View - First Baptist Church

The Vision
Vol. 25 - No. 6 - July 2015
Sulphur
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
of
“Connecting with others to Experience & Express the love of Jesus Christ!”
www.fbcsulphur.org
Table of Contents:
2 Finding Your Way Home - Dr. Andy Buckley, 3 Administration,
4 First Kids, Students, 6 Meet Joshua Nicholson - Youth Director Candidate,
8 Schedule
Dr. Andy Buckley, Interim Pastor
As a church we constantly are called upon to make decisions about our ministries, our staff, our programs,
and our financial resources. In July, after 15 months of prayerfully searching for a youth director, we will
meet an outstanding candidate for the position in Joshua Nicholson from Birmingham, Alabama. As we
prepare for the weekend Josh and Melissa will be with us, I have devoted my Pastor’s Column to making
Biblical decisions.
God gave Moses the overwhelming task of leading the children of Israel out of 400 years of slavery, but
Moses had to make the decision to confront Pharaoh. God gave Noah the awesome task of saving the world
from the flood, but Noah had to make the decision to build the ark. God gave Abraham the incredible task
of building a nation, but Abraham had to make the decision to leave everything he had and go out into the
unknown. Decision making is a vital part of our spiritual lives. I believe there is a simple, workable plan for
making Biblical decisions.
Pray for guidance. Before we do anything, get God’s perspective on the issue. “A man is a fool to trust
himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe” (Proverbs 28:26 TLB).
Get the facts. There is no contradiction between faith and fact. Find out everything you can before you
make a decision. Proverbs 13:16 says, “All who are prudent act with knowledge” (NIV).
Ask for advice. Seek wise counsel by talking to somebody who’s made a similar decision.”For by wise
guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 24:6 NASB).
Count the cost. Every decision has a price tag. It will cost time, money, energy, reputation, talents, and
resources. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later consider one’s
vows” (NIV). We should reflect on the cost of each decision before we commit.
Prepare for problems. In faith, expect God to work in our lives and in our church. But also prepare for
the problems and challenges which come with every decision. Solomon said in Proverbs 22:3, “A prudent
man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the
consequences” (TLB).
Trust God. God uses imperfect people in imperfect situations to accomplish His perfect will. Ecclesiastes
11:4 says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” We have to trust God and
start moving in spite of our problems, fears, and doubts.
It is my prayer we will apply these Biblical strategies in the decisions we face as individual believers and
as a church family. If we will make Biblical decisions, God will lead us to victory, spiritual growth, effective
ministry, and give us the peace that comes from being in the center of His will.
Dr. Andy Buckley
Interim Pastor
YARN REQUESTED
Worsted yarn and baby yarn needed for crocheting and
knitting prayer shawls for hospice and baby afghans for the
ABC Pregnancy Ministry. If you like to crochet or knit, you
can help. Please call Fay Robinson at 626-1939
2 - FBCS - The Vision
Dear Church Family - Hats off to the Deacon
Body and their wives. Thank you for a wonderful
banquet. Decorations were elegant and food and
entertainment were great.
In Christ’s love - Bea Sargeant
Dear Friends - Thank you for your continued
support helping low income residents in Sulphur.
First Bapist Church of Sulphur’s donation of
$1,000 will go towards the support of Care Help
assisting those in need with food, rent, utilities and
other necessities. Each application is carefully
reviewed to consider the best way to help and
guide each client to self-sufficiency. Please let
your congregation know that we are in great need
of volunteers. With your help, we can continue to
help meet the emergency needs in our community.
Thank you again for your support.
- Jody Farnum, Executive Director
If you have a thank you note to share, please e-mail cstanley@fbcsulphur.org or call
527-5231.
SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Enrolled
Present
June 7, 2015...........................651..............................157
June 14, 2015.........................651..............................163
June 21, 2015.........................646..............................165
June 28, 2015.........................649..............................158
WOULD YOU SERVE AS A
FBC GREETER AT THE
CONNECTION CENTER?
Being a Connection Center volunteer
involves more than just standing at the
door and shaking people’s hands as
they enter the church. It is the gift of
helping as stated in I Corinthians 12:28,
“And God has placed in the church first
of all apostles, second prophets, third
teachers, then miracles, then gifts of
healing, of helping…” In today’s culture,
the role of the church greeter is no less
important than any other ministry. In this
age of always connected electronically
through media, a handshake and a
bulletin are not enough to make the
first-time visitor feel welcome. Like
never before, visitors are paying more
attention to how they and their families
are treated. They want to feel they are
important and accepted. If you would
like to serve as a Connection Center
volunteer please sign up through a
connection card or call the church office
at 527-5231.
MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS - 6/1/15-6/30/15
Memorial/Honorarium gifts are received by FBCS in thoughtful tribute to
the memory or honor of a relative, friend or loved one. Names of deceased/
honored persons are printed in all caps followed by the names of those
making gifts to FBCS. In addition to being summarized below, families are
mailed an acknowledgement of gifts.
WOR$HIP THROUGH GIVING
Budget Total Needed Weekly - $15,710.17
Budget Total Needed Monthly - $62,840.70
June 7, 2015.....................................................$16,871.55
June 14, 2015.....................................................$9,350.00
June 21, 2015.....................................................$8,006.00
June 28, 2015...................................................$17,147.84
Total Received June 2015..................................$51,375.39
(M) RANDALL PARKER - Deborah Robinson
PLEASE PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE
Lee Byrd - JR Magel - Justin Robertson - Ruth Thomas - Stan Zachary
Alternates: Don Duberville - Kerrie Warren
3 - FBCS - The Vision
Preschool/Children’s Ministries
Register for First Kids ministries at the Connection Center or the Church Office.
Happening in July…
July 8 – Movie Day (Night at the Museum), 9-12:30
Ages: Completed K-5th Grade
(Preschoolers welcome with a parent)
Cost: $1 for movie; $5 for children’s snack pack
July 16 – Petro Bowl, 10:15-1:30
Preteen Summer Camp July 27-July 30
Ages: Completed K-5th Grade
Dry Creek Baptist Encampment
(Preschoolers welcome with a parent)
Speaker: Acton Bowen
Cost: $10 includes bowling and lunch
Music: More Than This
July 22 – Movie Day (Alvin and the Chipmunks),
Ages: Completed 3rd-6th Grades
9-12:30
Cost: $170 per camper;
Ages: Completed K-5th Grade
(Preschoolers
welcome with a parent)
$50 Deposit and forms were due by 6/30
Cost: $1 for movie; $5 for children’s snack pack
(Registration based on availability
Coming in August…
after this date)
Balance due by Parent Meeting July 12. August 4 – Preschool Swim Day, 10-12
August 7 – Children’s Scavenger Hunt & Swim, 6-9
For more information, call Amy @ 802-0894
Student Ministry
Dear First Baptist Church,
This is Clint Smith, the summer youth intern. My wife Adena and I have loved being with y’all this last month. We have enjoyed
getting to know and hanging out with your youth as well as some of the families and are looking forward to spending more time
with y’all this summer. The biggest event happening this month is Teen College, which we are super excited about. The theme this
year is “Cross Ways” which looks at how the cross is foolishness to the ways of the world but to the believer it is truly what brings
life. Looking forward to seeing what the Lord does through this week. Some other things are that are going on are our Sunday
and Wednesday night Bible studies. The Sunday night study will be at different people’s homes. If you are a family who would like
to be part of this by offering your home, it would be greatly appreciated please just let me know. Wednesday nights are up at the
youth tower and both nights we’re diving into God’s Word and seeking what He has for us as we study. Some future youth group
events we are excited about are different service opportunities, canoe trip, game/movie fellowship night, indoor sky diving and a
girls craft day as well as others. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for First Baptist Church as we come along side
y’all this summer. In his letter to Titus, Paul urges Him to find older men and women to disciple the younger, and in the same way I
pray and urge you as a church to come along side your youth and show and teach them what it means to be Christ followers. The
youth group is the future of this church, but they are also part of this Church now. My prayer for not only this youth group but this
church is that the Lord will grow your love for Him, His people, His Word and His gospel this summer and that we by His grace will
proclaim the excellencies of the one who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
In Him
Clint Smith
1st Peter 2:9
Cross Ways!
Teen College 2015
July 13 - july 17, 2015
5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
(Students 6th grade through College)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing,
but to us whou are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
4 - FBCS - The Vision
Home Group Bible Study
Sunday nights at 6 p.m.
Join us as we fellowship,
eat some food, and
study God’s Word
Wednesday night at
the Tower @ 5:45 p.m.
Come hang out
and study God’s word
with us
Meet
Joshua Nicholson
Youth Director
Candidate
For over 15 months our church has been looking for a youth director who is a team builder, a visionary, a strategic thinker, an effective communicator, and a capable equipper in discipleship. After working through over 45 resumes, personally screening a large number of these candidates
through written, telephone, and internet interviews, our personnel committee believes Joshua Nicholson of Birmingham, Alabama is the candidate God is leading our church to call as youth director. Josh and his wife Melissa are both graduates of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh is from Baton Rouge but grew up in Nashville. Melissa is from Memphis and currently serves as the mission camp planner/coordinator
for Lifeway (Sunday School Board) in Student Life camps. Josh and Melissa are currently members of The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham,
Alabama.
Listed below are several recommendations we received:
Josh is a great guy and we have loved having him and his wife, Melissa in our community. Melissa has been on my staff for almost 10
years. They are an extremely solid ministry team and she and Josh have been married 6 years. The Nicholson’s are a dynamic couple that love
the Lord and have prayerfully been considering God’s next assignment.
Josh and Melissa have been in my home many times and around our family. His greatest strengths are his willingness to work hard, his
integrity, and character. I am not aware of any specific personal or professional problem or issue, in the past or at present, which would disqualify
Josh from effective ministry. I can conscientiously recommend him for consideration as student pastor
Josh has been doing various things here in Birmingham since he finished New Orleans Seminary. Melissa has been had a great role
here at Student Life. I know they are at the point where they are asking the Lord to make it clear where there next assignment is. While it would
be a loss to Student Life, having Josh and Melissa on your team would be a gain for your church.
J. Roger Davis
President Student Life
I have known Josh Nicholson for over 4 years. I served as one of his pastors and mentors at the Church at Brooks Hills and officiated
his wedding. Josh is very passionate about the ministry of the Gospel. He is an incredibly hard worker and loves to pour his life into people. He is
a good communicator of God’s word. Josh is not currently in a formal, salaried ministry position, but he is very secure in his service through his
local church. He has excellent character, devotion, leadership ability, doctrinal integrity, composure, ability to work well with others, courage, and
family values. I can conscientiously recommend Josh for consideration as youth director, and am not aware of any specific personal or professional problem or issue which would disqualify him.
Dr. Jim Shaddix
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Pastor of Teaching and Preaching at The Church at Brook Hills
Josh was a student at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Extension center in Birmingham, Alabama, so I was his seminary
professor. His greatest strengths are his intelligence, his communication skills, and his commitment as a follower of Christ. He has outstanding
Christian character, spiritual devotion, leadership skills, competence, and intellectual ability. I can give Josh the highest recommendation possible for the position of youth director.
Dr. Bob Hall, Director
Director of Extension Center Birmingham and Professor of Preaching, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
5 - FBCS - The Vision
In My Own Words…Josh Nicholson
Personal Testimony.
God saved me as a young man, at the age of twelve. The memory that lasts in my mind is one of my mother explaining the gospel to me on her
couch on a warm summer evening. I responded from my knees with a confession of my sin before the Lord and asked Him to please forgive
me and be my Savior. By grace through faith I was saved then and God has been faithful to me despite the pitfalls and doubts life has brought
on since. I base my salvation on the words of Christ in Mark 1:14-15, and the writings of the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:9. In Mark Christ said
so succinctly, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Nothing more, nothing less. All that is
required to be saved is a heart of repentance and a belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Paul echoes the words of Christ in his
letter to the Romans when he writes, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be saved.
A few years later when I was fifteen my youth group attended Centrifuge, a Christian Summer camp for young people. It was there that I
became enamored with the staff and the fact that they had an opportunity to serve and share the love of Christ on a full-time basis. Upon
returning home I was committed to the idea of serving Christ with my professional life as well as my personal life. My whole life became
committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
Philosophy of Student Ministry.
I believe strongly in a, ‘ministry of presence’. I first heard this term used when I was considering military chaplaincy during my first year
of seminary. In order to minister one must be a servant to others and to be a servant is to do life with another. As a youth pastor I have a
responsibility to teach the Bible in an environment that is as welcoming to young people as it is contextual. My conviction is to evoke the love
of Christ to all who come looking and extend that love well beyond the walls of the church and into the community, the schools, and ultimately
the homes of young people. And all this to engage students and their families with the truth of the Gospel.
It has become apparent to me that there is often a primary disconnect between different generations in the 21st-century church. I feel called
to find ways to bridge this gap in order that the wisdom of adult members of the church can be poured into young people in order to grow
them in a manner of Christlikeness. In Philippians 3:17, Paul calls on the church in Philippi to follow his example. This involves a timeless
discipleship pattern where one observes and then imitates another. A good example is a master carpenter who takes on an apprentice and pours
his wealth of knowledge and experience into them in order to pass along a trade skill. I long to see this happen in the local church and pray for
God by His Spirit to equip me to be able to facilitate such a model in youth ministry.
I believe the gospel must be presented every time I am given any sort of platform, especially with students. In Romans, Paul commands
believers to use words to both call on the Lord and call others to repentance. In Romans 10:14, Paul implores his audience to preach the gospel.
He says, how then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching? He continues in v.17, so faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of
Christ. The gospel must be presented clearly, succinctly, and simply.
What is the gospel in a nutshell you might ask? There is a God who created all things and He is holy and righteous in all things. All people are
sinners and God has ordained the penalty for sin is an eternal death in hell. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ
paid the penalty for sin by living a perfectly sinless life and dying the death due sinners on a cross. If a person will repent of their sin and
believe in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection they can be saved. It is my belief that I am called to preach this Gospel at every opportunity
God presents to me and by His grace people will be saved.
Passion for Ministry.
I have a passion for student ministry because this is the age in my own life when I really needed someone to mentor and hold me accountable.
I needed to be discipled. But there was no one in my family or church willing to do it and I made very poor decisions that stunted my spiritual
growth as a believer. I want to help young people avoid many of the snares I found and grow into the person God wants them to be for sake of
His glory.
Evaluation of Ministry.
God has blessed me with a desire and an ability to discern His word and teach it. I love the Word of God and I love making it come alive to
others in ways they might not have considered previously by emphasizing authorship, context, etc. I am, and will always be a student of the
Word. I feel the weakest aspect of my ministry is my pride. Each day is a constant struggle to answer what God has called me to be in Christ
and also surrender the credit to Him because He is gracious to bless those He loves. Any perceived victory is never my own, but always due to
the grace and power of God.
My wife and I enjoy the idea of investing our lives in a different context and have found ourselves becoming restless in Birmingham. We both
have a heart for Louisiana and I believe God is absolutely calling me back. I am from Baton Rouge, my family is from Bossier, and my wife
and I both graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Ultimately, we have ‘written a blank check’ in terms of giving our lives
to the Lord. We are open and willing to go and do anything He wants and our desire is to simply be used to glorify Him. We pray daily for the
leading of the Lord in this opportunity to serve Christ on the staff of First Baptist Church of Sulphur.
Joshua Nicholson
Youth Director Candidate
6 - FBCS - The Vision
Saints Alive
Senior Adult Ministry
SAINT’S ALIVE TO ROY’S CATFISH CABIN
Friday, July 24
We will depart at 4:00 p.m.
SAINT’S ALIVE GAME NIGHT
Friday, July 10 - 5:30 p.m. - FBCS Fellowship Hall
Each month our Sr. Adults get together for a covered dish supper
and a time of play “Hand and Foot” card game, and “Mexican Train” a current craze in domino
competition. Our supper begins at 5:30 and then let the games begin. We usually play until
around 9:00 p.m. Come join us for a great time of fellowship with each other.
SAINTS ALIVE UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Monday, July 20: Saint’s Alive Council, Conference Room, 9:15 a.m.
Music Ministry
HIGH HOPE MINISTRY
Thursday, July 23- 3:00 p.m.
Yes, it’s that time of the month for our “Singin’ with the Saint’s” ministry
at High Hope Care Center. We begin at 3:00 p.m.
Come with a song in your heart to share with others.
Worship Choir
On Sunday, June 21, our Worship Choir along with Lacie Robertson sang a memorable anthem, “Break Every Chain”.
Many of us are bound by chains we just can’t let go. Those chains are strongholds holding us back from being all the
Lord desires. It was such a moving time in our service we will never forget. I pray the Lord will continue to send us
even more “special” times. God is moving in such a special way in His church at FBC. Please make it a weekly desire
to come into His presence expecting God’s touch and tug at our hearts. Come expecting and seeking the desires of
His heart.
Agin’ Cajuns:
Our Agin’ Cajun Choir after being so busy for quite some time are now taking a well deserved break until Monday,
August 17. On that date we will return to all new music including music for Christmas, 2015. Enjoy your brief time off
and look forward to getting back to work in August.
Christmas in August
Wednesday, August 12 - 6pm
Family Life Center
Join the choir!
Our annual Christmas In August Banquet is set for
Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00 p.m. in the Church’s
Family Life Center. This banquet including the sights,
sounds, taste and smells of Christmas is for Worship
Choir members and prospects for Worship Choir. You
will be introduced to our 2015 Christmas Dinner Theatre
music and will receive your books and cd’s. Sign up
sheets will be available on August 2. It is the Worship
Choir’s desire to get 20 new singers before the end of
2015. We need you to help honor that desire.
7 - FBCS - The Vision
Our Staff
Interim Pastor
Dr. Andy Buckley
274-6206
Sunday
8:30 a.m. Prayer Time
9:15 a.m. Bible Study*
10:30 a.m. Blended Worship*
6:00 p.m. Evening Worship*
Minister of Praise,
Worship & Senior Adults
Donald Dukes
274-2226
Interim Minister of Youth
Tom Bruce
Wednesday Night Connection
5:45 p.m. 90 Youth Service
6:00 p.m. Prayer Connection*
7:00 p.m. Worship Choir
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
401 S. Huntington St.
Sulphur, La. 70663-4499
Youth Intern
Clint Smith
Minister of Children and Discipleship
Amy Bruce
802-0894
Contact Numbers
Church Office: (337) 527-5231
Fax: (337) 527-0297
First Learning Center:
(337) 527-5534
Visit us on the web at fbcsulphur.org
july
COMING SOON...
20
15
august
this
month...
20
15
a
glance
forward...
8 - FBCS - The Vision
2
6
8
13-17
16
17
22
27-30
Family Skate Night
Preschool Lunch Bunch
Children’s Dept. Movie Day
Teen College Week
Children’s Dept. Petro Bowl
3F Game Night
Children’s Dept. Movie Day
Preteen Camp
4-6
4
7
10
16
21
23
27
CareHelp Back to School Distribution@ FBCS
Preschool Swim Day
Children’s Scavanger Hunt and Swim
Frasch Teacher Luncheon
Promotion Sunday
3F Game Night
New Mexico Mission Trip
High Hope Ministry
*Childcare provided.
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Sulphur, LA 70663
Permit No. 51