From your pastor’s heart jhenry@fbcfairhope.org Experiencing God is the greatest thing that can happen to us this side of Heaven. Exciting things happen in and through a church where God comes to us and we experience His presence. An unexplained love surfaces that permeates places grown cold and stale over times of neglect. It is like a refreshing rain after a long drought. That is the purpose of our emphasis on Experiencing God. We want to see God turn our hearts toward Him and let Him work through us to love each other more and reach those who desperately need the love of Christ in their lives. Always, a true encounter with God involves a personal commitment that has an outlet to be involved in the work of His church. As God is gracious to us, we find ways to be gracious to others. Here is so much potential to take our walk with Christ to a higher level. Be open to His call upon your life and let Him work through you as only He can. These are challenging days. May God use us to be the church He has designed us to be. In the next two weeks, my sermons will center around God’s invitation to each of us. He initiates a call upon our lives to join Him in His work, through the church. Also, God speaks to us through circumstances, creation and His word. The place where we are moved the most, however, is through gathered worship. The God who spoke before and the God who will speak in the future is the same God who speaks now. The blessing comes when we hear and obey. Don’t miss the blessing. Our Wednesday night events are full of activity. All groups are meeting and the prayer meeting has been changed to 6:00. This is to include the choir in the Experiencing God Bible Study. To be present on Wednesday night is to see our church happening in so many areas and age groups. Set aside Wednesday nights to find Christian encouragement in the middle of the week. Different committees are busy during the fall. The Bus Committee is recommending the purchase of a new church bus. The Deacon Screening Committee is working with potential men who have indicated a willingness to serve as deacon. The Budget Committee is in the process of putting together a proposed budget. All of this is the church in motion to meet the needs of the congregation of First Baptist. Thank God for those who serve faithfully in these places. May God continue to make our church attractive through the love of Christ. May we never lose our first love. (Revelation 2:4) May God bless each of you. Your pastor, Jerry John 13:34-35 P.S. Don’t miss the opportunity to spice up your marriage. See details on page one. It is an event that can make a positive difference in your relationship.
Welcome to the Family
Kaitlyn Farr
Dayna Fincher
Joins by Profession of Faith
Joins by Profession of Faith
10058 Canal Dr.
12465 St. Hwy 104, FH
654.6876
367.8440
Anderson Luc
Joins by Profession of Faith Daughter of Jennifer & David Luc
Maryanna Bishop
Joins by Statement 164 Gaston, Fairhope 205.527.3643
Barbara and George Anderson Join by Letter 11 Soldiers Route Spanish Ft.,, AL 660.4579
Gene Paul Carroll Jr. Joins by Letter 612 Fairhope Ave Apt. J Fairhope First Edition - page 2
Angie Smith
Joins by Statement 9738 Callaway Dr. Fairhope, AL 680.8094
Cookout at the Camp Sunday, October 4, 2:30 – 6:30 PM Camp Baldwin on Wolf Bay FREE!!!
Pack up you lawn chairs or blanket and join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship down at Camp Baldwin located on beautiful Wolf Bay. There will be inflatables for the kids, swimming pool available, activities for the entire family, food and more. Or, feel free just to hang out, bring some afternoon snacks, and visit with friends and make new ones. Please SIGN UP ONLINE, in your Sunday School class or Main Welcome Center on Sundays, or with LaSha Powell in the Church Office (928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org) so we can get a head count for the food.
God has called us to be ON MISSON here and around the world. On this day we will GO OUT in our local area to support some local organizations and to share God’s love by offering fun activities, music, free food and other opportunities to share the Gospel. If you know of another possible missions/ministry opportunity we might consider please contact Brent Shaw (928-8685 or bshaw@ fbcfairhope.org). LOCATION Fairhope Rotary Boys Club Loxley Men’s Work Release Center Light of the Village Ministry (Prichard) Fairhope Rehab Nursing Home Neighborhood PPP Flier Distribution
Location for Block Parties/Activities
PARTICIPANTS For all ages Adults only For all ages For all ages For all ages
# NEEDED 50 – 100 people 40 – 50 people 50 – 75 people 40 – 50 people 50-100 people
TIME FRAME (3:30 – 6:00 PM) (4:00 – 6:00 PM) (2:30 – 5:00 PM) (3:00 – 4:00 PM) (4:00 - 6:00 PM)
TEAM CAPTAINS Kevin Nelson / Jennifer Warren Dr. Jerry Henry / John Baldwin Brent Shaw / Ryan Smith (to be determined) (to be determined)
Watch for more details as they develop and for sign up opportunities to serve at one of these locations.
FIRST CLASS
New Member Orientation Wednesday, October 7 5:45 -7:30 PM in Choir Room
FREE Supper included Are you considering becoming a member at First Baptist? Have you recently taken the step of church membership? IF so, then FIRST CLASS is for you! Come and find out more about First Baptist, meet our Pastor and Ministerial Staff, learn about our key beliefs, find out how to get more involved and more. TO SIGN UP: Go online to www.fbcfairhope.org or contact LaSha Powell in the Church office (928-8685 or lpowell@fbcfairhope.org) by noon on Wednesday, October 7. First Edition - page 3
Meet Laureen Davis!
You have worshipped with her... ...you may have talked to her on the phone in the music office... ...you may have grown up with her in this church... ...you may have seen her in concert with her crazy friends... or you may have been under her teaching in Sunday School. However or wherever you ”see” Laureen, you’ll come away on THIS evening knowing her on a more intimate level. You’ll leave with a renewed vision of how sovereign our God is as you hear her story. Over 70 ladies experienced God at our first Ladies Experiencing God event! So, don’t miss the blessing this will be! Bring a friend and join us in the Student Center for a great experience... as ladies....together...with God!
So are a lot of people across the globe! You can help alleviate hunger by giving to the World Hunger Fund. Watch for more details as we take this annual offering on Sunday, October 11. 100% of the funds that are collected go to help feed hungry people in the United States and around the world.
Mrs. Jennifer leading chapel Exciting things are happening at The LearningTree. Our current enrollment is 106, we are almost at capacity! “Busy bees” are everywhere, having fun and making friends. Learning about God’s love in Chapel Time, making a “joyful noise” with super singer voices, and learning through play are just a few of our favorite things.
NOTE: Pick up a free Bread Bank to collect your offering in or use one of the World Hunger Offering envelopes. These will be out in a few weeks.
CONNECTIONS Outreach
Tuesday, September 29 6:00pm in the Social Hall Join us as we reach out to our recent guests and newcomers to our area.
Women on Mission
Women on Mission will meet October 6 at 10:00am in the Choir Robe Room. Ann Amster, on staff at First Baptist, Montgomery, will tell about their church’s ministry to the people of Haiti.
If you really want to lend a hand,
lend an arm! Lynn Carroll, Director tlt@fbcfairhope.org First Edition - page 4
Mrs. Dee leading MusicTime
Give blood at the Lifesouth Blood Drive September 23 4:00-8:00pm Back Parking Lot