January 2018

A Monthly Newsletter of First Baptist Church

Resolve to Dig Into God’s Word Bible Studies Starting this Month

Ladies & Men - Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Starting January 10th

Ladies - Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

Starting January 28th

Men - Sundays at 4:45 p.m.

Starting January 7th

Men - Fridays at 6:00 a.m.

Starting January 5th

One Accord This Fall our Wednesday night prayer meeting Bible studies focused on the components of Biblical prayer meetings.

This was an overview of a study we worked through six years ago. One of the factors or elements in Biblical prayer meetings affirmed by the Lord was the unity of believers as they came together in prayer. It seems the greater unity the group experienced in love for one another and agreement concerning the Lord’s will, the more powerfully the Lord moved and empowered them. In Acts, this is called being “in one accord.” Acts 1:14 states, “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers,” (ESV). The groups who pray in one accord in Acts are united in desire, purpose, mission, and love. While the earlier church may have had an easier time identifying and articulating their mission due to the simplicity of church structure and the commands of Christ they had been given, I believe it is just as vital that we be of “one accord” if we are to see the Lord move powerfully through our body and ministries here at First Baptist. How do we encourage this?

Continually reinforce the foundations: We become divided when we allow secondary matters to become primary. Our primary mission as the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching them to obey all things He has commanded us. Our motto,

“God’s mission is…His glory,” may seem like a broken record, yet we must continually renew our minds in this area. We are saved by grace through faith. As we live by faith, growing in the knowledge of the Word and the character of Christ (holiness), we make the glory (essential character) of God known to a world that is lost and in need of His salvation. We will live in the unity of purpose and mission as we are continually brought back to these foundational truths.

Pray for unity: Christ prayed for His disciples, His church, to be one with a oneness that would reflect the oneness of the Triune God in John 17. Paul stated in Ephesians 4:1-6, “I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you have been called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Unity and love are marks of the New Testament church. We should pray with boldness believing this is the will of God.

Actually, really, pray together: I find prayer to be one of the most natural subjects to preach and teach, yet it is at the point of action where there is a breakdown. Praying together calls us to a place of transparency and intimacy that is sometimes uncomfortable. We have too much to do, too many announcements to make, too many items on the agenda when we gather, and sometimes even too many requests to make known in the group to actually make time to pray. There is talk, teaching, and singing about the power of God, yet we seldom corporately come before His throne in prayer. If we are willing to humble ourselves before Him consistently as a church body, don’t we have the faith to believe His Spirit will bring or perpetuate unity of desire, purpose, mission, and love?

I would like to suggest we renew our 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prayer times in January. There are undoubtedly other commitments some have at this hour, but I believe this is an area where we can grow, and another opportunity for corporate prayer is needed. We are not too busy to pray. We are too busy not to pray. We are making great plans, and God is doing great things. May we seek direction and unity that is from above from the Father of lights, who is faithful. May we long to be in one accord and walk in the oneness that glorifies our Lord Jesus Christ.

Family Daily Discipleship for 2018 Contact us 950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438 Phone: (985) 839-3427 Fax: (985) 839-3572 Prayer Line: (985) 839-3337 Office E-mail: fbc.natasha@gmail.com

Prayer E-mail: fbcfranklinton.prayer@gmail.com

A Changed Family: January 7th

Value All: January 21st

Memory Verse: “They said, ‘Believe in The Lord Jesus, and you will be saved- you and your household.’” -Acts 16:31

Memory Verse: “I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” - Psalm 139:14

      

1st: Acts 18:1-4 2nd: Acts 18:5-8 3rd: Acts 18:9-17 4th: Acts 18:18-23 5th: Acts 18:24-28 6th: Acts 19:1-7 7th: Acts 19:8-10

     

Website:



www.fbcfranklinton.org



Facebook: First-Baptist-Church-Franklinton

Service Times: Sunday Worship Services Sundays at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study Groups Sundays at 8:15 a.m. & 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays 5:45 p.m. Ladies Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Preschool/Children’s Activities 6:00 p.m. Youth Activities

Prayer Times 7:30 a.m. Sundays in the Chapel 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays in the Fireside Room 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sanctuary

24/7 Prayer Room

Choir Rehearsals Mondays 8:30 a.m. Senior Singers Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Preschool & Children’s Choir 6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir 7:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal

16th: Acts 20:17-24 17th: Acts 20:25-31 18th: Acts 20:32-38 19th: Acts 21:1-6 20th: Acts 21:7-14 21st: Acts 21:15-25 22nd: Acts 21:26-30 23rd: Acts 21:31-36

The Unknown Known: January 14th

Incomplete Picture: January 28th

Memory Verse: “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent.”

- Acts 17:30

Memory Verse: “For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.”

Acts 18:28

       

8th: Acts 19:11-17 9th: Acts 19:18-22 10th: Acts 19:23-27 11th: Acts 19:28-34 12th: Acts 19:35-41 13th: Acts 20:1-6 14th: Acts 20: 7-12 15th: Acts 20:13-16

       

24th: Acts 21:37-40 25th: Acts 22:1-10 26th: Acts 22:11-16 27th: Acts 22:17-22 28th: Acts 22:23-30 29th: Acts 23:1-5 30th: Acts 23:6-11 31st: Acts 23:12-18

We demonstrate the importance of time alone with God – Just as Jesus was isolated apart with the Father, you and I need those regular alone times when we spend time with God. We need to hear from God, and we need to love on God. Spending time with God will change our lives and bless us as nothing else will. Jesus needed time alone with the Father, and so do we.

We focus on God, and His purpose for our lives – Life can get hectic and sometimes we cannot see “the forest for the trees” in our lives. We need those times when we step back spiritually and reassess our lives, our past year, our present struggles, our recent victories, and so forth. We get a new perspective on old problems. We get fresh meaning when we focus on God and refocus on the purposes for which He created us.

We receive nourishment in the Word of God – Jesus demonstrated the preeminence of God’s Word in His life as three times He quoted the Scripture when facing the temptations of the devil. A season of prayer (and fasting if one chooses) is built around reading and meditating on God’s Word.

Nothing feeds the soul and sets the heart right like time in the Word.

We commit to the priority of worship – Sometimes we fail to realize that our problems and challenges can work a useful purpose in our lives. When challenged by the devil as to what priorities He should have, Jesus asserted that we should worship the Lord and serve Him only. The Psalmist said it was the one thing he most desired.

(Psalm 27)

A NEW YEAR – A NEW SEASON Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that “To everything, there is a season.” The new year brings a new season to our lives. Nature operates by seasons, and we also operate by seasons. God brings seasons into our lives for a purpose. Jesus had seasons in His life. As a young boy, the Father used a season of molding Jesus for the season of His ministry. Just before He began this season of His public ministry, Jesus was baptized, and afterward the Spirit led Him into the wilderness.

Rev. Joey Miller Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care fbc.joeymiller@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Matthew tells us that “the Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) Mark says “the Spirit drove Him (or sent Him out) into the wilderness.” It is clear from the language of Scripture that God wanted His Son in the wilderness and that the Father had a genuine purpose for this wilderness experience. Apparently, this experience would prepare Jesus for the public ministry that the Father had for Him. As we look toward the New Year, should we not prepare for this new season in our lives? Many believers begin the New Year with a period of prayer or with prayer and fasting. This time of preparation allows us to reset spiritually and focus our hearts on the Lord and His Word to us for our new year. If Jesus needed this time in His life, admittedly, we would benefit from setting aside some time to focus on our needs, our priorities, and on God’s plan for us in the new year.

What exactly does such an intense time of focus on the Lord at the beginning of the year do for the believer? Let’s observe what it did for Jesus, and how it will bless us in setting the course for our new year.

At least four benefits become apparent as we consider Matthew 4:1.

This year instead of merely wishing folks a “Happy New Year,” and thinking about a few resolutions that we ought to keep, let’s chart the course for a great year of fellowship with the Lord and serving Him. Let’s spend some time evaluating our lives, meditating on God’s Word, and asking God to do some big things in our lives and through the life of our church.

Happy On Saturday evening, January 13, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert of Gospel music here at First Baptist. Our own Ivanee and Adren Raybourn will be singing along with their friend Mr. Buddy Lyles. He is best known and remembered for having sung bass for the Florida Boys Quartet for many years.

You will see posters around the church and community, and I hope that you will, not only plan to attend but also help get the word out to family, friends, neighbors, and others who enjoy Southern gospel music.

Birthday to our JANUARY

BIRTHDAYS!

Mary Bailey Scott Bond George Cowart Freddie Corkern Robert Crain Paul Cruce Donald Daniel David Davidson Pam Fortenberry Harriett Hickman Ben Jones Katherine Knight Rusty Knight Larry Lambremont Rachel LeBlanc Hallene Magee Jimmy Magee Martha McNeal Jackie Miller James Penny Marian Porter Clarence Russell Renee Sandifer Judy Simmons Norman Stafford Phyllis Thomas Marie Wascom Jeanette Wortmann

If your birthday is not listed, please let us know!

Here is a brief bio of Mr. Liles: Buddy accepted the Lord at a young age in Newport, Kentucky. He states: "I depend on the Lord in all that I do," Psalms 37:4, 5.

Email: fbc.joeymiller@gmail.com

or Call the Church Office

985.839.3427

Rev. Butch Reviere Minister of Music fbc.butch@gmail.com

Buddy's baritone/bass interpretation of many songs has thrilled and warmed hearts across America. His first "full time" singing job was with the Orrell Quartet of Detroit, Michigan in 1963. From 1966 to 1968 he sang with the Landmark Quartet out of the Landmark Baptist Temple of Cincinnati, Ohio. Buddy was a member of the Florida Boys Quartet for more than 25 years, performing on the "Gospel Singing Jubilee" many years, and singing on over twenty "Singing" and "Preaching" cruises

by Templeton Tours.

Buddy was the recipient of the prestigious MARVIN NORCROSS AWARD at the National Quartet Convention in 1995, known as one of the most honorable awards in Gospel music. He also received the FAVORITE BASS AWARD given by the "Singing News" Magazine. He has appeared on many of the BILL GAITHER VIDEOS, singing a solo on the "Sing Your Blues Away" Video. He sang at a Congressional Breakfast in Washington D.C., and appeared on Nashville Now, Nashville Prime Time, and The Today Show from New York and has toured Israel with Gospel Concerts in California.

Buddy was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

FBC Franklinton Sunday, January 21st

"I have known Buddy Liles for many years and have enjoyed his sincere dedication to the ministry of Gospel Music. Buddy is on many of our videos and has sung in several concerts. I am glad to call him a friend."- BILL GAITHER Let’s pray for Buddy, Adren, and Ivanee as they plan the music and testimony they will share that evening and also plan to attend this extraordinary worship experience.

REACHing In and REACHing Out in Student Ministry

Rev. Cody Thomas Student Pastor fbc.codythomas@gmail.com

For my first Bridge article of the year, I wanted to try something a little different. As a Church family we are called to build one another up, encourage one another to live for Christ daily, challenge one another to seek God’s mission for our lives – His Glory. To help this process I decided to share a real-life testimony from one of our church members. This person would like to remain anonymous because the story is not really about them, but rather it is about the power of God and the working of the Holy Spirit.

Please be encouraged and challenged by this testimony …

Testimony of a church member…

“My wife and I now have two children, and we have provided them everything they wanted and many things they did not even want. As a parent, I wanted my children to have a life better than I did, not that I grew up deprived or neglected, but every parent wants what he/she feels is “best” for their children. I tried to show my family how much I loved them through buying them gifts; it was temporary satisfaction for all of us but only led to wanting more. I was looking for living water so desperately, and I did not even know it. I was looking in every hole I could find seeking satisfaction and never saw it. I never fully understood the source of the living water and how I could drink from it and never thirst again.

When our daughter was 12 years old, she came to me and said “I think I need to be saved.” She had been convicted by the Holy Spirit and didn’t understand what was happening, but she knew she was a sinner and needed a savior. She then told me, “Dad, how did I get to be 12 years old and I am not saved?” It was at that moment the Holy Spirit used my daughter to open my eyes to what is really important in this life - Jesus Christ - and I was deeply convicted. There was no one to blame but me; she had never seen her dad read the Bible, pray, or even attempt to live for Christ. In my attempt to be the best dad, I was neglecting my most important role as a parent.

We had been going to church about once a month, but we were not living a life that honored Christ. It was at that moment I understood that everything I had bought for her, every trip I had taken her on, and everything I had done for her meant very little in comparison to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I understood that no gift I had ever given her satisfied her soul; something was missing and money could not fix it, and neither could I. There were times in my life I have had conversations with people wanting to know about Jesus; I would take them to church or to the pastor; someone who could help them.

This time was different. I knew in my heart God brought my daughter to me for a reason, He wanted me to be a part of her salvation, and He wanted me to have a front row seat to watch Him change her life. That night I fell on my knees and cried out to God as I prayed, I needed to get myself right before I could help anyone else. I promised God that I was done living for me, I was ready to die to my old life and live for Him. The problem was I had done this before, and it never lasted for long. This time I made a promise to God that if He gave me the words, I would witness to my daughter as well as show her how to live for Him through my own life. I asked God to reveal His word to me, help me to understand it, and burden my heart to read the Bible every day and live for Him. It turns out after all these years this is how all those people I longed to be like at Church were able to walk with Christ; it was not magic; It is was through total submission, prayer, and reading the Bible.

The only place I knew where to start was John 3:16, I read that verse with my daughter the next day and did my best to explain it to her. As we began reading John Chapter 3 together, at that very moment, I understood the Bible as I have never understood it before. It came to life right in front of me, and I have not been able to put it down since then. It was almost indescribable; as we read the story of Jesus and Nicodemus talking about being born again.

I felt like I was right there with them, I felt like I was sitting around a fire on a cold night looking into the face of Jesus. Every night I prayed and asked God to continue to give me the opportunity to witness to my daughter, and I asked Him to provide me with the words to share with her. The next day we would read a little more and talk about it. This went on for several weeks. My family is going to Church every week, and we started reading the family Bible passages together every night. One Sunday morning our daughter stepped out into the aisle and proudly walked to the front of the Church and asked Jesus to be her personal Lord and Savior.

I finally understood what my number one job as a parent is, to provide the opportunity for my children to know Jesus and for them to see their father live for Him every day. Over the course of the next few months our family changed, Christ became the focus of our lives.

We now read our Bible daily together as a family, we pray together, and we live for Jesus together. As I reflect on the changes within our family that have taken place, I can say that our family is closer and stronger than ever. We fall, and we make mistakes, but we try to lift each other up instead of just buying a gift to make one feel better. I am so honored that God gave me the opportunity to play a small part in my daughter's salvation; nothing will ever replace the feeling of seeing my daughter come to know and live for Jesus. As I look back I now realize that God did not need my help at all to save my daughter, He was using her to change my life and bring me back to Him. Mark 10:15 “I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

I now not only know the source of the living water, but I understand who that living water is.

I know now when I fully submitted every aspect of my life to Jesus, the source of living water, He filled me with His Spirit, and it flows in me daily. I also have come to learn that water is only living if it is flowing. When it stops flowing, it becomes stagnant. For me to continue to be filled with His living water, it must flow into me and through me into others; it gets stagnant if I do not share it with others.

I am still a long way from the man I want to be, but, every day I surrender my life to God and ask Him to change me and use me. Every morning I wake up, and I tell God how much I want to live for Him today and how I want others to see Him when they look at me. Every night I pray that one day I will kneel before Him and hear Him tell me, Matthew 25:21 “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

As much as I hate to say goodbye to 2017, I suppose it is time to hang the new calendar and welcome 2018. Last year was a fantastic year in Children’s ministry, and if I had to describe it in one word, it would be “VOLUME”! Volume is a good thing—large numbers, loud voices, lots of activity—but it is not the only thing. More important than the numbers are the lives that have been impacted for the sake of Jesus Christ. Children are coming to salvation, and children are growing in their faith—that is what I will remember best about 2017, and my prayer is that 2018 holds more of the same!

Kelly McElveen Director of Preschool/ Children’s Ministries fbc.playschool@gmail.com

Happy Birthday!

Rustyn Creel – 2nd Jude Rawls – 3rd Mason Keaton – 7th Scarlett Lockhart – 7th Morgan Varnado – 7th Isabella Sumrall – 8th Peyton Russell – 9th Jasmyn Solis – 10th Aiden Walker – 12th

Trey Knight – 14th Addison Brown – 16th Tristian Fussell – 16th Bailee Lindsey – 19th Tyler McKenzie – 19th Sara Graham – 20th Hailey Maddern – 20th Halle Seal – 22nd Kensly Hamm – 27th

Perfect Attendance for November Benton Burris Parker Casanova Ridley Casanova Kara Courtney Jon-Michael Daniel Daniel Drury Jeremiah Drury Alex Ezell Gabe Ezell Hallie Garner

Johnny Lynn Miller Kaylan Pope Alexus Rawls Brynlee Spears Grace Spears Luke Watson Lucas Watts Lydia Watts James Westmoreland June Westmoreland

So, as you pull out those new calendars, please mark a few important dates.

Thursday, February 1st: $68 deposit for CentriKid is due to hold your child’s spot. If you plan to put it in the offering plate, please mark the envelope and your check CENTRIKID DEPOSIT FOR (child’s name).

Sunday, June 3rd at 5:30 pm: VBS Kick-Off! Monday, June 4th – Friday, June 8th: VBS at FBC! There will be LOTS of other activities as well, including a summer full of I  Tuesdays and a few more CentriKid fundraisers, but more details about those things will come later.

PlaySchool Ministry Update

Christmas Holidays Thurs. Dec. 21stWed. Jan. 10th, No PlaySchool.

Students Return Thurs. Jan.11th & Fri. Jan. 12th.

Also, No Playschool Monday January 15th

Happy

January Birthday to: Grayson - 1st Barrett S. - 6th Lily-Kate - 7th Scarlett - 7th Lane - 8th

Mission Opportunities

UPDATE FROM HONDURAS A few years ago Margie and I went on a vacation to the Canadian Rockies. We were in the town of Banff, and there was a group of young people lounging around in a park.

One young man was playing his guitar and singing a made-up song about a girl and what he wanted to do with her that night (it was not nice things). The other young people around him were laughing and applauding his planned exploits.

As we observed this scene, I noticed a church building a few hundred yards away, and said to Margie, “I wonder if that church is reaching these people in the park.”

It is the same for missionaries no matter where: Canada, India, Honduras, China, or anywhere else. What they need is for teams to come and help them do what they are already doing. Unfortunately, in many instances; the American model is that teams go and do what they want to do, which causes the missionary to put his or her work on hold so that the team can do something that only lasts as long as the team is in the country.

Our annual mission trip to Honduras will be April 2nd-8th, 2018 (spring break week). This year, like last year, we will be supporting the mission work already underway by doing VBS After we got back home, I in the village of Guayabo; and a contacted the local SBC North small construction project on American Mission Board the Ignite Mission property. We missionary and asked him a few will also be buying VBS material questions (actually I was and helping the church memthinking of taking a team to bers in Buena Vista conduct Canada too). He told me that their own Vacation Bible the church had closed its doors School. because no one attended anymore. He said that lots of If you are interested in going, pastors and churches were time is running out. There are suffering because of the applications in the church office, remoteness of the areas they and a $100 deposit is due. were in and also because of a Again, thank you all for your general disinterest in anything prayers for Honduras, for David to do with God. and Nellie and their family, and He said that sometimes the for Sam and Peggy Feazel and pastors just need to be the Ignite Missions. ministered to and have help with the work they were already God bless you all in 2018, doing. He said that sometimes all that was required was for teams to come and hold VBS in their churches, paint the parsonage, or just be present and loving on the pastor and his church.

Bro. Dale

SANCTUARY FUNDING COMMITTEE UPDATE Spiritual Growth through Sacrificial Giving That would require us to raise over $1.6 million each year.

Still a tremendous amount.

However, this equates to a little over $4,000 per church family per year—less than an average new car payment.

That amount is well within reach of many of our member families. In fact, several have already pledged more than that amount.

The numbers are in, and the cost of construction for a new sanctuary (plus nursery/ pre-K and children’s buildings) is more than double the amount originally estimated.

A daunting task may now seem utterly impossible.

However, is it totally impossible? Do you believe that “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)?

Do you believe that He uses and empowers His people to do remarkable things? If so, never despair for God is still in control.

Of course, not every family can give at that level. That is why this committee is developing multiple strategies for raising the needed funds.

One example would be our Special Events Campaign that will give small groups the opportunity to host fundraising events.

Many of us can contribute time and effort to raise some of the funds needed, without impacting personal budgets.

The task may be uncomfortable, and it will definitely require sacrifice, but it is not beyond our Instead of focusing on an capabilities. A new sanctuary $8.5 million price tag, will never be out of reach as consider how the numbers long as we are committed to may look spread out over “press on toward the time and the 400 families that goal” (Phil. 3:14). make up our church. If we say for example, that we can reach our goal in six years, the total cost will be around $9.8 million due to inflation.

SANCTUARY FUNDING COMMITTEE UPDATE & SANCTUARY DESIGN COMMITTEE REPORT If you were unable to be with us on Pledge Sunday or if you have not yet turned your Pledge Card in, please know that it is not too late. You may return your Pledge Card in the offering plate or to the church office. Pledge boxes, located in the foyer of the Sanctuary and on the Praying Hands table. Please continue to consider prayerfully how God would have you give.

April

For questions and Memory Verses, see the 2017 Family Bible Study Devotion.

Copies are available in the foyers and in the church office.

Ministries of FBC Franklinton

When:

WINGS Christmas Painting Party

October 12th

Steadfast Love

Thursday night at

by Lauren Chandler Ladies Bible Study to begin on January 28th and continue on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m. in the 12:2 Classroom in the Annex

7:00 p.m.

Books Cost $16.00 If interested in this Bible Study, please contact the church office to reserve your book.

Where: Church of the King in Mandeville

Take the first step to moving forward in 2018.

Bring a friend. Every one welcome!

Join us Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

Childcare for children birth through 36 months provided.

"Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty" 12 week Bible Study beginning on Wednesday, January 10th .

Mugs & Muffins Will be on Saturday, January 27th, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. in the Senior Adult Center (room by the fountain) The Joshua class will be hosting this event. Bring a friend and your favorite mug. A group of ladies will be sharing about their journey through life. We have done this before and really enjoyed hearing stories about how they juggled being a wife, mom, and working mother.

As well as learning about how God grew them and used them during these times. This is a great way to connect the generations.

Hope to see you there!

on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m., and on Wednesday nights starting at 6:00 p.m. In the 12:2 Classroom in the Annex If interested in this Bible Study, please contact the church office to reserve your book.

Books Cost $16.00

Ministries Sponsored by FBC Franklinton

WASHINGTON PARISH FOOD BANK UPDATE

COVENANT MINISTRIES OF FRANKLINTON

Do not grow weary in doing good. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13

The end of the year, 2017, was marked with a record amount of food donations from individuals, schools, and other groups, plus the largest delivery ever from Second Harvest. After several months of limited food intake, we were blessed with enough food for our families so that we could return almost all of our choices to their original number and were also able to offer a few bonus items.

Our families were so appreciative and thankful.

Thanks to all of you who were a part of making December a better month for the food bank. God truly used so many to enable our families to have a blessed Christmas, and it gave us an opportunity to let our families know that God is at work in this ministry. We were also able to offer some wonderful bargains in the thrift shop which provided shoppers gifts for family and friends in addition to some warm clothing for when the extreme cold arrived.

Thanks to all of you whose donations helped make this possible.

Although December was a great month, we must remember that each month still requires a tremendous amount of food to meet the needs of about 560 families.

The most needed items continue to be corn, green beans, dried beans, other protein items, and macaroni and cheese. When you shop, think about picking up a few of these things each week or each month and drop them off at the church in the red food can in the area by the drink machine.

This could be an excellent New Year’s resolution.

Please also resolve to pray for the food bank ministry and its volunteers and consider becoming one of those volunteers. God bless all of you in the new year.

Beverly Cooke, Co-director WPFB

To support Covenant Ministries of Franklinton financially go to: www.covenantministries offranklinton.org

and click on the “Support Our Ministry” button or you can designate your offering to Covenant Ministries through the church.

Thank you for your prayers and any other support God leads you in.

- Bro. Mike Drury

How to Read the Bible for All It is Worth Men’s Bible study is beginning Sunday, January 7th at 4:45 p.m. in the choir room in the annex.

This will be a 12-week study on carefully reading the Bible to reveal God’s truth in the text.

The goal of this study is to bring us closer to God by understanding His Word in a greater way, so that we are better prepared as disciples to make disciples. This will be an exciting journey for those who are seeking to understand the Bible better.

Welcome to the Family Our New Church Members First Baptist Church Office Contact Will Turner

(Baptism)

Brock Mayeaux (Letter)

Congratulations

950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438 Phone: (985) 839-3427 Fax: (985) 839-3572

Website www.fbcfranklinton.org

Office Manager Natasha Burris fbc.natasha@gmail.com Mike & Pam Drury

Elizabeth Walker

Financial Manager

(Adoption of Jeremiah)

(Adoption of AnnaBella Merida)

Leslie Varnado

Congratulations Josh & Colby Jenkins on the birth of

Reed Madison Jenkins Born October 14th, 2017 at 9:07 a.m.

9 lbs. 5 oz., 20 3/4 in.

We want to thank our church family for all of your prayers and for the love we have been shown during this special time.- Josh, Colby, and big sisters Logan and Cambree Jenkins.

fbc.leslie@gmail.com

Office Assistant Sierra Smith fbc.sierra@gmail.com

Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sunday Night Fellowship January 7th Cowart, Cruce, Varnado, Westmoreland, Thomas, Miller, Barber, Fortenberry & Thoeny

January 14th Bell, Watts, Jenkins, McElveen, Schilling, Thomas, Varnado & Keaton

January 21st McElveen, Knight, Bankston, Sandifer, Waskom, Burris, Galloway & Schilling

January 28

th

Cooke, Creel, Varnado, Mobley, Morgan, Sylvest, Lindsey & Graham

Nursery

Wee Worship

January 7th January 7th

Jackie Williams & Brenda Corkern

Heather Williams* & Kelly McElveen**

January 14th

January 14th

Carolyn Daniel & Brittany Sherlin

January 21

Heather Williams* & Kelly McElveen**

st

Susan Barber & Kathy McElveen

January 28

January 21st Brandi Casanova* & Kelly McElveen**

th

Hallene Magee & (Volunteer Needed*)

January 28th

*If you would like to volunteer for the Nursery, please contact the church office at 985.839.3427.

Volunteers must be a church member, at least 21 years of age, and willing to submit to a criminal background check.

Whenever possible, nursery volunteers are encouraged to also help in our ever growing 8:15 a.m. service.

Brandi Casanova* & Kelly McElveen** As a reminder, Wee Worship is for children who are over the age of 36 months up to children currently enrolled in Kindergarten.

Wednesday Night Supper

in our Family Life Center at 5:00 p.m.

January 3rd Meatballs & Spaghetti Group C

January 10th Country Fried Steak Group D

January 17

th

Chicken Rotel Group E

January 24th Pulled Pork Group A

January 31st Fried Chicken Group B

Sound

Projection

January 7th

January 7th

John Burris

John Sumrall

January 14th January 14th Matt Westmoreland

Alicia Morgan

January 21 January 21

st

st

Warren Cooke

Hazel Varnado

January 28th January 28th Brandon Lebo

Marie Varnado

Deacons January 7th Joe Sandifer & Lance Schilling

January 14th Tommy Wood & Richard McElveen

January 21st Richard Knight & Matt Westmoreland

January 28th Bruce Thomas & Mike Hickman

Sunday

Monday 1

Tuesday 2

3 Holiday Observance Office Closed

Holiday Office Closed

7

8

9

6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery

5:30 p.m.

Outreach

4:45 p.m.

How to Read the Bible begins

14

6:00 p.m.

Eddie & Sherri Richards in the Evening Service

28

Friday 5

~ Meatballs & Spaghetti

11

Wednesday Night Supper ~ Country Fried

6 10:30 a.m.

Fellowship Luncheon for Adults 55+

Wednesday Night Supper

11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Behold Your God begins

Saturday

12

13

9:30 a.m.

Sr. Adult Committee Meeting

3:00 p.m.

Good Samaritan

6:00 p.m.

Buddy Liles Concert with Ivanee & Adren Raybourn

Steak

15

6:00 p.m.

Deacon Ordination Service

21

Thursday 4

10

7:00 a.m.

Men's Prayer Breakfast 3:00 p.m.

Deacon Ordination Council

Wednesday

16

Holiday Office Closed

22

23

4:00 p.m.

Deacons Meeting 5:00 p.m.

Steadfast Love Bible Study begins

First Baptist Church Franklinton 950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438

24

6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery

5:30 p.m.

Outreach

29

18

19

20

25

26

27

8:00 a.m.

Sr. Adult Winter Celebration Wednesday Night Supper ~ Chicken Rotel 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery

3:00 p.m.

Hymn Sing at Heritage Manor

www.fbcfranklinton.org

17

30

Wednesday Night Supper ~ Pulled Pork

8:30 a.m.

Mugs & Muffins

31

6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery

Wednesday Night Supper ~ Fried Chicken

PRSRT STD NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 27