Grab your gear and get ready to “Journey Off the Map” as together we embark on an epic expedition June 8-12th like none you’ve ever seen before. During this exciting week of searching ,we will uncover the awesome and powerful truth of God’s amazing love for us in that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”-Awesome…I Know Right? VBS 2015 is for all kids completed K – Completed 5th grade. Sign up to reserve your spot for this epic adventure. Time is running out! We need you registered by THIS Friday please! T Shirts are available through Lifeway and you may purchase one by clicking on link below. Follow Lifeway’s instructions and have your shirt shipped directly to your door… How easy is that! There will be no t-shirts sold at the church this year. We look forward to seeing you “Off the Map” this Monday!
FroM BRENT bshaw@fbcfairhope.org
It’s hot and humid…school is out…people are traveling, so that can only mean one thing – Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. VBS will be on June 8–12 and is the greatest tool we have for reaching children and families in our church. As a result of VBS and the ongoing work of so many in our Preschool and Children’s Ministries, we see many children come to Christ every year and families are reached as well. Kevin Nelson, Jennifer Warren & Marcy Smith (VBS Director) are all working hard to make sure we have a great VBS this summer. They still need caring adults to help in many areas, so please contact them and let them know you are willing to serve and help to make an eternal difference in a child’s life. In case you weren’t here this past Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach in Dr. Henry’s absence. My topic was “WHAT REALLY COUNTS?” In my sermon I wanted to encourage all FBC church members to get involved in some ministry inside our church and outside the church walls. God has clearly called every follower of Christ to SERVE in some area of ministry. God has given each of us talents, spiritual gifts, time and financial resources to be used to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of people near us and far away. In case you weren’t present this past Sunday, here are a few things to ponder: -The most DANGEROUS question for each of us is: “Am I willing to be open to God’s will for my life?” -“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love.” (Galatians 5:6b) -It’s not what you believe that counts; it’s what you believe enough to do. Finally, in addition to being present whenever you are in town this summer, I want to encourage you to be faithful in your giving no matter whether you are in town or away. You can help us avoid the traditional summer slump at the time we have the most activities going on. Through our ONLINE GIVING portal on our website and app, you can still be faithful in your giving even when you are away. Just go to our website and click on the DONATE button to get set up. Even though money is no laughing matter for churches, sometimes humorous things can happen. I leave you with this story that made me laugh. As a man and his family drove home after church, he was complaining about everything. He said, “The music was too loud. The sermon was too long. The announcements were unclear. The building was hot. The people were unfriendly. “ He went on and on, complaining about virtually everything. Finally, his observant son said, “Dad, you’ve got to admit it wasn’t a bad show for just a dollar.” Pray for VBS…do something and get involved…stay faithful in your summer giving…oh, and have a blessed week! In His Service, Brent
Welcome to the
First Family
Vikki and Gary Troudt (below) Join by Letter 9407 Thoroughbred Run, FH 850.661.5430 (His) 850.661.5431 (Hers)
Betsy and Steve Dunn Nora and Grace
Join by Letter 10407 US Hwy 31, Apt 828, Spanish Ft. 205.410.7248 (His) 205.876.4748 (Hers)
First Edition - page 2
Several of our ministries use “Remind” texting app to send out important information to parents/groups about trips, meetings, schedule adjustments, etc. If you want to receive these group texts simply text the “@(group name listed below). and you’ll be added to this list. You’ll receive a text that you were enlisted in the group.
TO THIS NUMBER: 81010
@retext - for Student Ministry @fbcsing - for Student Choir @fbckidsmin - for Children’s Ministry @fbcfa - for Preschool Ministry @fbcpresumm - for Preschool Summer Stuff You cannot reply to these texts. If you wish to stop receiving them at any time, simply type “STOP@_(the group)”. You’ll receive a text you were removed. This is yet one more way we seek to keep you informed about all things at First!
First
Sunday School
Impressions
Coffee Teams
Greeter Ministry
Needed!
One of the things that many of us enjoy on Sundays is a good cup of coffee. In order to continue providing coffee on Sunday mornings we need twelve (12) of our Adult Sunday School Classes to sign up to take one (1) month during the year. Each class can decide whether one person does it or four different people make the coffee for their month. It takes about 1 hour each week showing up around 7:15 AM. Courtney Hice is the Coffee Team Coordinator and will be glad to answer any questions and show you how to make the coffee and the areas where it goes. Thanks for your help! CONTACT: Courtney Hice 251.752.9298 email: rykethice@gmail.com
We need more people to help us with passing out Worship bulletins at both services, greeting people as they arrive, working at the Welcome Center and walking newcomers to their classes. Please contact LaSha Powell to get involved in this ministry of hospitality and greeting that is so important! CONTACT: LaSha Powell 251.928.8685 lpowell@fbcfairhope.org
And here are a few things to consider.
Sunday School Teachers & Assistant Teachers Needed
One of the most important ministries of our church is our Sunday morning Bible Study ministry (Sunday School) and other short-term Discipleship Classes that we offer. We need Teachers willing to serve in our Preschool, Children’s, Youth and Adult Sunday School and to help lead short-term Discipleship Classes. If you have led before or are willing to help. CONTACT: Brent Shaw., 251.928.8685 bshaw@fbcfairhope.org
Sunday Morning Bus Drivers Needed
We need several more people to drive our 15 passenger handicap bus to pick up homebound adults so they can attend worship. This important ministry allows members to attend worship who would otherwise not have a way to join us on Sunday mornings. NO SPECIAL LICENSE is needed, just a good driving record. If you would be willing to be a part of our Sunday Morning Bus Team, please contact Delores. CONTACT: Delores Lund 251.928.8685 dlund@fbcfairhope.org First Edition - page 3
Looking for Camera Operators
We need a couple more camera operators for the 11:00 service. Easy job, no studying required, not scheduled every Sunday, stress free and fun to do! Holler if this might be a fit for you in the area of service! (Just about 20 minutes in training is all you’ll need and you’re good to go!) C’mon join the media team! CONTACT: Sharon Pippin, 251.928.8685 spippin@fbcfairhope.org
Resumes June 14
Sundays @ 4:00 PM in Multipurpose Room #1
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one, then you are encouraged to attend Grief Share. This support group uses trained professional Counselors via DVD and the leadership of Kathleen Aultmann and Dr. Russell Eubanks to help you lighten the load of grief to be able to cope and move forward in life. The class is in need of to female assistants. Please let Jennifer Coulter know if you are able to assist in this ministry. 928.8685 or jcoulter@fbcfairhope.org
Sign Language Class & Signing Choir Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM in 209-West
Begins July 1 Led by Jennifer Eggers This class will help you to learn the basics of Sign Language and will give you the opportunity to be a part of our first ever Signing Choir. CONTACT: Jennifer Eggers, 251.233.1010 email: interpreterministries@gmail.com
Begins New Series, June 10
You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created , God had you in mind, and He planned you for His purposes. These purposes will extend far beyond the few years you will spend on earth. Come join the Men’s Morning Madness group on a 40 day spiritual journey that will transform your answer to life’s most important question. What is my purpose in life? Men’s Morning Madness Class is beginning on June 10 at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the College House. The leader for this group is Bubba Bosarge. Hot coffee provided.
September 12, 2015 at Jordan- Hare Stadium
Auburn vs. Jacksonville State Cost: $35 per person Hop on the bus and join us for this fun day of fellowship and football at the Loveliest Village on the Plains. We have a block of 28 tickets available on a first come basis. The cost for the game ticket plus transportation is only $35 per person. Leaving time will be determined once the game time has been set later in the summer. To get your tickets see Brent Shaw in the Church Office (928-86858 or bshaw@fbcfairhope.org) and make your payment as soon as possible as tickets are expected to go fast!
First Edition - Page 4
19311 Hillside Ct., Fairhope, AL
Congratulations to Mason Mesler and Kaylee Bishop! Each of these students received $2,500 from the Paul Martin scholarship fund. The scholarship is promoted by the Grace Sunday School Class and is open to contributions from anyone. First Edition - Page 5
Another Successful Builders For Christ Trip!
Our team along with many other volunteers were able to help the congregation of First Southern Baptist Church in Pratt, Kansas. In one week's time the site went from a concrete slab to a framed and dried in sanctuary building. Here is the end of week picture along with a picture of Don Hill receiving the “Silent Warrior” Award. We must ask him about this! To God be the glory! The 2015 BFC Team: Bart Cox, Stan Fant, Don Hill, Clyde Ingersoll, and Bud Pommer.
Mission Trips Coming Up (Add to your prayer list):
May 29- June6 Team to Brazil June 21-27 Hosanna to Nova Scotia July 3-18 Team to Tanzania (Maji Hope-formerly Dig Deep, Give Well) August 6-15 Adoration to Scotland
Senior Adults, Are you interested?
Contact Carolyn Hammill (990-6773) immediately for details if you are interested in one or more of the following: 1. Trip to Montreal and Quebec, September 25-October 5, 2015 2. Christmas Trip to Opryland Hotel, November 30 – December 2, 2015 3. Trip to New Orleans for a show and lunch, December 5, 2015
Jubileers!
NOTE: For the month of June there will be NO Jubileers Lunch or Jubileer Movie Day. This will resume in July.
June Connections Outreach Tuesdays, June 9 & 23
6:00 PM in the Social Hall Join us as we reach out to those who have been our Guests in Worship and Sunday School and recent Newcomers to our area.
Deacon Election Process - Bylaws Updated
Over the past year the Deacons and a special sub-committee have been studying our Deacon Selection Process. This study was initiated by the current Deacon body in an attempt to improve the nomination and screening process, to better inform the church as to how the process will work, and to increase Deacon and church participation. At the May Business Meeting, the new Bylaws were adopted and will replace the current Bylaws concerning the Deacon Selection process. The following changes were approved and are now in place: • A Deacon Screening Committee will coordinate the selection process. This group will be made up of: -Deacon chairman -Two (2) active Deacons -Four (4) Committee chairs: Human Resources, Nominating, Budget and Committee on Committees -Two (2) members at large as selected by the Pastor -Pastor and other ministerial staff as needed • The education process will begin in August through the Sunday School and in Worship • Deacon nomination and selection will be held in the fall rather than the summer • The number of Deacons will increase from thirty-three (33) to thirty-nine (39) • Church members will have the opportunity to nominate up to 13 men to serve. • Deacons will serve from January 1 – December 31 rather than October 1 – September 30. If you would like to view the Bylaws for Deacon Selection, you may view them online (membership page) or come by the Church Office for a copy. First Edition-Page 6