As we face the coming of a new year, all of us need a change of pace, but the pace of change is what troubles us the
From Your most. All change - even the good - is hard. It involves moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, from the settled past to an unknown future. Whatever comes at us in the year ahead, it is comforting to know that our heavenly Father promises Pastor’s to watch over us -- “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV) I challenge you to greater faithfulness, I want to thank you for ministering to me in so many ways during 2015. Heart Before When I was in the hospital with pneumonia, you prayed for me and asked God to take care of your pastor. When my friend and co-minister Jeff Ingram died, you were there to stand with me as we gave him a heavenly send off. When my father passed away, you comforted my heart with your encouragement.
Jerry M. Henry, Ph.D Pastor jhenry@fbcfairhope.org Thank you for being a church family that reached out to me in love, support and Christian concern. I can’ t thank you
enough. Thank you for the many who poured out love on Susan and me during Christmas. You are a kind congregation and I am blessed to be your pastor. I praise God for each of you. As we begin this new year, we look forward to new beginnings and new possibilities. The children’s bulding is something I long to see come to pass. I also long to see more people accept Christ as their Savior, growing in unity, and reaching our community for Christ. We each have a fresh year given to us - a brand new year and a brand new start. The Lord has a special purpose for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). May we walk closer to Him in the coming year than ever before and experience the joy that only those who stay close enjoy. My sermons in the coming Sundays will emphasize a faith that goes the distance. So many have a good start in the Christian life but end up with a finish that fades. We will look at 2 Corinthians and follow the guidance of Paul - a Christian who kept on keeping on. Come, bring your Bible, and open your heart. We need to finish our goal for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We are close, but have not arrived. The work of our International Missionaries look to our support. Give to God’s program of reaching this world for Christ. May God bless each of you. Your pastor, Jerry
Welcome to the Family
Karen Hamilton* Joins by Statement 8254 Co. Rd. 64 Apr 1803 205.515.2950 Betty Blakeney* Joins by Letter 124 Cypress Lane, FH 654.4026 Janna and Daniel Williams* Join by Letter and Emma (by Baptism) 107 Sedgefield Ave., FH His: 510.2818 Hers: 509.3110
traylor
GIBSON
Ella Traylor, Daughter of Jodi and Bryant Traylor Joins by Profession of Faith William Gibson Join by Letter 811 Morphy Ave., FH PH: 599.1806 Godwin
Pamela and Jack Godwin Join by Letter 11120 Niblick Loop, FH His: 979.5531 Hers: 979.7594 *-Their photo turned out very blurry, and not suitable for print. We will print new ones in next issue.
Christy and Michael Gattis Join by Letter 9622 Watkins Dr., FH His: 847.9376 Hers: 423.7039
GATTIS
CONNECTIONS
2016 Mission Trips
OUTREACH
Maybe this is the year God is calling you to consider being a part of one of our Mission Teams as we seek to fulfill the Acts 1:8 Challenge. Here are the trips that are planned so far and the dates. For more info, please contact the appropriate Team Leader.
For the next few months CONNECTIONS OUTREACH will be moving to Sunday afternoons. Join us in the Social Hall as we go out to deliver fresh-baked cookies and information about our church to recent guests and newcomers to our area.
Victoria, Canada| on May 18-25
Sunday, January 24 @ 4:00 PM
to work with North American Missionary Ashley Austin and the Canvas Church as part of their annual Family Fest outreach event. Team Leader: Brent Shaw (928.8685 bshaw@fbcfairhope.org). NOTE: A $300 non-refundable deposit is due by January 13 for air fare. Victoria Interest Meeting 1/13 at 7:00pm
Greenfield, Wisconsin| May 28 – June 4 GOAL: $ 56,000 GIVEN: $38,450.41 NEEDED: $17,549.59
We will continue to receive this offering through the end of January if you would still like to give.
with our Builders for Christ Team to help build a new worship building for a growing church. Builders for Christ Interest Meeting, Wednesday, January 20 @ 7:00 PM. Attend this interest meeting to learn more about this year’s trip. Team Leader: Don Hill (604-2574 or hill@zebra.net).
Brazil Mission Trip | June 17 – 26
to work with Pioneer Missions in helping build a chapel, conduct VBS, health assessment clinic and more. Team Leader: Bubba Bosarge (Paula: 510.2487, or arthurbosarge@ bellsouth.net). If you are an active member of FBC the cost of the trip is $2250. If you are not an active member of the church the cost is $3250. There will be a yard sale and golf tournament to help with the cost of the trip. A $200 non-refundable deposit is due 1/18/2016.
Ways You can Support the First Baptist Church is a firm supporter of the work being done by the Women’s Care Medical Center located in Robertsdale. For 25 years Women’s Care Medical Center has been fighting for the dignity and sanctity of all human life. This year our church is increasing its monthly financial support for this wonderful local organization. Here are some ways that you can personally be involved as well: (1) Volunteer! Opportunities Include… -Pregnancy Consultants -Man-to-Man Mentors -Nurses -Office Assistants -Abstinence Presenters *Visit their website for a volunteer application (www.FriendsofWCMC.org). (2) Join the WCMC Online Prayer Community. (3) Give a gift that could save a life. -Make an online donation at www.FriendsofWCMC.org or mail your gift to: Women’s Care Medical Center, P.O. Box 1610, Robertsdale, AL 36567
Regular Wednesday schedule resumes this week!
Supper and regular activities for Preschoolers, Children and Youth resume this coming Wednesday, January 6: 6:00AM Men’s Morning Madness, College House 4:30 PM Handbells 4:45 PM Family Supper 5:30 PM Childrens Choirs (ages 3-5th Grade) RE:Mix (Students) until 7:30 6:00 PM Sanctuary Orchestra Pastor’s Bible Study - Fellowship Hall 6:15 PM Refresh Young Adult Bible Study 6:30 PM Preschool / Children’s Missions Adult Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Praise Band Practice
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A “single”
Take the edge off of “new”, attend...
NEW THING
BEGINS this
NEW YEAR Andy & Poenta Luckie
NEW Young Singles Class Begins January 17!
This class is targeting Single Young Professionals in their 20’s / 30’s and will begin on Sunday, January 17. The class will meet in 208 West Bldg. The teachers are Andy & Poenta Luckie. For more information, contact Poenta Luckie at: 928-3498 (H), 295.8430 (Cell), or at Poenta@icloud.com. Invite your Single friends to be a part of this exciting new class!
@fbcfh
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 5:45 -7:30 PM / Choir Room Have your been considering membership at First Baptist? Have you recently joined? Then, FIRST CLASS is for you! This orientation class is designed to help you know more about First Baptist and how you can be more involved. You will have the opportunity to meet our Pastor and Ministerial staff, learn about our key doctrinal beliefs, find out how to get “plugged in”, where things are located and more. Children and Students may join in the regular activities. FREE SUPPER is included and begins serving at 4:45 PM. TO SIGN UP: Sign up online or by contacting LaSha Powell in the church office: 928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org) by noon on Wednesday, January 27.
Join our FBC Church Group Text
For realtime text alerts on church wide news/events. Text @fbcfh TO 81010 and you’ll be added to the group (you cannot reply to these texts) You may opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, “unsubscribe @fbcfh”.
R.A. Annual Battleship Trip
On Friday night, January 22 all boys 1st-5th grade (1st and 2nd with parent/guardian please) are invited to our annual Overnight Adventure on Battleship USS Alabama on Mobile Bay. We will leave the church by bus at 5:00 pm Friday night, January 22 and return to the church by 7:00 am Saturday morning the 23rd. Cost is $10 per attendee and includes reservation aboard ship, transportation, pizza party upon arrival, and drinks and snacks throughout night. I know…. Awesome, right? All participants must fill out FBC KIDS annual consent form as well as a participant agreement from USS Alabama mgmt. These forms can be found on the FBC website. You may sign up online and the deadline for participating in this event is Wednesday January 20. There are only 50 spaces available so reserve yours today. ALL ABOARD!! See you there mate!
Bible Drill resumes this Sunday, January 10th from 5-7 pm. We are excited your child has chosen to be a part of what I consider one of the best things we do… to help kids store God’s Word in their hearts. With this opportunity comes a high responsibility on the part of the participant, as well as on you the parent. Truth is, without parental support at home during the week, drillers are rarely successful on the competition stage. I can spot a child who practices at home from a mile away. It makes such a difference. Please invest in the best – God’s Word and your greatest gift, your child as you model scriptural discipline alongside them by helping them learn God’s word. Thanks parents for all you do in making todays children look like Jesus. Our first competition will be Wednesday, March 23rd at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary. Associational drill will follow on Wednesday, April 6th at FBC Foley, and District Bible drill will be Monday, April18th at College Park Baptist in Mobile. (Times for Foley and Mobile TBD) See you at Bible drill this week!
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Learning Tree News Lynn Carroll, Director | tlt@fbcfairhope.org
We were blessed when the Jubileer Puppeteers shared the Christmas story and our hearts were filled when the children sang in the Sanctuary, “Where is the baby Jesus?”Thank you Puppeteers and Mrs Dee for your Christ-like service in 2015. We love you! TLT staff and kids
Legacy Builders for Young Adults Begins Sunday, January 10 5:00 – 7:00 PM in 206/ 208 West
Join other Young Adults for this time of fellowship, Bible study and mentoring by several of our “seasoned” married couples who will share their life experience with you while your Children and Students are also growing in their walk with the Lord. Feel free to invite other Young Adults.
january 24
Infant/child dedication will be Sunday, January 24th. If you would like your family to participate, please email dlund@fbcfairhope.org or call 251-928-8685 before January 17th.
A Sound Meeting... January 23
There will be an all day training meeting (9:00am-2:00pm in the Sanctuary) for our Audio Technicians. If you are interested in being in on that meeting to see if this is an avenue of ministry for you, Contact Anthony Kidd, Audio-Lighting Director at akidd@fbcfairhope.org
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