Getting Marriage Right Fbc Decatur

Expanded version available online at fbcdecatur.com

Vol. XXXVIII • No. 24 • December 5, 2008

“Among Friends” Well, as Adam said to Eve as they were exiting the Garden, “My dear, we are in a time of transition!” I suppose some things need to be said about the recent action of the Georgia Baptist Convention regarding FBC Decatur. Trouble is, I’m still processing the whole thing and don’t yet have very many conclusions to share with you. It looks like it will be January before some of our leaders and I will be able to meet with leaders from the GBC to get clarification on a few things. In the meantime, let me try to respond to some frequently-asked questions: What actually happened? The messengers to the annual Georgia Baptist Convention approved the recommendation of a new policy that will enable GBC leaders to decline gifts from various sources—among them, distributors of alcohol and any “church, organization or donor not in cooperation and harmony with the approved work and purpose of the Convention.”

I want to take a moment to express thanks for our relationship with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. For 20 years, since CBF was birthed, we have been part of this movement of Christ-followers. CBF is not a perfect organization, nor do they claim to be. But they’ve got their eye on the ball, missionally. And when it comes to the money we send, I appreciate and admire CBF’s commitment to being “light on its feet.” Visit the CBF offices—you’ll find an unpretentious, gospel-centered, global-minded bunch of people working in modest surroundings so that as many resources as possible may be used for kingdom-building purposes. I respect that. And I’m glad to be part of an organization that’s unwaveringly focused on the main thing. That’s enough for now…more later. In the meantime, may all of the joy, wonder and blessings of Advent wash over you and fill you to overflowing.

Why was this proposal presented at the Convention? In November a friend sent me a copy of a report that was approved by the Executive Committee of the GBC not long before the annual Georgia Baptist Convention meeting. The report included this statement: “The creation of this policy has been proposed as a result of questions raised regarding First Baptist Church of Decatur who has a woman as senior pastor.” Did the GBC “kick us out?” Technically, no. I’ve been assured by one GBC leader that they have not withdrawn fellowship from us. They just won’t receive our money or allow our church members to vote in any GBC meetings. At some point I’m going to need someone from the GBC to explain to me the difference. What effect will this have on FBC Decatur? Practically speaking, the action of the GBC has very little effect on our mission or ministries. And to be fair, for a number of years now First Baptist Decatur has been connected with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Georgia Baptist Convention by the slimmest of ties. I’ve been told that it’s been ten years since anyone from FBC Decatur attended any of the annual meetings as a messenger. Financially speaking—of the 217 pledges that have been turned in so far for 2009, 13 families or individuals have marked the Southern Baptist Convention as their missions giving choice. We will be contacting each of these folks and am committed to helping each one give as his or her conscience directs. If they wish to continue giving to the SBC then we will find a way to help them do so. What about the SBC missionaries we’ve been supporting? Currently there are 4 couples serving as Southern Baptist missionaries who have personal ties with FBC Decatur: Rusty & Debbie Pugh, Bill & Noy Peeler, Doni & Dan Robinson and Carolyn & David Bishop. These good folks are a blessing to us and it is a privilege to partner with them. This might be a good time to point out that if supporting SBC missionaries is your primary objective, checking the SBC option on your pledge card or offering envelope has never been the best way of getting money directly to the mission field. There are other, more direct ways of supporting the missionaries and we will make these channels clear in future publications.

New Wed. Night Adult Formation Opportunities Financial Peace University—Jan 14 – Apr 29 Zeno Douglas will lead this study that includes videos by radio personality Dave Ramsey and small group discussion and support for those who want to gain control of their finances, eliminate debt, and learn to give generously. $110 fee. Getting Marriage Right – Two six-week sessions David and Jeanie Gushee and Tim and Julie Pennington-Russell will lead these marriage workshops: Jan 14 – Feb 18 – Nearly/Newly Married (Engagement—3rd anniversary) Mar 4 – Apr 22 – Young Marrieds (3-10 years) Couples will be asked to read David Gushee’s book by the same title during the course. Bible Studies – led by Sharyn Dowd When the Holy Spirit “Acts” – January and February This year our annual “Winter Bible Study” focuses on the New Testament adventure story called the Acts of the Apostles. The Cross and the Formation of Christians – Lenten Bible Study The oldest New Testament testimonies assert that Jesus died “for our sins.” We’ll explore what that means and the formative experience that Paul calls our “death to sin.” Book Discussion Group Questions to All Your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to Examined Faith. Led by members of the Pilgrim Sunday School class. Discussion will focus on the book with this title by Roger Olson, Professor of Theology at Truett Theological Seminary.

Congregational Life Women on Mission – December Meeting The next meeting of the Women on Mission will be on December 9 in the 3rd floor conference room. Leadership Meeting at 10am; Group Meeting at 10:30am and Program at 11am. Don Hammonds will be speaking on the role of our Mission Team and the Global Missions Emphasis. Young At Heart to see Lake Lanier Lights Our YAH Christmas lights trip is Dec. 11. We will load up on our motor coach at the church around 4 p.m. and go to eat at a Cracker Barrel restaurant (Dutch treat). Then we tour the Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands. Your cost is only $10 per person. Sign up in the church office (404-373-1653). Decatur Civic Chorus to have their 60th Anniversary Concert Sunday, Dec. 14 Don’t miss the Decatur Civic Chorus’s annual Christmas concert. They will present “An Irish Christmas” on Dec. 14 at 3pm in the Sanctuary. Reception to follow in the fellowship hall. This concert is free and open to the public.

Congregational Life Teams to Pray for our Worship Services Our church family is embracing a new prayer ministry during our worship services. The purpose of this ministry is to undergird our worship services with prayer while they are in session. Feel free to sign up for the service you usually don't attend or for your regular service. Sign up with Beth Smith at 404-321-0508 or [email protected] Thanks be to God! On Sunday, November 23, as a response to God’s generosity, the people of FBC Decatur brought a “gratitude gift,” a gift over and above regular tithes and offerings, to God. More than $21,000 was given! As we nestle in to Advent and partake of the “Gifts for Everyone” messages, let’s remember to share the gifts we have been given, and let’s remember to share them in the name of our Savior and Lord, Christ Jesus.

Prayer Concerns as of December 3, 2008 In the Hospital: ▪Al Buckler, Emory Sympathy To: ▪Doris Pruitt on the death of her brother, Ralph G. Patterson. ▪Guy and Linda Rutland on the death of Linda’s mother, Sybil Lewis. ▪Steve and Sally Cox on the death of Steve’s mother, Charlotte. ▪The family of Justin Black.

Tithes & Offerings 2008 gratitude gifts and 2009 commitment cards continue to be accepted!. Additional envelopes or cards are available in the church office. Poinsettias and People: Two Beautiful Ways to Give this Christmas Help beautify our worship space and our community this Christmas. For $10 you may purchase a poinsettia OR give to the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) in honor or in memory of someone. All money and forms should be in the church office by Sunday, December 7. Donations to DEAM do not include the purchase of a poinsettia to take home. Also Those who choose to give to DEAM in honor of someone will receive a special Christmas card describing DEAM’s ministry to send to the person they honored. New Community in December Dec 10 – A Church Full of Missionaries A review of our missions involvement locally and globally and an invitation to everyone to get in on a missions adventure in 2009. Dec 17—A Christmas Message from our Children The Children’s Ministry will present a Christmas program and report on what they have learned and done about missions this fall. Communion for Our Homebound Folks Homebound communion will be on Dec. 7. Anyone that can help and is willing to serve communion to our homebound church members please meet Bob in the church parlor after the 11 a.m. worship service on Dec. 7 to pickup the Lord Supper elements and some suggestions on how to serve these. Blue Christmas Service – Sunday, December 21 at 4:00PM The Christmas Season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones and for those who may be struggling. Our prayer is that this “Blue Christmas” Worship service will be an experience of hope and strengthening for all who attend. End-of-Year Giving—Assistance Available Thanks be to God for generous-hearted FBC folks! The Finance Office will be open until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31 to receive your year-end gifts. Gifts received through the mail during the first week of 2009 and postmarked by December 31, 2008, will be considered 2008 contributions and will be posted to contribution records accordingly. Other convenient ways to make year end gifts are: online donations (www.fbcdecatur.com); stock gifts; and a tax-free distribution to the church from a traditional and/or Roth IRA (this gift must be made directly from the trustee of the IRA to the church). For more information or assistance with your gift, please call the Finance Office at 404-370-7694.

Go…Be…Do! Missions Corner Your gift to CBF Global Missions supports the work of Rick and Ellen Burnette in Thailand, as well as hundreds of other field representatives in this country and abroad. Please give generously.

A Generous People 2008 Ministry Action Plan Weekly Need: .....................$ 27,361 Received on Nov. 23 ..........$ 34,812 Received on Nov. 30 ..........$ 21,615 YTD Need: ....................$ 1,313,343 YTD Received: ..............$ 1,120,357 YTD Spending Deficit (Oct. 31): ............................................ (64,099) “Years of Opportunity 2007-09” Campaign Given to Date:...................$ 338,863 Bank Loan Balance:..........$ 240,226 Owed to FBC Fdn.:...........$ 180,000 Thanksgiving Offering (included in 11/23 & 11/30) ...................$ 22,809 Missions Offering YTD ....$ 18,572 Benevolence Offering YTD $ 6,144

Wednesday Dinner Menus December 10 Pick one of the following menus: Blue Plate Menu Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes w/ gravy, Green Beans, Salad Bar, Yeast Rolls, Chocolate Cake “Lighter Side” Menu Broccoli and Cheese Soup, Baked Potato/Salad Bar, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Pepperoni Pizza December 17 Pick one of the following menus: Blue Plate Menu Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Vegetables, Holiday Congealed Salad, Garlic Texas Toast, Strawberry Cake “Lighter Side” Menu Chicken Noodle Soup, Baked Potato/Salad Bar, Grilled Chicken Strips, Cheese Pizza, Christmas Cookies

Youth Sp•t December is a busy month for everyone, and the youth ministry will continue with its ongoing schedule through Sunday evening, December 21. There will be no youth ensemble in the month of December, but please be aware of our added happenings... Sunday, December 7th Parent Yard Sale Work Day 6:00 Rotisserie 6:00 Youth and Parent Dinner 7:30 Friday, December 12 Community Parents’ Night Out! Youth and Parents needed to help! 5:30 to 9:00 Saturday, December 20 Youth mission day with Hagar House Kids 9:00 to 5:00 Youth are saving change to help provide a great day for Hagar House Kids. Please bring your change to church each week to help! Sunday, December 21 Youth Reunion for classes 1995 through 2015 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall For all youth and youth leaders from this time period Youth Shopping Day! Noon to 6:00 Christmas Rotisserie at the Andresen’s 6:30 to 8:00 January 1-4 Ski Retreat @ Snowshoe Mountain

The Outlook, a publication of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia, is mailed to members and friends of the First Baptist family. Main Office......................................404-373-1653 Finance.............................................404-370-7694 First School ......................................404-370-7688 Activities ..........................................404-373-2442 FAX ..................................................404-370-7692 Debbie Britt .....................................404-373-1653 Sharyn Dowd....................................404-373-1653 Ryan Forbes.....................................404-370-7690 Julie Pennington-Russell.................404-370-7684 Kurt Varney......................................404-373-1653 Bob Williamson ...............................404-370-7687 Computer Connections: Website—www.fbcdecatur.com E-Mail—[email protected]

The Outlook, USPS 600-320, is published bi-weekly, except Christmas week, by First Baptist Church Decatur, GA Postmaster: Please send address changes to First Baptist Church, 308 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030

Kid’s Zone Parents Night Out—December 12; 6-9 Our Gift to the Decatur Community needs you! This is a wonderful way we can touch Decatur. Children of all ages will excitedly enter our buildings for a night of fun while their parents have some time to shop, maybe a quiet dinner, or just chill out in the midst of the Christmas season. Do not miss the fun by volunteering today. Call the church office or Debbie Britt. Another volunteer opportunity… Children’s Christmas Craft Day, Dec 20; 10:00-2:00 For children 6 months -5th grade. The cost this year will be $5.00 per child. Please preregister online. Baby Dedication The next Baby Dedication will be December 21 in Fresh Start and/ or 11:00 Worship. Please contact Debbie Britt by Dec.7th if you would like to participate. Upcoming Extended Session List Dec. 7 Hinkle Carter Salcedo Hamrick

Dec. 14 Castleberry Kennedy Jones

Dec. 21 Stanford Hayes Fewell

Dec. 28 Swint Leeth Henderson