A Monthly Newsletter of First Baptist Church
From your Interim Pastor . . . November IS Thanksgiving! This year Janice and I have a new, never-before-reason to be grateful. In these days we have the privilege of being part of First Baptist Church of Franklinton! Gratitude is best expressed in specifics. So here goes . . . Ten reasons I am grateful for you.
I am grateful for the depth and richness of your worship. This is evident by the way you joyfully and expectantly join in singing, whether we are singing a new song or a long established one. Even more, you sing your heart up to the Lord Jesus! Thank you choir, praise team, musicians, and Butch! I am grateful for your praying. Whether lately or years ago, you learned the importance of prayer, and you have grown to offer deep and earnest prayers to the Lord. Your praying and your prayers challenge me. I am grateful for your generous spirit. You give yourselves away for the sake of the gospel. This is evident in provisions in your yearly budget, your response to yearly special offerings, and your generosity when a need is unexpectedly set before you.
I am grateful for the servant-leadership of your deacons. The deacons of your church carry a heavy responsibility. They both serve the needs of the church families and provide spiritual guidance and leadership to the ministering life of the church. They take these responsibilities earnestly and I am grateful for your careful prayerfully. listening. I have preached long enough to know that not all I am grateful for the Pastor congregations listen to the Word Search Committee. The early the same. Some congregations gatherings of this committee demonstrate God’s seem to endure it; others expect to clearly leadership through this be entertained by the preaching. You listen because it matters congregation in bringing together because you seek to know Jesus people that are humble, prayerful, and wise. It is a joy to work with and obey Him. them. I am grateful for the abundance of children and young people. Most of all I am grateful for Many churches struggle to reach God’s faithfulness to you. First children and youth. I watch them Baptist Church of Franklinton has come in on Wednesday evenings enjoyed the amazing favor (grace) and Sunday mornings, and I am of the Lord for many years. thrilled by their aliveness and their Because of His graciousness, you have grown strong in your faith, presence. committed to evangelism, and I am grateful for the staff. When joyful in your fellowship. He must I say “staff,” I mean the ministerial have great plans for your future! staff and the support staff. They work hard. They work joyfully. There are no turf battles. Each is ready to help the other. They love the Lord, and they love you. What a joy! Thank you, church staff! I am grateful for your hunger to grow. I am amazed by the number of small group Bible studies you offer and attend. Many of these occur during the week, as enrichment studies. As always, the Bible classes on Sunday mornings are essential to the life of the church.
Family Daily Discipleship Readings for November 2018 Contact us First Baptist Church 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
Website: www.fbcfranklinton.org
Facebook: First-Baptist-Church-Franklinton
November 4th Memory Verse:
In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself. ---James 2:17
Sundays at 8:15 a.m.,10:45 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Bible Study Groups Sundays at 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
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November 11th Memory Verse:
Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. --- James 3:1
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November 18
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Memory Verse:
So it is sin to know the good and yet not ❑ do it. ---James 4:17 ❑ ❑
Service Times: Sunday Worship Services
Reading Plan:
November 25 Memory Verse:
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Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. --- James 5:16
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Prayer Times
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7:30 a.m. Sundays in the Chapel 5:00 p.m. Sundays in the Senior Adult Center 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays in the Fireside Room 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sanctuary
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24/7 Prayer Room
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Choir Rehearsals Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. Preschool & Children’s Choir 6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir
Sundays 4:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
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1st James 1:26-27 2nd James 2:1-4 3rd James 2:5-7 4th James 2:8-11 5th James 2:12-13 6th James 2:14-17 7th James 2:18-19 8th James 2:20-26 9th James 3:3-6 10th James 3:7-12 11th James 3:7-12 12th James 3:13-16 13th James 3:17-18 14th James 4:1-3 15th James 4:4-5 16th James 4:6-10 17th James 4:11-12 18th James 4:13-14 19th James 4:15-17 20th James 5:1-3 21st James 5:4-6 22nd James 5:7-8 23rd James 5:9 24th James 5:10-11 25th James 5:12 26th James 5:13-14 27th James 5:15 28th James 5:16 29th James 5:17-18 30th James 5:19-20
Y.E.C. (Youth Evangelism Conference)
REACHing In and REACHing Out in Student Ministry
Rev. Cody Thomas Student Pastor fbc.codythomas@gmail.com
Student Ministry Coming Ups: YEC November 18th—20th Alexandria, LA Cost: $85
Greetings! As the Fall season comes upon us, I felt it necessary to take some time and remind you of an event that happens every November … Y.E.C. which stands for Youth Evangelism Celebration. YEC is an evangelistic and equipping event designed to lead young people to Christ and challenge believers to greater accomplishments in Christ, complete with high energy, inspirational youth speakers, top Christian vocalists, and musicians. Within this article, I hope to give you all the details you need for this year’s YEC. The cost for YEC is $85 a person. This $85 covers the students’ conference fee, lodging, and breakfast for Monday and Tuesday morning. YEC is Sunday, November 18th – Monday, November 19th (we will return on Tuesday, November 20th). On Sunday, November 18th we will leave the church for YEC at 9:00 am. Tuesday, November 20th we will leave our hotel right after breakfast to come home. We will return to Franklinton on Tuesday afternoon. YEC is in the Rapids Coliseum, Alexandria, LA. Each student will be sharing a room with at least one other student of the same gender. We are staying at Days Inn in Pineville, La.
Great Red Pumpkin Hunt Winners Mallory Thomas and Luke, Nikki & Robbie Watson
There is an $85 fee for each student. Payments can be put in the offering plate (clearly marked for Youth YEC) or paid at the church office during our normal hours (M-Th 8 a.m.4 p.m. and Fri 8 a.m.-Noon). Each student will also need money for food; Lunch and dinner on Sunday and Monday. We will most likely stop at a fast food place each time; the student shouldn’t need more than $50 for food. There will be merchandise for sale at YEC. I’m excited about this year’s YEC. For more information on YEC feel free to visit their website http:// labaptistyouth.com/yec/.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, office number (985)-839-3427 or email fbc.codythomas@gmail.com. Thank you! In Christ, I Remain, Cody Thomas Student Pastor
Thinking of Others Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
Rev. Joey Miller Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care fbc.joeymiller@gmail.com
Upcoming Events
NURSING HOME MINISTRY Thursday, November 8th at 3:00 p.m. Worship at Good Samaritan
Monday, November 19th at 3:00 p.m. Worship at Heritage Manor
It was one of those nice cool Fall evenings when the air is crisp, and the breeze is bringing that gentle reminder that the beautiful Autumn season has arrived. A senior adult couple was on their porch rocking and soaking in the beautiful day. Things had gotten a little quiet when feeling a bit of romance in the air, the elderly gentleman leaned over and said, “I love you.” The wife, a bit hard of hearing and weary of life, looked over and replied, “I’m tired of you too!” Sometimes the wear of life can take its toll on our attitude. When we’ve lived through pain, disappointment, discouragement, and broken dreams, we can easily allow those things to affect our outlook on life, and thus our actions and attitudes toward others. Many times, the ones we hurt the most are the ones who love us the most. That’s why the Apostle Paul said, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) It always helps when we look at our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions through the eyes of others. How will my attitude affect those around me? How will my actions influence those who are watching me? Will my words be helpful or hurtful? To evaluate our thoughts and our potential words or behavior, we can consider asking ourselves: How can I glorify the Lord in this situation? Do my thoughts and actions honor the Word of God?
Will my behavior strengthen the faith of my brother or sister in the Lord or cause them to stumble? Do my life choices build up the body of Christ – the church? Does my example bring lost people closer to knowing Christ or push them further away? Does my conduct display the Christ in me? A group of 40 senior adults has been enjoying the beautiful creation of God in the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this week. One of our desires and prayers has been that as we enjoy the trip and go about our way, others will see Christ in us and thus will want to know this Jesus who shines through our lives. As we think of our November Adult 55+ Luncheon on November 8, let us think of others whom we can bless with an invitation to join us. The November luncheon will be a day trip to Middendorf’s and will be a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor and show the love of Christ through Christian fellowship. This month we have a potential ministry event in the Sheriff’s Thanksgiving Luncheon that will be held at First Baptist Church on Thursday, November 15th. The luncheon, which starts at 11:00 a.m., is a great fellowship event and all seniors are welcome. Bring someone with you. Every day we have opportunities to bless others. These may include offering a ride to someone in need, sitting beside someone in worship who may be alone, or simply showing the kindness of Christ in simple deeds. As we focus on the Lord and spend time with Him, He will lead us to opportunities to show the love of Christ to others in very practical ways.
Happy Birthday to our
always present, sovereignly escorting us through this life and who is, according to Philippians 1:6, continuing the good work he started in us and “will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
November
For our Senior Adult Ministry (55+)
Emma Jean Agent
Toni Oswald
Kay Bell
Chess Richardson
Mary Louise Booty
Gloria Rimes
Steve Brindle
Terry Seal
Ted Bulloch
Beverly Simmons
Ellen Campbell
Nellie Spencer
Charles Corkern
Drew Stevens
Rev. Butch Reviere
John Louis Daniel
Rodney Varnado
Minister of Music
Kenneth Daughdrill
Josie Waskom
fbc.butch@gmail.com
Bobby Fortenberry
Tommy Wood
Angela Gerald Brenda Haga Betty Holliday Bermell Hoover Jane Jacobs Vicki Knight Wayne Kuhn Dorothy Kruebbe Sharon Lambremont
If your birthday is not listed, please let us know! Email:
Leland Lee
fbc.joeymiller @gmail.com
Randy Magee
or call
Sue Magee Alan McCain
the Church Office at
Jerry McCain
985.839.3427
Ted McElveen
“Let us enter his presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to him in song.” Psalm 95:2 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4 “I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:17 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 These are just a few of the many admonitions from Holy Scripture which encourage us to be grateful to God and also remind us that our gratitude should not just be attached to current circumstances or perceived blessings but, much more so, to the faithfulness of our God, who loves us unconditionally, is
The realization of these truths compels us as we approach God in worship to do so with a spirit of genuine thanksgiving, not only for his daily activity in our lives but also, and more so, for the redemption of our souls. The Psalmist knew what it was to be grateful to God even in the midst of life’s difficulties and that the expression of that gratitude might sometimes require a sacrificial attitude, disregarding the troubles in light of the surpassing goodness of Father God. In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle reminds us that giving thanks should always accompany prayer; that is, we should be grateful before we receive the answers to our praying, even though those answers might be a long time coming! A heart from which gratitude flows is one that is focused on the relationship, connected at the cross to the heart of God. Its thankfulness is more about faith than sight. Its gratitude rests in the unfathomable love of God. So, when the day set aside by a presidential declaration (the fourth Thursday of November) comes and we celebrate with family and friends, let us remember that we have been bought with a price, our sin debt has been paid in full, and we are daily sustained by the One from whom every good and perfect gift comes (see James 1:17). “Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole. Thank you, Lord, for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free.” Many of us learned this little chorus as children. Though it is simple, it is profound in its meaning and can be a reminder for us to continue to nourish…an attitude of gratitude! Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!
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 are located in the foyer of the Sanctuary and on the Praying Hands table. Please continue to consider prayerfully how God would have you give.
Funds Raised Thus Far:
$ 306,162.11
April
FBC Church Family: Please bring your packed boxes
ON (not before) November 11th, 2018 We will have an in-gathering with special prayer for the packed boxes during our evening worship service.
Kelly McElveen Director of Preschool/ Children’s Ministries fbc.playschool@gmail.com
Happy Birthday! Dawson Bell – 4th Judah Carpenter – 7th Preslee Barber – 10th Gabe Ezell – 11th Addy Soileau – 13th Reed Jenkins – 14th Holden Galloway – 15th Cashton Kinlaw – 18th Aubrie Galloway – 19th Georgia Wilkes – 20th Janna Rushing – 24th Philip Varnado – 25th Nik Schilling – 27th Brynlee Spears – 29th Caleb Collins – 30th
The next “big thing” on the calendar for Children’s Ministry is our Christmas musical. Please mark your calendars and call your friends and family to join us at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16th as our 1st through 6th grade Joyful Noise choir presents Christmas This Year.
Joyful Noise Christmas This Year rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with one final full rehearsal on Wednesday, December 12th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
*Please note that there are no Opening the evening of worship Wednesday evening activities on will be our Preschoolers and Wednesday, November 21st. Kindergarteners Half Notes choir presenting a selection of their favorite Christmas songs. Children in both age groups will wear Christmas attire for their worship presentations.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. -Ephesians 1:16 Happy Thanksgiving! Just a reminder that there is no PlaySchool Monday, November 19th until Friday, November 23rd Other Dates to Remember: Tuition Due:
Tuesday, November 13th No School Election Day: Tuesday, November 6th
Happy November Birthdays to: Carson – 3rd Landry S. – 3rd Owen – 6th
Nursery/Toddler Volunteer Nov. 4th
Brittany Fussell
Nov. 11th
Julie – 13th
Renee Sandifer
Hunter – 25th
Nov. 18th
Remi – 29th
Sally Foy
Nov. 25th
Scholastic Book Orders Due:
Angela McVea
Online Ordering Code: LQ9XN
Wee Worship Volunteer
Friday, November 16th
Nov. 4th
Kelly McElveen* & Heather Seal**
Nov. 11th
Perfect Attendance for January
Kelly McElveen* & Heather Seal**
Nov. 18th
Kelly McElveen* & Brittany Fussell**
Nov. 25th
Kelly McElveen* & Brittany Fussell** To volunteer for our Wee Worship ministry, please contact Preschool Director Kelly McElveen at fbc.playschool@gmail.com. Must be a church member, at least 21 years of age and willing to submit to a background check.
* 8:15 a.m. ; ** 10:45 a.m.
Ministries of FBC Franklinton
Women in God’s Service
See How God Can Move You To Lead Hurting People To Jesus A 7-Session Study by Kelly Minter
Nehemiah's heart was so broken for those in need that he left the comfort of his Persian palace to help them. This study challenges women to let God break their hearts for a hurting, lost world and move them in compassion to lead people to Jesus. Nehemiah is a seven week study that includes seven video sessions and real-life ways to put feet to your faith. Are you ready to let God break your heart for a hurting, lost world and move you in compassion to be the hands and feet of Jesus?
Books Cost $16.00 Classes will meet in the Senior Adult Center on Wednesday Evenings at 5:45 p.m.
Class Begins on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018.
Take Refuge Shirts There are a few shirts left from the Simulcast if you would like to purchase one.
Cost is $15.00 while supplies last Check with the office
for available sizes.
Ministries Sponsored by & Ministries of FBC Franklinton
WASHINGTON PARISH FOOD BANK UPDATE Do not grow weary in doing good. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:13
The volunteers of the food bank voted on the person who received the award this year, and the honor went to Russell Moak. Russell has been a faithful volunteer Shown Left to Right Garland Provost from almost the (Co-director), Russell Moak beginning at the (Volunteer of the Year - 2018) and current location. He Beverly Cooke (Co-director) has worked almost every Tuesday and I am pleased to announce Thursday and is a master that the Rev. Stan in the warehouse, sorting Statham, our Associational food items and stocking shelves, taking out the Mission Director, has shopping carts and loading instituted the Debbie food into cars, helping give Richardson Memorial out food in the “cold room�, Volunteer of the Year picking up and unloading Award for the Washington incoming food, and has probably been the number Parish Food Bank. As many of you know, Debbie one recruiter for new volunteers. He is a was the first director for pleasure to work with, the food bank and served and other volunteers and for over ten years in that our families all enjoy interacting with him. capacity. She was also the driving force behind Congratulations, Russell, the current choice type of and thank you for all your food pantry which we now hard work. operate at 2208 Beverly Cooke Washington Street.
Volunteers Needed for Drop Off Location Collections FBC is a drop off location for Operation Christmas Child. We will be accepting boxes in the garage during the times listed below. Mon, Nov. 12: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tue, Nov. 13: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wed, Nov. 14: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thu, Nov. 15: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Fri, Nov. 16: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sat, Nov. 17: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sun, Nov. 18: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Mon, Nov. 19: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM If you can help, please contact Margie Parker 515-7722.
Welcome to the Family Our New Church Members First Baptist Church Office Contact Missy Seal (Letter) Bentley & Declan Creel
Brody Brumfield
Johnny Lynn Miller
(Baptism)
(Baptism)
(Baptism)
950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438 Phone: (985) 839-3427 Fax: (985) 839-3572
Website www.fbcfranklinton.org
Office Manager
Don’t’ Forget!
Natasha Burris
Daylight Savings
fbc.natasha@gmail.com
Time
Office Assistant Katelin Allen fbc.katelin@gmail.com
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Sunday, November 4 , 2018
Financial Manager Cathy Milner fbc.cathy@gmail.com
Pastor Search Committee Update: The pastor search committee is meeting and praying weekly in seeking the Lord’s direction for a new pastor. Please pray with us for wisdom, discernment, and God’s protective hand on our flock. Pastor Search Committee
Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
November Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
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4
5
6
Election Day
Daylight
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper
Savings Time
~Fried Chicken
2:00 p.m. WMU
5:30 p.m. Outreach
7:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast
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7
5:45 p.m. Nehemiah Ladies Bible Study begins
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
12
Veteran’s
13
14
Veteran’s
Day
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
Day
Thursday
5:00 p.m. ~ Meatballs & Spaghetti
Saturday
1
2
3
8
9
10
9:45 a.m. SAM Luncheon (Adults 55+) Trip to Middendorf's
9:30 a.m. SAM Committee Meeting
3:00 p.m. Good Samaritan
15
Wednesday Night Supper
Friday
16
17
Sheriff’s Office Thanksgiving Luncheon
Observed FBC Operation Christmas Child OCC Collections OCC Collections OCC Collections OCC Collections OCC Collections OCC Collections Collection 9 a.m. to 12 noon 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 noon 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 9 a.m. to 12 noon 9 a.m. to 12 noon
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19
20
21
OCC Collections OCC Collections 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
3:00 p.m. Heritage Manor
25
YEC
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950 Self Street Franklinton, LA 70438
23
Thanksgiving Holidays Office Closed
24
Thanksgiving Holidays Office Closed
Happy Thanksgiving
YEC
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28 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
First Baptist Church Franklinton
No Evening Services
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
5:30 p.m. Outreach
9:00 a.m. Youth Leave for YEC
22
Thanksgiving Holidays Office Closed
29
30
31
5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper
~ Country Fried Steak
www.fbcfranklinton.org PRSRT STD NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 27