Beacon - First Baptist Church of Montgomery

Beacon
First Baptist Church Montgomery
bring them in...build them up...send them out
Volume 68 | Week of March 22, 2015 | Number 12
Spring Break Week at First Baptist
Sunday, March 22
8:30 & 11:00 am
Worship Services
9:45 am
Bible Fellowship Classes
No PM activities or services.
Wednesday, March 25
No PM services or activities
Pray for the Spring Break Mission
Projects to Puerto Rico, Haiti,
India, Nashville & Cuba
www.montgomeryfbc.org | Office: 334.834.6310 | Prayer Line: 334.834.4585
CONNEC IONS
from your Pastor’s Heart
Easter is Coming!
If you look at a map of the vast Pacific, you can
discover a small spot called Easter Island. A Dutch
navigator, Jacob Roggeveen, named this tiny place
in Polynesia “Easter Island” since they encountered
it on Easter Sunday of 1722. Because of the island’s appealing name,
people flock to it each Easter. After a short visit on this uniquely
named location, the tourists climb aboard the boats and go back to the
mainland. Their visit to Easter is finished.
My friend, Easter is not an island or even a day to be visited;
but is God’s invitation to experience His living hope! Easter should
become your daily experience of living with the risen Savior. It is the
pulsating heartbeat of authentic Christian faith. That is why God’s Word
proclaims, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In
His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
The living hope of Easter made it possible for the famed missionary
David Livingstone to affirm, “I go through the jungles of Africa
because my Jesus is by my side.” The living hope of Easter compelled
Savonarola to state before he was martyred for his faith, “They may tear
me to pieces and kill me, but they shall never tear from my heart the
presence of my Christ.” God’s living hope enables you to face the harsh
tribulations of this fallen world with faith and courage that will lead
you to God’s victory!
Allow the next few days to constitute your runway that will prepare
you to soar into the most spectacular Easter of your existence. Let every
new leaf of spring and every blooming azalea remind you to live in
the light of the empty tomb. Determine this spring, not to simply visit
Easter, but choose to experience the resurrected Savior’s living hope
every day.
I rejoice in being your Pastor,
FBC Faithfulness | Sunday, March 15, 2015
ATTENDANCE
Bible Fellowship Enrollment 4963 | Bible Fellowship Attendance 1801
Weekly Attendance 2323 | Discipleship Attendance 1315
OFFERING
Required Weekly $123,557.69 | Received Sunday $102,588.91
Required To Date $1,359,134.59 | Received To Date $1,240,257.78
Building Fund Sunday $386.00 | Building Fund to Date $7,947.10
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® $52,237.94
Under Budget | $118,876.81
Ministry Announcements
Preschool Ministry
There will be a Parent/Child Dedication on Sunday, April 19 in the 8:30 & 11:00 am
worship services. To register your baby for this special dedication, please call Tiffany
Alewine at 241.5165 or visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/dedications. If you would like
your baby’s photo to be included in the Order of Worship that day, please email a
high resolution photo of your baby to asmith@montgomeryfbc.org by Friday, April 3.
Children’s Ministry
Mark your calendars for Children’s Sunday on April 12. Our special guests for
the evening service will be David & Teesha Laflin. Summer information will
also be available. For more information, contact Glen Leathers at 241.5164 or
gleathers@montgomeryfbc.org.
There will be an Associational VBS Clinic on Thursday, April 17 from 6:30 to
8:30 pm at Eastern Hills Baptist Church. You will see decoration ideas, find out
what you are teaching every day, and get a sneak peak at what will be going on
during our VBS. For more information, contact Glen Leathers at 241.5164 or
gleathers@montgomeryfbc.org.
Student Ministry
Graduate Recognition is Sunday, May 3. The deadline for submitting photos is
Friday, April 10. Register online at www.montgomeryfbc.org/event-registration. If
you have any questions, contact Russell McCrory at 241.5163.
Adult Ministry
A new round of the Pastor’s Class continues Sunday, March 22 at 10:00 am in
the main sanctuary. The 13-week class, open to everyone, will be an overview
of the Bible.
Missions Ministry
The Charlotte Cearley Women On Mission Group will meet at 6:30 pm on Tuesday,
March 24 at the home of Lyn Arnberg (2124 Bowen Drive). Pam Newman will share
about her trip to France. Contact Kathy at 467.9178 if you have an interest in
learning more about the focus and
purpose of this group.
There will be a Seattle Mission
Project Interest Meeting on Sunday,
March 29 in room 443. Join us to
learn how you can participate in this
summer mission project. For more
information, contact Jeff Windham at
467.9028.
The Japan Mission Team will be taking
some extra bags to help the Loomis’
with their Homeless Ministry in
Nagoya. We are asking our members
to bring the following and place in the
bins at the missions wall in the main
foyer or the reception area at Scott
Street Entrance. Items needed include:
new socks (both warm weather and
cold weather-ladies and mens); new
ladies underclothing (mostly small and
medium sizes); new boxers (mostly
small and medium sizes, very few
large); new undershirts (both shortsleeve and tanks); used sleeping bags;
toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable
razor, comb, bar soap, travel-size hand
sanitizer or small packets of antiseptic
wipes; used shoes in good condition
(Japanese wear smaller sizes, nothing
above a men’s 9-10 or ladies 8); used
jackets and coats; new or used cold
weather gloves. For more information,
call Kathy Cooper at 241.5125.
There will be Disaster Relief
Training on Friday, April 10 and
Saturday, April 11 at Shocco Springs.
Some of the training opportunities
include mass feeding, cleanup
recovery, childcare, shower unit,
administration, communication,
chaplaincy and chainsaw. Visit sbdr.
org/training to register and learn
more about this conference. Early
registration is encouraged as space is
limited for this event.
New Members
By Letter
Miss Kenzie Shell Gourlay
9340 Bristol Way | Montgomery, AL 36117
Our Church Family
If you would like to add someone to the prayer list,
contact Carolyn Bryan at 241.5120.
Sympathy Extended to
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hancock (Mary Lee) in the
death of their nephew
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Haase (Shirley) in the death of
his father
Mrs. John Harris (Allyson) in the death of her
husband; Mr. John David Harris III in the
death of his father; Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Rigney (Eva) in the death of their son-in-law
Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Mason (Jodi) in the death of
his uncle
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Cornette (Kristy) in the death of
her father; Grant & Carson Cornette in the
death of their grandfather
Mrs. Bill Dismuke (Jan) in the death of her husband
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Phillips (Barbara) in the death
of his father
Mr. Britian Pettway in the death of his mother
Family and Friends of Jean Nowell
Mr. Larry Chapman in the death of his brother
Family and Friends in the death of Della Skipper
Baptist East
Frances Averette
Jackson
Macon Brock • Gene Bonner
UAB Medical Center
David Hicks
Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare
Chad Lynn
Capitol Hill
Mary Speed
Aspire Physical Recovery Center
Ann & Harrell Cushing
Hillview Terrace
Dot Robinson
Congratulations Extended to
Mr. & Mrs. William Bozeman (Shirley) on their
50th wedding anniversary (March 5)
Women’s Ministry
Save the Date for The Blessed Banquet, the FBC Mother/Daughter dinner, on
Tuesday, May 5 in the fellowship hall. Ruthie Carlson is this year’s speaker. E-mail
your mother/daughter photo and any questions to Sharon Windham at sbwindham@
aol.com. Ticket sale dates will be April 12, 19, and 26.
First Baptist Foundation
The 2015-2016 First Baptist Foundation Scholarship Applications are available
online. All completed applications must be returned by Tuesday, March 31. For
an application, visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/first-baptist-foundation or email
Alissa Irvin at airvin@montgomeryfbc.org.
The Baptist Foundation of Alabama has scholarship applications available for
the 2015-2016 school year. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 31, and can
be found at www.tbfa.org/scholarships.
Volunteer Opportunity of the Week:
Prayer Room
Prayer Room Volunteers are needed to serve one hour a week to pray for the
people in our church and our community. There are open hours available Monday
through Friday. Check the schedule on the Prayer Room door or contact Sally
Frazier at 274.8989, 224.9895 or salfraz45@gmail.com.
Community Ministries
As part of FBC’s Nehemiah Project, Chisholm residents will plant a 2-acre
Community Garden this spring. Your help is needed to provide new or gently
used garden tools and supplies for the Master’s Garden. The wish list includes
hoes, rakes, long-handled shovels, gardening hand tools, garden hoses, garden
gloves (all sizes) and large black trash bags. Monetary gifts are welcome as well in
order to purchase equipment, seeds and plants. Please leave your donations in the
drop boxes located near the church entrances. For more information, contact Jane
Ferguson at 241.5141.
There is a GriefShare Support Group on Tuesdays at 11:00 am in the Huff
Community Ministries Building. The group leader is Marie Parma. If you have a
friend or loved one who has lost someone dear to them, please encourage them
to come. For more information, call Jane Ferguson at 241.5141.
Join us for an Alzheimers Support Group on Thursdays at 10:00 am in the
Huff Community Ministries Building. This support group is designed to give
encouragement and support to caregivers and those dealing with Alzheimers. For
more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141 or Judy Nuss at 241.5144.
Churchwide News & Events
Join us on Sunday, April 12 for our annual Bible Fellowship Class High
Attendance Day. This year’s theme is “Easter Encore: Everyone Back” and our
goal is to have 2,100 in Bible Fellowship Class attendance the week after Easter.
We need your help! Begin now to pray for a great harvest and good weather.
Invite prospects, friends and neighbors to come with you. For more information,
contact Chuck Ashley at 241.5161 or cashley@montgomeryfbc.org or your Bible
Fellowship directors and teachers.
Men, join us for the annual Glenn Gordy Golf Retreat on Thursday, April
23 through Saturday, April 25 in Niceville, Florida. The cost is $325, which
includes lodging, unlimited green fees, 18-hole cart per day, and prizes. Checks
should be made payable to First Baptist Church. Deadline for reservations is
Sunday, April 5. Get your tee time guarantee check in the mail today. Sign up by
calling Steve Dubose at 277.8604 or Chuck Ashley at 241.5161.
Do you have skills related to creating sets, building sets or painting sets? We need
your help! Our older Children’s musical is entitled “I Am.” It will be presented on
Sunday, May 3 and we need help building the set. Also, Vacation Bible School is
just around the corner and we need assistance in creating and constructing the
set. If God has gifted you in this area, then here’s your opportunity. Contact Ed
Cleveland at ecleveland@montgomeryfbc.org or 205.223.6418 and let’s get started!
Save the date for the Missions Auction and Cookout to benefit the Single Adult
Missions Scholarship Fund on Friday, May 15 at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall.
More details coming soon! If you would like to donate to the auction, please
contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc.com or 241.5125.
2015 VBS Journey off the Map is scheduled for Monday, June 22 through
Friday, June 26 from 9:00 am to noon. Volunteers are needed to guide our
children on a journey to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand
that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Contact Sheila
Hinds (241.5166) if you are interested in helping with preschoolers or Glen
Leathers (241.5164) if you are interested in helping with children.
Pictorial Directories are here!
Please pick up your copy in the main sanctuary foyer this Sunday.
This week at FBC Montgomery
For the complete calendar, visit www.montgomeryfbc.org.
Sunday, March 22
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba, Haiti & Puerto Rico
8:30 Worship Service
9:45 Bible Fellowship Classes
11:00 Worship Service
Monday, March 23
5:15
5:30
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba, Haiti & Puerto Rico
Sanctuary Handbells
Men’s Bible Study
Tuesday, March 24
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba, Haiti & Puerto Rico
9:30 Ladies Bible Study
11:00GriefShare
6:00 Narcotics Anonymous
6:30 Charlotte Cearley Mission Group
Wednesday, March 25
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba, Haiti & Puerto Rico
Thursday, March 26
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba, Haiti & Puerto Rico
10:00 Caregivers Support Group
JOY Singers Rehearsal
Friday, March 27
6:45
5:30
Mission Projects: India, Nashville, Cuba & Puerto Rico
Friday Morning Men’s Group
Celebrate Recovery
Saturday, March 28
Mission Project: India
6:00 Narcotics Anonymous
In Home Ministry Member :: Harold Hunt
4401 Narrow Lane Road, Apt 718 | Montgomery, Alabama 36116-2950
Morning Worship (8:30 & 11:00
Written In Red
Holy Spirit
| Sanctuary Choir
| College Praise Team
pm)
No PM Service or Activities
CrossRoads Broadcast Schedule
Watch the sermon at the time below or
online at www.montgomeryfbc.org.
Frazer Channel 13 (Montgomery & Prattville)
Brighthouse Channel 122 (Elmore County)
Sunday, 1:30 pm (full hour) & 6:00 pm
Tuesday, 7:30 pm Thursday, 9:30 am & 6:00 pm
WSFA-TV Channel 12 | Sunday, 10:30 am
The Beacon (USPS #046-620) is published and printed
weekly by First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry
Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-4292. Periodical
postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama. POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to The Beacon, 305 South Perry
Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104-4292.
montgomery
Evening Worship (6:15
305 South Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
| Jay Wolf
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Message
am)