First Word
First Baptist Church Naples
July 18 & 19, 2009
Beach Baptism This Sunday, July 19 If you would like to be baptized in the beautiful Gulf of Mexico this Sunday, please see a Pastoral Staff member today. Plan to meet us in the Fellowship Hallway at 1:00 p.m.
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. Light refreshments will be served at all meetings.
July 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commons “A Voice in the Wind” by Francine Rivers
This novel is set in the first-century, during the great trials and persecutions of the early church. The heroine is a young slave girl, named Hadassah, who is torn by her love for a Roman aristocrat, but clings to her faith in the living God for deliverance from the forces of a decadent Rome. The lessons learned are as applicable today as they were then!
Under Siege The “old slave spiritual” is true: “All God’s ‘chillun got trouble.” The children of the Lord are not immune to difficulty or isolated from satanic attacks. We know that we must “be on the alert” because our “adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). While we “resist him, firm in our faith,” we also “know that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by our brethren who are in the world” (verse 9). We have solidarity with the saints and some must stand firm in prayer for them. We do not pray for easier lives but stronger shoulders for the burdens and quick hands to reach out to others. As J. Allen Blair wrote, “Pray not for tasks equal to your powers, but for powers equal to your tasks.” Increased enemy fire indicates that we are a threat to the “evil empire.” Of course, we live in a fallen world. Our staff families have seemingly been under siege in recent weeks in an unusual string of trials and hospitalizations of spouses and family. This is not to discourage you but to ask that you pray for us, because Satan has a bulls-eye on the target of God’s servants. If you are going through tribulation, you will be encouraged to know that you are not alone. For instance, my son Evan suffered a serious accident in the winter which demanded surgery, though he could have been killed or paralyzed if he had not turned his head away from a rock as he fell off his mountain bike. My wife, Janet, was also hospitalized with heart issues. Karen Head continues to fight her second battle with cancer and long-term hospitalization after major surgery. Yvonne Fisher has been battling serious illnesses with potential longterm effects. Renee Pigg and Brenda Howard have been hospitalized recently. Jennifer Patterson, who is expecting a baby, was bitten by a poisonous spider and taken to the ER. Pam Cole and Malone Davidson have mothers battling cancer, and Sonya Stearns’ father is battling cancer as well. Chef Herb & Ellen Small recently experienced the shock and sorrow of the murder of their son-in-law, leaving behind a wife and four children. Others in our support staff, deacons, Bible & Life leaders, and school staff are also dealing with serious health issues. I thank the Lord that He is “the God of all grace…who will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). Pray that He will “establish you,” a word that means to “lay a foundation or a ground firmly.” He mends sufferers with His subtle, strong, and entrenched grace. Don’t forget to pray for our families. “Peace be to you all who are in Christ” (1 Peter 5:14).
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.
Sunday Night of Praise August 9 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel This special night of praise will feature our Worship Choir and Orchestra. Invite a friend and join us for this special night of worship as we present our favorite songs from this past season.
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.
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. Light refreshments will be served at all meetings.
August 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commons
“Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter” by Vicki Courtney
This brand-new book has been selected to help moms who are desperately trying to talk with their daughters about sensitive issues in a godly way. It will cause you to focus on helping your daughters understand that they are more than what people see on the outside and they do not need to grow up so fast. You will learn how to dare your daughter to be virtuous. Janet is happy to announce that Karen Head will be joining her for the last session of our Reading Club on August 25. We have added the book “Your Boy: Raising a Godly Son in an Ungodly World” also by Vicki Courtney. This book will do for moms of boys what the other book “Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter” will accomplish for moms of girls. Because both their needs are unique, we will discuss these books in separate groups that night. As you parent and guide a young boy to become a young godly man, this additional book will encourage you, challenge you, and help your son avoid the pitfalls of cultural pressures. See the Lighthouse Bookstore to purchase this book, and add it to your summer reading schedule.
Missions Spotlight Kaduna, Nigeria From July 25 - August 3, 2009, a team consisting of Shannon Moore, Janet Wicker, and Jim Powers will be traveling to Kaduna, Nigeria. Kaduna is a city of 1.5 million people, half of whom are Muslim. Janet will be teaching during the annual Ministers Wives’ Conference (they are expecting 800 ladies from northern Nigeria to attend). These pastors’ wives represent a broad spectrum of the churches across northern Nigeria. We will have the opportunity to facilitate the spiritual enrichment of women who, with their husbands, spread the gospel to over 50 million nonChristians across the northern region of Nigeria. These faithful servants minister and evangelize under very volatile conditions, and yet never draw back from their calling.
Come visit us at the Missions Kiosk in the Commons this weekend!
Lighthouse Cafe Monday - Thursday Morning Special Brewed Coffee or Tea and a Bagel Only $2.50 Monday - Thursday All Day Special Vitamin Water and a Bagel Only $2.50 Monday - Thursday Lunches Salads and Sandwiches (All prepared by Chef Herb Small) Made with Boars Head meats and cheeses Only $4.95
Lighthouse Bookstore Need that special gift but short on cash? Our entire stock is on sale for 10%-30% off! Stop by today and save!
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!
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Quarterly Business Meeting
Our next Quarterly Business Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 at 8:00 p.m. in Room WC117. All church members are encouraged to attend.
KidzTown
Would you like to know what’s happening in DC120 each and every weekend? If you are interested, send your 1st through 4th grader to KidzTown Worship. They will be sure to tell you that we worship “Kid Style.” As we begin a brand new series called “Ship Wrecked,” our castaways will take a look at the life of Paul as they learn valuable lessons. Our castaways will tell you that we have a great time studying God’s Word, singing His praises, and seeking His will. This week, we will be looking at the conversion of Paul in Acts 7 and 9. At the conclusion of KidzTown Worship, your “castaway” will be escorted to his KidzTown Neighborhood (BLG) where he/she will further learn more from God’s Word and experience the love of God in a relationship small group atmosphere, while you, the parent, have the opportunity to be part of an adult BLG. Be a part of the fun and experience the blessings today -you and your child!
New Members/New Believers Class
Our New Members/New Believers Class just began last weekend on July 12 and meets on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. in Room DC113. You will learn about where the Bible came from, the Bible’s historical accuracy, how to grow as a Christian through Bible study and prayer, the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts, fellowship, and evangelism. This is a four week class and you may join any or all of the sessions. Please call Linda at 596-8600 x280 for more information.
Family Death
Patrick Griffin passed away on July 6, and Drew Anderson passed away on July 9. Our sympathies are with both families.
Online Giving is Available
Online giving is available on the First Baptist Church website at www.fbcn.org. On the home page, click on “Giving” and follow the instructions to make contributions to FBCN and FBA. The Finance Office will be glad to assist you at 596-8600 x255 for Carmen (FBCN) and x256 for Cindy (FBA).
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.
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.
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.
Parents of Preschoolers
The weekend of August 29 and 30 will be “Promotion Weekend” when your child will move up to their new class for the 2008-2009 school year.
Parents of Kindergartners
On Saturday and Sunday, September 12 & 13, we will be hosting a “Kindergarten Bible Presentation” event for your child. For more information, please call Kim at 596-8600 x360.
Christmas in July
Operation Christmas Child is calling all helpers to begin wrapping Christmas Shoe Boxes for the campaign this year. The first wrapping party will be Thursday, July 23 in WC117 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Bring your own scissors. Come one and all! We are already accepting items for the shoe boxes that go to needy children throughout the world. Please take advantage of the summer sales and start shopping for toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, washcloths, school supplies, t-shirts, socks, underwear, and sandwich size baggies. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please call Jody at 5911895.
First Baptist Church Naples Garden Club
The purpose of the Garden Club is to glorify God by beautifying our church campus, thereby ministering to our church family and to the Naples community. Garden Club meetings are for anyone interested in learning to garden in our SW Florida climate, and everyone experienced in garden planning and maintenance. Our next meeting is Sunday, August 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Commons (1st floor by the lobby stair case). We will accept new ideas, donations to purchase flowers, and schedule volunteers for watering our container gardens. Refreshments will be served.
FBCN Employment Positions Available
First Baptist Church Naples is accepting applications for part-time Cafe Frontliners. Qualified applicants should have excellent people skills, a heart for ministry, and enjoy serving others. Must be available to work Wednesday evenings and weekends. Applications may be downloaded from the FBCN website, or you can stop by the church office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Only complete applications will be accepted. First Baptist Church Naples is currently accepting applications for a Manager of the Lighthouse Bookstore. Qualifications for this position include retail experience in point of sale knowledge and strong computer skills. Multi-tasking and people skills are required. Qualified candidates for this position may go online to www.fbcn.org to retrieve an application to print, complete, sign, and forward to the Human Resources office. Applications are also available at the church office Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
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.
Blood Drive
Our next blood drive will be Wednesday, August 5 in the FBCN parking lot. The times are from 1:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. For more information, or to set up a specific time to give blood, please call Karen at 513-7665.
Drama Team Workshop
WHEN? Friday, July 24 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, July 25 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. WHERE? FBCN Worship Center. WHO? Anyone interested in being involved in our new Drama Ministry Team. PRICE? Free! This will be a fun, interactive weekend that will begin our training for our new Drama Ministry Team. We will learn basic acting and stage techniques as well as begin to prepare dramas to be used here at church during worship services and special events. There will also be a special workshop class for our junior actors (ages 7-12). To register, please contact Lori in the music ministry office at 596-8600 x229.
Christian Business Owners and Professionals
Have you seen the new online business directory for church members’ businesses and professions? Go to www. cbopnaples.com to join and/or to look for Christian businessmen and women you can contact for needed goods and services. We have plumbers, accountants, realtors, cleaning services, doctors, photographers, insurance agents, general contractors, handyman services, tile contractors, air conditioning contractors, landscapers, and a whole lot more! And it is expanding everyday, so keep checking!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, July 18 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, July 19
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 1:00 p.m. Beach Baptism/Meet in Fellowship Hallway 5:00 p.m. Romanian Baptist Mission/Modulars 3 & 4
Monday, July 20
7:00 p.m. Men’s Open Basketball/Gym
Tuesday, July 21
7:00 p.m. The Vine College & Career Service/Student Center 7:00 p.m. Janet’s Summer Reading Club/Commons
Wednesday, July 22
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 8:00 p.m. Quarterly Business Meeting/WC117
Thursday, July 23
10:00 a.m. Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Wrapping/WC117 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery/Student Center
Friday, July 24
6:30 p.m. Drama Team Workshop/Worship Center
Saturday, July 25
9:00 a.m. Drama Team Workshop/Worship Center
5th Annual C2 (College & 20’s) Retreat
Come join us on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. through August 1 at noon in the Student Center and learn some practical ways to apply God’s teachings as you head off to college or the workforce. We will also have lots of fun, food, fellowship, and play laser battle. For more information, please call Steve Hayes at 596-8600 x266 or Terry Cole at 5723316. Cost is $10.00.
Last Weekend Decisions For Christ Profession of Faith Roberta Dusek Stacey Flynn Baptism Caroline Laurore
Worship Attendance July 11 & 12
Rededication Richard Burgeson
Saturday Night Total Sunday Morning Total
935 1,537 2,472
Bible & Life Attendance
Financial Stewardship 2008-2009 Operating Revenues July 1, 2009 - July 12, 2009 Budget Actual Variance $234,299 $217,824 -$16,475
July 11 & 12
Saturday Night Sunday 8:15 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Home Groups
Total
744 23 710 80
1,557
Next Week Deacon of the Week
Dr. Wicker on the Radio
July 20 - 26
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.
Jeremy Rearden & Philip Nemni
If you need assistance, please call the church deacon hotline at 800-732-9573. For Spanish, call 601-6051.
Wednesday Family Meal Lasagna, Vegetable, Salad, Dinner Roll, and a 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