Pastor/Education Shannon Moore............................................................................... Director of Women’s Ministry Doug Pigg...................................................................Associate Pastor of Church Administration Tom Rider..........................................................................Associate Pastor/School Administrator Larry Rigley......................................................................... Associate Pastor/Children’s Ministry Dr. Todd F. Stearns................................................................Associate Pastor/Worship and Music Kevin Van Duser........................................................... Associate Pastor/Middle School Ministry

Church Office 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples, FL 34109 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Church Receptionist.......................................................................................................... 597-6057 Enter ext. # for direct connection...................................................................................... 596-8600 Lighthouse Bookstore....................................................................................................... 449-4488 First Baptist Academy Naples.......................................................................................... 597-2233 24-Hour Prayer Line........................................................................................... 597-PRAY (7729) Church Email........................................................................................................ [email protected] Church Website..........................................................................................................www.fbcn.org