From your pastor’s heart jhenry@fbcfairhope.org As the apostle Paul reached the end of his life, he wrote a letter to his son in the faith - Timothy. In that letter, called 2 Timothy, Paul stated several things. One, he said that the time of his departure was at hand (2 Timothy 4:6). He knew death was near. He also gave this declaration in looking back over his life I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and have remained faithful. (2 Timothy 4:7) As Jeff Ingram ended his life on this earth and the ministry God called him to at First Baptist Fairhope, the same can be said of his life and ministry. Jeff came to First Baptist from the field of forestry. The call of “walking by faith and not by sight” pulled him away from the occupation he was in to the place of being Associate Pastor and Minister to Senior Adults. It was a process of call not only on Jeff ’s heart, but also confirmed by his wife, Jeannie. Their support of each other in the Lord’s work was an example of two people committed to each other and to the Lord. Jeff ’s ministerial approach was not like John the Baptist. The prophet was an in-your -face kind of evangelist. He judged people harshly, and shook them with his words. It was his calling at a desperate time. Jeff, on the other hand, was mild-mannered. He came to others in time of need with a compassion that came straight from his heart. God had so overflowed Jeff ’s soul with his amazing grace that he wanted desperately to share that love with others. In a sense, he was a first responder - when others would withdraw from someone, Jeff would seek them out and share the love of Christ in much needed situations. He cared deeply for people - a care that came out of his own walk with the Savior. This was Jeff ’s calling in a desperate need of our church to fill the love of God in the life and example of this minister’s leadership. So many times, I have called upon Jeff to be the pastor’s presence when the pastor could not be there. He fulfilled that role and often ministered to others far beyond what I could have done. His calm demeanor had that certain grace that stabilized what appeared as an out of control situation. He then, was knowledgeable of God’s word to use scripture and prayer to speak directly to the need of the moment. He did that for others. He did that for me. His example in life was outstanding and his example at death was also outstanding. He faced life at its worst - a cancer that ate away his ability to process thoughts. However, he was in God’s hands in sickness and in health. That kind of assurance comes from a core walk with God that holds steady in spite of difficulty. His death was peaceful with the promises of God, as his Lord came to take this faithful servant home. Jeannie as well as his family were by his side. Jeff Ingram now joins the many who are cheering us on (Hebrews 12:10). Our church staff, our church body, and his family mourn his death. Those left behind take up the course charted by this minster of God. His life and ministry touched so many. He has heard those words that come from His master: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) God’s approval is Jeff ’s highest reward. The Lord has used this man of God in ministry to light fires for Christ that will never be extinguished. Until we meet again, thank you, Jeff, from your pastor and friend’s heart. You are my faithful brother in Christ. Enjoy your mansion! I miss you. Your pastor, Jerry John 14:1-3
Welcome to the Family Lilah Grace Lassiter (front right shown with her family Jonathan & Alicia and big sis, Lillie) Joins by Profession of Faith
First Edition - page 2
Thursday, September 10
with Dorothy Savage Student Center // 6:30-8:00PM
and will feature Dorothy Savage. Come hear Dorothy’s story and get to know this Daughter of the King. As our church Experiences God Together, it is our hope this setting will bring Ladies together to experience God. Ladies @ First will host three intimate settings where you and your friends are invited for an evening of light refreshments and a getting to know others in our fellowship. We want to know Him more, to know one another and love one another. We hope you will join us Thursday, September 10 in the Student Center from 6:30-8:00! (No cost for event)
Join us to kick off the fall session on September 8 from 9:3011:30 with a brief introduction to the study and registration followed by refreshments. The group will meet in the Brides Room. This ladies study will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 9:30-11:30 to connect and grow spiritually through fellowship in Gods word! Childcare will be provided! (Cost is $15.00/pp) For more information contact Tammy Henry at: 251.504.8959 / tmmylhenry@yahoo.com
Jubilee 5K Race for Life
We are looking for adults who love babies and toddlers who would like to work in our preschool department. We could use part time or full time for Sunday mornings. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jennifer Warren at jwarren@fbcfairhope.org or call the church office and leave your name and number . Thank you!
Faith & Family Day with Auburn Tigers
September 12 @ Jordan-Hare Stadium $35/each ticket FIVE tickets left Group leaves at 5:30am and returns around 8:00pm
The Learning Tree
& 1 Mile Fun Run‌
Running with a Purpose!
is off to a great start!
Saturday, September 19, 2015 8:00 AM / Daphne
If you enjoy running, then how about running with a purpose? This annual race will benefit BAYSIDE MEDICAL MISSONS which provides corrective surgeries and wheelchairs to persons of limited resources in Ecuador. To get a form come by the Church Office or visit their website:
www.baysidemedicalmissions.org. If you would like to be a sponsor for the race, visit their website to see the various levels of sponsorship.
Making friends, sharing toys, Lots of hugs for girls and boys. Learn through play, children sharing, Smiles, hugs and teachers caring. Lynn Carroll, Director tlt@fbcfairhope.org
First Edition-Page 4
Maji:Hope presents:
Stories of
Hope
Friday, September 4th
Mars Hill Church – Fairhope Campus 50 South Church Street Come for an evening of stories and videos from recent trips to Tanzania. Hear first hand accounts of life changing events and how the generous donations of so many have blessed the lives of thousands! Refreshments served at 6:30 PM. Stories & Videos begin at 7:00 PM.
CONNECTIONS
Outreach Nights in September
Donate Blood at our
Tuesday, September 15 & 29 Join us at 6:00 PM in the Social Hall as we deliver fresh-baked cookies and info kits to our recent Guests in worship and Newcomers to our area.
Life South Blood Drive
September 23 4:00 – 8:00 PM back parking lot Give the gift of life!
NEEDED -We need some help in our Preschool ministry on Sunday mornings and other times… contact our Preschool Minister, Jennifer Warren @ jwarren@fbcfairhope.org. -We have 21 standing COMMITTEES that need people to help us serve in a variety of ways. Blue Sign Up Forms are in the Sunday School boxes, Welcome Center and around the church. -We need more people to help us with our GREETERS MINISTRY, handing our Worship bulletins for the 11:00 AM service, etc. (see LaSha Powell in the Church Office at 928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org. -We need more people to help with our CONNECT FIRST New Member ministry that helps to make sure New Members are getting connected at FBC. See Brent Shaw for more info (928-8685 or bshaw@fbcfairhope.org). First Edition - page 5
Speaking of servants... Thank You Marjorie! The Adult 11 Ladies Sunday School Class honored Marjorie Verner with these beautiful flowers this past Sunday. Marjorie recently stepped down from teaching this class after many years of faithful service. Thank you Marjorie (and Gene) for your many years of faithful teaching and influence in our church.
Alabama Baptist Children’s Honor Choir
AUDITIONS 2016 Alabama Children’s Honor Choir Auditions are just around the corner. The Alabama
Jubileers
Baptist All-State Children’s Honor Choir was formed in 2000 to offer music opportunities to fourth through sixth grade boys and girls who are involved in choirs from churches across the Alabama Baptist Convention. Each year 150-175 children are accepted through auditions to be a part of this unique group. They have sung in churches all across Alabama as well as the 2001 and 2007 Southern Baptist Church Music Conferences and the Church Music Week at Ridgecrest Baptist Conference in North Carolina. This years’ tour is scheduled for March 4 thru 6th in the North Alabama area. Applications may be obtained from the Church office or from Ms. Dee Pace. Audition recording will be Wednesday, October 28th at 4:30pm – 6:00pm in the Sanctuary.
in September
Tuesday, Sept. 8 @11:30am
There is a certain something about the South in September that makes you a little extra excited to celebrate family, food, & our love of football. Whether you’re a Southern transplant or born and bred deep in the heart of Dixie, most everyone has a favorite team. So, for Jubileers in September get dressed up in your favorite team colors and join us at Jubileers. Our special guest this month will be the Area Director of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Dennis Hayford. Dennis will share with us all about his work with FCA, what they are doing, how he became involved, etc.. Looking forward to seeing eveyone and their team spirit for Jubileers in September. Don’t forget your sidedish, salad, or dessert and Invite a Friend!
STUDENTS
“THE ARMOR OF GOD” Ladies Bible Study 5:00 PM in MPR#2 Begins 8/26 Facilitator: Debbie Tuggle All day, every day, an invisible war rages against you – unseen, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. If you’re tired of being defeated by Satan and being caught with your guard down, this study by Priscilla Shirer is for you and will help you put together an action plan for securing victory in your spiritual walk with God. “FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY”
6:15 PM in MPR #2 Begins 8/26 Facilitator: Debbie Tuggle This class features financial insight by Christian financial guru, DAVE RAMSEY, on how to defeat the “debt monster” in your life and get a handle on your finances. NOTE: A FREE preview class will be on August 26. Cost for the class materials is $70.
“ReFresh” Young Adult Bible Study 6:15 PM in 206/ 207 West Ongoing Facilitator: Shawn Trotter Join other Young Adults in a casual atmosphere for a serious study of one of the key New Testament books, the Book of Romans. Deaf Ministry Class
6:00 PM in 209-West Facilitators: Boyd & Jennifer Eggers
Begins 8/26
Pastor’s Bible Study
6:30 PM in Fellowship Hall
“THE ARMOR OF GOD” Ladies Bible Study
5:00 PM in 201-West
Ongoing
Facilitator: Dr. Jerry Henry
Begins 9/13
Facilitator: Susan Young
Legacy Builders: “GLORY DAYS”
Jubileer Movie Day/ Friday, Sept. 11
We are planning on going to the movies to see “War Room” in September. We do not have showtimes yet, but are working out all of the details. If you know that you wish to attend and want to go ahead and get your name on the list (because space will be limited) please call Jennifer Coulter in the church office at 251928-8685 and sign up. As details become more available we will contact everyone and promote through church publications. First Edition-page 6
5:00 PM in 206/207/208West Begins 9/13 Facilitators: Bob & Pat Green, Dee & Robin Brookshire, Charlie & Lynn Carroll, Randall & Connie Griffin If you are feeling in a “rut” spiritually and not feeling hopeful about the future, then join other Young Adults for this time of Bible study using the DVD series by Max Lucado to get spiritually “recharged”! Come early for a time of food and fellowship and meet other Young Adults while your kids and teens are involved in their discipleship activities.
Deaf Signing Choir
5:00 PM in 209-West Begins 9/13 Facilitator: Jennifer Eggers If you would like to learn some basic Sign Language and be a part of our Signing Choir, then get involved in this new ministry opportunity.
SIGN UP ONLINE FOR CLASSES (fbcfairhope.org) or
Contact LaSha Powell in the Office 928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org