Connections-December-2017

DECEMBER 2017 | www.fbcgso.org | 336.274.3286

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Carols & Communion p.6

by Candlelight

first baptist church greensboro Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

O Come Emmanuel!

ADVENT 2017

“O Emmanuel” by artist Todd R. Pick

p.4-5

www.fbcgso.org | 336-274-3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

January Connections Deadline: Dcember 15 Email news to gloria@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Rosemary Kellam, Production Editor Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x231

Gloria Koster, Managing Editor/Designer Administrative Assistant: Learning gloria@fbcgso.org / x288 Steve Sumerel, Supervising Editor Associate Pastor: Adult Learning steves@fbcgso.org / x233

Teresa Allen, Media Library Director teresaa@fbcgso.org / x229

Jane Anne Hayber, Administrative Assistant: Music and Worship / janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239

December 2017

3 Window Gazing

4-6 Connect with Worship

7 Connect with the Weekday School

8 Connect with Children

9 Connect with Adults

–Weekday School Soup Luncheon –Weekday School News | Happy Retirement to Kathy Edwards!

–Reminders –Advent Service Led by the Children –Breakfast for Dinner & Spontaneous Nativity –Caroling | Christmas Eve | New Children’s Library Books

Amy Grizzle Kane, Associate Pastor: Missions and Community / amygkane@fbcgso.org / x295

Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245

Amy Kirkman, Weekday School Director amy@fbcgso.org / x240

Christina McCord, Minister to Children and Families christina@fbcgso.org / x241 Darnysha Nard, Pastoral Resident darnysha@fbcgso.org / x236

Scott North, Church Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x226

Sarah Parker, Interim Youth Minister sarah@fbcgso.org / x235 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x232

Larry Putnam, Financial Assistant larry@fbcgso.org / x222 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor pastor@fbcgso.org / x231

Courtney Stamey, Pastoral Resident courtney@fbcgso.org / x223

Tommy Starnes, Recreation Director tstarnes@triad.rr.com / x251

Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor: Music and Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor: Music and Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 Alisa Windsor, Ministry Support Associate alisa@fbcgso.org / x225

2 | Connections

– Advent 2017 Schedule –NC A & T University Choir Christmas Concert –Poinsettia Memorials & Honorariums –Caroling to the Homebound –Christmas Eve Service

–Sabbatical Summary by Steve Sumerel –New Books in the Main Library –Upward Games begin Saturday, January 6 –February 5 PrimeTime

10-11 Connect with Missions

–CBF Global Missions Offering for December –The YWCA Family Shelter Needs You (& Some Food!)

–Give Greensboro Urban Ministry Honor Cards –Christmas Eve Offering –An Update from Ellis & Helen Vaughan –The House of Naomi – WE Shelter for Women

12-13 As We Go Faithful Staff Transition

14 Connect with Business

15 Connect with FBC Servant Leaders

–FBC 2018 Budget Proposal | November Church Conference Summary –Consider Serving as an FBC Lay Leader October 2017 Financial Results

16-17 Connect with One Another

– Keep Us Updated | New Members | New Baby | Birthdays | Bereaved

18 December Calendar

19 A Thousand Words…

20 Connect with Youth & College

– Youth Christmas Party | College Birthdays Office Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday Weekends and Holidays: If you have an emergency pastoral care need when the church offices are closed, please leave a message at 338-2438 and someone will return your call.

Window Gazing

By Alan Sherouse

N

ORMALLY, WE ENCOURAGE OUR children not to run in public spaces.

But this was a day unlike any other.

As I’ve shared with you, our extended family has recently celebrated the addition of a baby. My sister, Susan, her husband, Jeff, and their seven-year-old son, Harrison, became the foster family for a baby girl earlier this year, committing to love her fully and vulnerably until it was determined by the appropriate authorities what was best for her. And then came the news that what was best for her, and for all of them, was to become forever family. On National Adoption Day, November 17, Ruby Rose Snow – beloved of God – became their daughter and sister, as she also became niece, cousin, granddaughter.

The Palm Beach County Courthouse was abuzz that day, as over 20 children were being formally adopted as part of this National Adoption Day recognition. Claiming the joy of the moment, the County sponsored a large party complete with magic, face-painting, balloon animals, and loads of free food for all the family and friends gathered.

Everyone in the building – from the security officers, to the clerks, to the social workers, to the honorable judges – seemed overwhelmed at the uncharacteristic jubilation that filled the courthouse. “It’s our favorite day of the year,” several said as we moved from security check, to cafeteria, to elevator, to courtroom. Once out of the courtroom and into open space, our restless children ran down the airy corridor with their Sunday-best untucked and unkempt.

Reflexively, we called after, “Don’t run!” A judge walking by paused and said with an easy smile and a longing gaze, “If you don’t mind, let them run. We never see children running here.”

At certain extraordinary moments in our lives, we see it. Unrestrained joy in a setting of grave disappointment.

Hope released in a place where it’s been so long that we have forgotten what it looks like. In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “a great light” seen among those who have “dwelled in darkness.” Christmas is that glimpse. In the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us, we experience that moment, so hopeful, joyous and sublime that it is jarring, disorienting, uncharacteristic.

But that extraordinary moment is preceded by another. It’s a silent moment. A moment of waiting, even wondering what will happen. It’s a moment of great anticipation, to the point of longing and even fear. Frederick Buechner has compared it to that moment of silent readiness as the house lights dim and the conductor raises baton just before the concerto begins. It’s the moment you place your hand on the door and take a reflective pause before you enter a room for a meeting that will change your life. It’s the moment my sister stood in a courthouse elevator, holding her then foster daughter against her racing heart while waiting for the digital floor number to register “3,” where Courtroom 11A is located. It’s that beat in which we all caught our breath, as after pleasantries and formalities a blissful judge smiled to say, “Congratulations to you and your daughter, Ruby Rose Snow.” In Buechner’s words, “The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens.

Advent is the name of that moment” (“Advent” in Whistling in the Dark).

In this Advent season, I pray we all catch a breath, recognize the beating of our hearts and the rhythm of our lives, and pause at the door that opens into the hope and joy we don’t always see here. If we do, it will help us to more fully understand the extraordinary thing that’s about to happen – a baby received in vulnerable and loving arms, children running unrestrained, and all of us finding a way home.

December 2017 | 3

CONNECT WITH WORSHIP

O Come Emmanuel Advent 2017

ADVENT I: DECEMBER 3

Children’s Sunday at Advent

O Adonai Isaiah 64.1-9

Children will lead through procession and prayers. The Children’s Choirs, Preschool K-1 Young Musicians and Adult Handbell Choir will lead worship.

Sanctuary adornments: Angel Banners, Advent Wreath and Moravian Star.

NC A & T University Choir Concert | Sanctuary | 4 pm

ADVENT II: DECEMBER 10 Youth Sunday at Advent

O Dayspring Isaiah 40.1-11, Mark 1.1-8

Rebecca Little will share her faith story. The Youth Choir and the Youth Handbell Choir will lead worship. Sanctuary adornments: Chrismon Tree.

Baker Lawrimore: Organ Recital | Sanctuary | 4 pm

ADVENT III: DECEMBER 17

O Desire of Nations Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11

The Sanctuary Choir and the Instrumental Ensemble will lead worship.

Sanctuary adornments: Window candles, greenery, and garlands.

Caroling to the Homebound | 3-5 pm

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Rev. Todd Pick has a passion for creating liturgical art that supports and enhances the act of

corporate worship. He is also interested in the intersection of theology, aesthetics, creativity and the imagination.

Todd is an award-winning graphic designer who views artistic expression as a powerful vehicle for proclamation and prayer.

4 | Connections

CONNECT WITH WORSHIP

ADVENT IV: DECEMBER 24 (10:30 am)

O Wisdom Luke 1.46b-55

The Sanctuary Choir and the Brass Ensemble will lead worship. Sanctuary adornments: Poinsettias

CHRISTMAS EVE: DECEMBER 24 (5 pm)

O Emmanuel Luke 2.1-14

Christmas Eve worship will be led by Christmas Choir.

NORTH CAROLINA A & T UNIVERSITY CHOIR

Christmas Concert Sunday, December 3 4 pm FBC Sanctuary

Featuring: Maestro Travis W. Alexander, Conductor Dr. Paula D. Harrell, Organist December 2017 | 5

CONNECT WITH WORSHIP

Enjoy these Advent opportunities…

POINSETTIA MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS

P

OINSETTIAS WILL BE PLACED in the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 24 and can be picked up after the Christmas Eve Service. Each poinsettia is $13 (multiples may be ordered); make your check payable to First Baptist Church and note “poinsettia” on the memo line. All orders must be turned in to the Music Office by Sunday, December 17. For order forms or additional questions, contact Jane Anne Hayber in the Music Office: janeanne@fbcgso.org or 274-3286, x239. You may also order poinsettias using this link: www.fbcgso.org/poinsettia-memorials-and-honorariums

CAROLING TO THE HOMEBOUND Sunday, December 17 | 3-5 pm

J

OY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME! Come and share Christmas joy with our homebound members through beloved songs of the season. We have a number of church members that reside in private homes, retirement communities, and nursing facilities that are unable to make it to church on a regular basis. Come join as we go to them to brighten up their holiday season with some Christmas carols. Carolers will gather at 3 pm in the Atrium to depart in groups to visit the homebound.

For more information about caroling, contact Steve Sumerel steves@fbcgso.org | x233.

Sunday, December 24 | 5 pm FBC Sanctuary

J

OIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL Christmas Eve worship. This service is a wonderful night of worship and homecoming for our church, community, friends, and family on the eve of our Savior’s birth. We welcome families with children and have special activity packets available to keep them emgaged during worship if needed. Optional childcare will be provided for children 3 and under.

6 | Connections

CONNECT WITH THE WEEKDAY SCHOOL

Weekday School News

T Join us on Sunday, December 10 at FBC for the best homemade soups in town as we raise money for our Weekday School and the Via Scholarship Fund.

HE WEEKDAY SCHOOL staff and students are excited as we enter this holiday season. On Thursday, December 7 at 11 am, we will celebrate by having a special interactive Chapel service in the Sanctuary for the three’s and four’s around the manger. Parents are invited to attend this meaningful event. All Weekday School students will then have “Cookies and Cocoa” with their teachers and families. We will decorate our cookies with icing and fun toppings while enjoying a time of fellowship with one another.

Happy Retirement to Kathy Edwards!

We want to wish Kathy Edwards a happy retirement from the Weekday School!

Kathy has been a vital part of our school for 33 years and is beloved by all and we wish Kathy all the best!

Reminders:

O

UR VIA SOUP LUNCH follows the worship service.

Please come to the Fellowship Hall to enjoy homemade soups prepared by our Weekday School Board members and church volunteers! All proceeds and donations will go directly into the Weekday School budget to allow us to continue providing tuition scholarships to those who may need it as well as provide funding for special events, materials, and equipment for the Weekday School. This fund is vital to the functioning of our Weekday School and we hope that you can participate.

NOTE: Volunteers are needed to help set-up, make soup, provide bread and desserts, and to collect donations. Please use the sign-up link below to sign up to help the preschool during the soup lunch: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C044CABA722A6F94-preschool

• The Weekday School is closed from December 18 to January 1. Our first day back after the new year is January 2.

Stay tuned for enrollment information in January!

• Link your Harris Teeter card to the FBC Weekday School (8564). Link it at your favorite HT store or online at bit.ly/vic-link

Above: A special thank you to these sweet teachers (infants, toddlers and transitions) for making our parents feel so loved! So grateful for parents who share their children with us!

December 2017 | 7

CONNECT WITH CHILDREN

Join Us this Advent!

ADVENT SERVICE LED BY THE CHILDREN | December 3 (Su) | 10:30 am

This will be a kid-friendly service as our three children’s choirs will be leading us in worship. Many elements of the service will involve the children.

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER (5:30 pm) | SPONTANEOUS NATIVITY (6:30 pm)

December 13 (W) We will serve a full breakfast, and Christina will be decorating waffles for the children with yummy toppings. At 6:15 pm, parents will take children to the room at the back of the Fellowship Hall to pick out their costumes. They will get to choose from animals, shepherds, angels, and wisemen. The children will then head to the Sanctuary and find a pew at the front that is labeled with their “part.” We will have adults sitting with the children to help to guide them up front when it is their turn to take position. This precious event will be full of music, scripture, and wiggly children bringing the nativity story alive! Don’t forget your cameras! Sign-up here: www.fbcgso.org/spontaneous-nativity-2/

CAROLING | December 17 (Su) | 3-5 pm Let’s spread holiday cheer as we carol to our homebound members. We will meet in the Atrium and form caroling groups from there.

CHRISTMAS EVE | December 24 (Su)

• Birthday Party for Jesus | 9:15-10:15 am During Sunday School, children will get to enjoy treats as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with a party!

• Worship Service | 10:30 am • Christmas Eve Candlelight Service | 5 pm We will have activity packets for children to keep them engaged during the worship service. Optional childcare will be provided for children three and younger.

CHECK-OUT THESE NEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARY BOOKS: • Little Teammate by Alan Williams • Bye-Bye Baby Brother by Sheena Dempsey • The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson • Good Night, Good Night by Shelley Thomas • What Dads Can’t Do by Douglas Wood • I, Crocodile by Fred Marcellino • The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt 8 | Connections

CONNECT WITH ADULTS

SABBATICAL SUMMARY By Steve Sumerel

F

IRST OF ALL I WANT to offer my most sincere thanks to this wonderful congregation for allowing me the go on the adventure of a lifetime. I was able to accomplish almost all of my research objectives and I am looking forward to the opportunity of sharing various aspects of the sabbatical with the church. Many of you have asked me when you will have the opportunity to hear about my ten-week time away, which included two and a half weeks in London and surrounding areas in England.

The first opportunity for me to share will come on February 5 as the after lunch speaker at PrimeTime. During this time I will give the church an overview of the trip to England including pictures of my prime objectives, Charles Darwin’s home, St. Mary’s chapel in the village of Downe, where the Darwin family worshipped, as well as stories regarding the opportunities captured and lost at the Darwin Center of London’s Natural History Museum.

During three consecutive Monday evenings, March, 12, 19, and 26, I will conduct a series of sessions designed to explore the nature of my research. The sessions will deal with such topics as Darwin’s relationship to the Church, his own theology, and his relationship with the Vicar of Downe, Rev. John Innes. We will also ponder the questions around how our faith intersects with new scientific discoveries, including the latest research on Darwin’s understanding of evolution.

Check out these new books in the FBC Main Library • A Column of Fire by Ken Follett • One Shot at Forever by Chris Ballard • The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Upward Games begin Saturday, January 6

V

OLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to be greeters, serve in the Café, help keep the Gym/Café tidy during games and to sit in the stands and talk with visitors. Join us Saturdays from 8:45 am - 2 pm in the Gym/ Café. For more information: Tommy Starnes, Upward Director - tstarnes@triad.rr.com | x251.

FEBRUARY 5 PRIMETIME PRESENTS:

Dr. Steve Sumerel – “London & Beyond”

S

TEVE SUMEREL will share with the PrimeTime audience highlights of his recent time in England. Through this program we will share some measure of his delight in stepping into history, toward a time when unquestioned orthodoxy was challenged and the landscape of both faith and science would never be the same.

FEBRUARY 5 PRIMETIME BIBLE STUDY will examine Matthew 19: With man (salvation) is impossible, but with God all things are possible, taught by Dr. Steve Pressley.

PrimeTime at FBC includes:

9 am: Ceramics, Gym | 11 am: Bible Study, 101 12 noon: Lunch, 108 – Cost: $6/person – Reservation Deadline: February 1 To sign up for lunch, contact Marty Kellam: marty@fbcgso.org | x245 December 2017 | 9

CONNECT WITH MISSIONS CBF Global Missions Offering for December–

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY: HELP SHARE IT

D

URING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, our First Baptist Church family has a chance to give above and beyond to help missionaries share Christ’s love with those in need around the world and in the US by participating in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Offering for Global Missions. We are a congregation who values missional engagement and when you give this holiday season, 100% of what you give supports field personnel, CBF Baptist missionaries, sharing Christ’s love by living and working in the cultures and communities of those in greatest need. In this, our missionaries work to help create God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven; we work to help create the beloved community of God for all people.

Your gifts will help offer shelter and healing to victims of human trafficking. You will help refugees (those who have not chosen but rather have been forced from their homes) find resources and hope for beginning again in a place of safety where they can start to rebuild lives and provide again for their families. You can help share the love and forgiveness of Christ’s gospel message with those struggling with addiction and homelessness. You can respond to all these needs and many more by giving to the Offering for Global Missions and supporting those who share Christ’s transforming love with individuals and communities needing to know that they need not be afraid, there is indeed good news of great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10).

Please consider a designated gift to the CBF Offering for Global Missions this holiday season. Help share the joy of Christ and help create God’s beloved community for all.

Give Greensboro Urban Ministry Honor Cards for Christmas

Y

OUR MINIMUM donation of $5 per card allows you to show your support for the community while acknowledging others during the holidays.

Cards are available for purchase in the church office. Make checks payable to: Greensboro Urban Ministry. Contact: Rosemary Kellam rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225.

Christmas Eve

CHRISTMAS offering EVE OFFERING HELP! The YWCA Family Shelter needs you (& some food!)

F

BC SERVES DINNER at the Y once a month on the 3rd Monday. This is not a large commitment of time or effort. Dinner is for 30 people (and for you if you choose to stay and eat with the residents). It consists of an entree, some veggies and/or a salad, and dessert. It will be served at 6:30 pm, is quickly consumed, and clean up is minimal.

The staff and residents do most of that work. If you would like to sign up to volunteer, you will receive more details. To sign up contact Cookie Hamilton - cookie8061@aol.com | 676-7213 or Nancy Davis - davisndn@aol.com | 674-2884.

Date for 2017 – December 18 Dates for 2018 – January 15 | February 19 | March 19 | April 16 | May 21 | June 18 July 16 | August 20 | September 17 | October 15 | November 19 | December 17

10 | Connections

Join us at our Christmas Eve service where it is FBC’s tradition to give witness to the Gospel through this special offering.

CONNECT WITH MISSIONS Serving Overseas with TeachBeyond–

AN UPDATE FROM ELLIS & HELEN VAUGHAN

E

LLIS AND I WERE HAPPY to worship with you in early October and look forward to being there again in December. We get to celebrate Christmas in Greensboro prior to January trips in Belize and Costa Rica.

We do a lot of responding to people all over the globe who want to help the young people of their country have “good values.” Bad values are destroying their countries–corruption, drugs, crime, and an abundance of assaults on the dignity and freedom of individual people. It’s amazing how many non-Christians contact TeachBeyond because they simply equate good values with Christianity. As followers of Christ we are called to be transformers of everything that is broken in this world. We are thrilled when our work helps children read better, teenagers learn to resolve disputes without fighting, and the orphan takes on a whole new countenance because of being loved.

Our greatest joy of all is when these children are fully transformed by the Holy Spirit and His will is being done on earth as it is in heaven.

See this photo of three Brazilian girls. Don’t they look carefree, happy, and beautiful–not a care in the world? I met them at the program in Fortaleza which works with children from the local favela. Each girl pictured here has a traumatic, unmentionable past. Each has come to faith in Jesus Christ and is discipled in their faith, tutored in their school work, taught to play games, make music, dance and laugh. Even more, the leaders of this program are moving the children to thoughtful responses of how they too can serve God out of their own uniqueness.

I see so much brokenness around the world that deep inside I am developing a deep and growing sadness. Meeting people like these girls and others who are really being transformed is a perfect antidote for the despair caused by evil which kills, steals, and destroys.

Keep praying and working so that His kingdom will come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We are thankful for you, Ellis and Helen Opening December 11–

THE HOUSE OF NAOMI – WE! SHELTER FOR WOMEN “Oh, the weather outside is frightful…” and women in our community need a place to stay. The Winter Emergency!

(WE!) Shelter located at 2505 Fairview Street in Greensboro provides hot meals, a place to sleep and other support for approximately 20 women who are experiencing homelessness. FBC provides volunteers for the shelter on Monday nights (December 11 through March 26). These volunteers are needed: • Greeters (5-7 pm) • Hospitality Hosts (5-7:30 or 7:30-9:30 pm) • Dinner Preparing (deliver around 6:15 pm) • Lunch Bag Preparing (deliver from 5-7:30 pm on Mondays) Sign up to volunteer: www.SignUpGenius.com/ go/5080B49A8AD22AA8-fbcwomens

In addition, the FBC bus is used mornings to transport the women from the Shelter to downtown. Volunteers are needed to drive the bus to the shelter, pick up the women, drive them downtown, and return the van and key to the church. No special driver’s license is required. Volunteer drivers serve from 7 am until approx. 8 am. For more information contact Gayle Wiley - gayle@richardlwiley.com | 392-6341.

We have an experienced pool of volunteers who would love to partner with anyone who has not been to the Shelter to “show you the ropes” and make sure you know what to expect. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Geneva Metzger - geneva.metzger@outlook.com | 288-1877.

December 2017 | 11

Faithful Staff Transition

12 | Connections

Faithful Staff Transition

December 2017 | 13

CONNECT WITH BUSINESS

FBC 2018 BUDGET PROPOSAL

T

HE PROPOSED BUDGET (pictured to the right) was approved by the Finance Committee and was presented in summary form to the Diaconate at their November meeting and they will vote on it at their December meeting.

The budget will be presented at the church conference on Sunday, December 10 for approval by the congregation. Any changes to the current proposal will be communicated to the congregation in advance of the church conference.

Overall spending to meet ministry objectives is projected to increase very slightly during 2018. To meet the spending need, projected income for tithes/offerings and interest income (budget receipts) will need to increase to $1,767,212 from the 2017 budget of $1,765,360. (2016 budget receipts were $1,742,590. The current rate of budget receipts is trending below $1,700,000 for 2017.)

Ministry Program Income is projected to be down mostly due to lower parking receipts from UNCG, who discontinued their annual retention of reserving space for employees and functions.

The planned use of reserve funds to support the 2017 budget will increase from $126,350 to $130,000 and be allocated as follows: • $90,000 to fund major repair/capital improvements items from undesignated bequests.

• $30,000 to help fund personnel transition, and • $5,000 to fund a new mission partnership with Lesley-Ann Hix Tommey, and • $5,000 to support this year’s Upward Basketball Ministry (Funds that were unused from prior year allocations to this effort.)

A more complete budget narrative is available at the church or in the church office.

November Church Conference Summary The monthly Church Conference took place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 in the Fellowship Hall. Church Moderator, Scott Culclasure presided. The following motion was presented and approved by the congregation: MOTION on behalf of the Endowment Trusts, Finance Committee, and the Diaconate: That $40,000 be appropriated from the Missions Endowment to underwrite a portion of the youth mission trip to Thailand, scheduled for the summer of 2018.

Community Lunch followed by Church Conference

Sunday, December 10 after Worship Cost is $6/person and $20/family maximum. NO reservation needed. A brief church conference will follow lunch.

14 | Connections

Consider Serving as an FBC Lay Leader– Soon you will be given the opportunity to submit names of those you would like to nominate for deacon and finance committee. In addition, in 2018 we will also be selecting a Church Moderator, Assistant Treasurer, and a Trustee for the Endowment Trust Committee. On the opposite page is a list of all those who are currently serving. As you note who will rotate from these positions in 2018, please begin prayerfully considering those you would like to serve. You will soon see nomination forms in your Sunday School classroom, information kiosks, at our website, and other venues.

October 2017 Financial Results

Year-to-Date Budget Receipts/Distributions

Receipts YTD Receipts YTD Disbursements Net YTD Deficit

Actual $113,238 $1,363,184 $ 1,424,919 ($ 61,735)

Budget $121,472 $1,347,880 $1,468,535 ($120,655)

Last Year $134,702 $1,360,382 $1,446,097 ($ 85,715)

CONNECT WITH FBC SERVANT LEADERS

FBC Lay Leadership Deacons Chair: Sharon Barlow* David Angell Janet Caldwell Laura Cashwell Jim Clontz Alice Culclasure Anna Cushman Adam Duggins Jack Foxworth Cooper Harrell* Cathy Isom Dan Kennedy Cliff Lowery Molly Lyle* John Markham Sara Massey Holly Messick* John Mobley Mark Miller* Jody Moore Janice Newsom Richard Noel* Bryan Parrish Jill Pegram* Tony Petitt* Anita Philpott* Brenda Porterfield Joan Ratliff Martha Robison-Spangler* Becky Starnes* Jack Swanson* Davis Troxler Gary Upchurch Brad Wall Gayle Wiley Dave Worsley

Finance Committee Chair: Rob Young Gary Cole Tom Cornett Brandon Harris Ron Hooper* Corie McRae* Harold Messick* Ann Pember* David Philpott Suzanne Rohrbaugh Bud Taylor Davis Troxler* Monica Vaughan Cathy Wells Anita Wilson Personnel Committee Chair: Robb Wells* Sandra Canipe Jenny Hall Janis Newsom* Marietta Noel Alan Tutterow Church Clerk Robb Wells Moderator Scott Culclasure* Treasurer Bobbie Brown Assistant Treasurer Jeannie Singley*

Christian Assistance Fund/Restoration Committee Autumn Culbreth* Kristie Ellis Sylvia Ledford* Shaun Martin Jim Plyler Parker White Committee on Committees Chair: Nancy Culclasure Gayle Adams Robert Angell Blaine Bradford Kelly Cornett Charles Hartis Perry Key Karl Lewis Lynda Grace Moore Tom Petty John Suggs Cynthia Townes Ben Turner Judyth White Anita Wilson

Missions Chair: Deanna Pegram Phil Barbee Richard Beavers Jeff Bennett Carolyn Clontz* Renee Fila Matt Hall* Cookie Hamilton* Andrea Harrell Matt Messick* John Sample Becky Starnes* Amy Overman Stephens Monica Vaughan Judyth White Endowment Trust Trustees Nancy Culclasure John Hardy Mona O’Bryant Coolidge Porterfield* Brandon Walters

Building & Grounds Chair: Joe Fila* Davis Bennett Darlene Biffle* Chris Culbreth Ed Morrah Kevin Pegram Lori Taylor Tom Townes Dave Worsley*

*Denotes those who will be rotating from these positions in 2018.

December 2017 | 15

CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER

Responding to the Invitation

Laurie White & Walter Beale

Amy Kirkman (October 22)

Robin Stevens (October 22)

Mary Ellen Burke (October 29)

Rob & Donya Mullins with Hunter (November 19)

Marian and Rick Stafford

(October 22)

16 | Connections

(November 19)

CONNECT WITH ONE ANOTHER Welcome New Baby: Thomas Boone Hayes

Born: October 20 Parents: Izzy and Lane Hayes

Keep Us Updated!

If you’ve had any changes to your contact information (phone, email, and address) let us know. If your children move, get married, go to college or graduate — we need to know that too! Send all updates to Rosemary Kellam: rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225.

You can also update your member information via the private FBC Member website – click the “Sign In” button at the top of the website. All FBC members can create a login/ password and have online access to your giving summary, church calendar, online registrations, search information, etc. Go to www.fbcgso.org to get started!

Subscribe to the online version of Connections: FBC produces Connections in a printed format, but also in an online version with “active” links within the document that allow the reader to send an email or to access websites for more information.

To subscribe, go to www.fbcgso.org/newsletter Keep up with FBC thru social media: “Like” us on Facebook

December Birthdays (No FBC birthdays 4, 5, 17)

1. Lucy King, Millie Power, Ethan Schneider, Vivian Schneider, Cynthia Stone 2. Beth Absher, Robyn Cothran, Ann Leonard, Darnysha Nard, Mary Rakestraw, Ann Vaden 3. Holden Biffle, Jerri Edwards, Scott Lyle, Christina McCord 6. Blanche Hodge, Kathy Simmons 7. Nancy Gee 8. Ann Teague, Anthony Webb, Gayle Wiley 9. Sandra Canipe, Don Cunningham, Andrew Donovan, Jeff Duckworth, Jim Fogleman, Everett Johnson, Steven Key, Shaun Martin, Mary Petriskie 10. Timothy Newman 11. Marietta Mobley 12. Ray Anderson, Andrea Harrell, Rick Stafford, Ginny Young 13. Morgan Hall 14. Sue Bias, Betsy McLean, Holly Messick, Coolidge Porterfield, McKenna Stutts, Ruth Ward, Don White 15. Joshua Sumner 16. Raleigh Cothran, Margaret Wilson 18. Shirley Headspeth, Lois Hutchison 19. Emerson Culbreth 20. Maisy Donovan, Hannah Porter 21. Bob Chovanec, Clyde Collins 22. Reid Hix 23. Marlena Johnson, Agnes Moore, Ann Powell, Elias Rainey 24. Catherine Pressley 25. Ed Parkerson, Jeff Smith 26. Phillip Barbee, Jamie Powell, Melissa Sample 27. Ansel Boiter, Peyton Petriskie 28. Gladys Boroughs, Tricia Cranford 29. Pamela Baggett, Griffin Curtis, Luke Lynch, Rick Schneider, Everett Sheffield, Warner Sherouse 30. Brennan Bode, Sylvia Ledford, KatyBeth Schmid 31. Ezra Holmes, Rachel Shackelford, Stephan Cothran

Bereaved

• Brandon Walters in the loss of his grandmother, Evelyn Massey, on October 22 • Deb Huneycutt in the loss of her mother, Darlene Powell, on November 1 • The family of Bobbie Carter, on November 2 • The family of Merrill Norris, on November 3 • The family of Jennie Stewart, on November 4 • Ward Burch in the loss of his sister, Betty Jean Hall, on November 6 • Catherine Pressley in the loss of her uncle, Marvin Smith, on November 7 • David Stone in the loss of his mother, Elgie Grey Stone, on November 13 • Cynthia Mayfield in the loss of her mother, Dorothy Rochelle, on November 15 • Gina Waters in the loss of her brother, Andy Maliskas, on November 15 • Dixie Wimberly in the loss of her sister, Ann Goodwin Please notify Rosemary Kellam if you would like to receive email notification of member deaths and memorials along with the Deacons – rosemary@fbcgso.org | x225 December 2017 | 17

December @FBC

Join us in celebrating the Advent season…

•3 (Su): 1 Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Su): College Lunch/Bible Study. Café, 12 noon •3 (Su): NC A & T Choir Concert. Sanctuary, 4 pm •3 (Su): Finance Committee. 108-C, 4 pm •4 (M): PrimeTime. 9 am-Lunch •4 (M): Upward Practice. Gym, 5 pm •4 (M): Deacon’s Meeting. 102, 7 pm •5 (Tu): Grace Meal Preparation. Kitchen, 5 pm •5 (M): Upward Practice. Gym, 5 pm •5 (Tu): WMU Group 2. 102, 7 pm •6 (W): Grace Meal Pick-Up & Serve. Kitchen, 5 pm •6, 13 (W): Fellowship Meal/Free for College. st

108, 5:30 pm (serving begins at 5 pm) •10 (Su): 2nd Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •10 (Su): StepUp Ministry Clothing Collection. Atrium, 9 am •10 (Su): Weekday School Soup Lunch followed by Church Conference.

108, 11:45 am •10 (Su): Baker Lawrimore Organ Recital. Sanctuary, 4 pm •11 (M): Upward Practice. Gym, 5 pm •12 (Tu): WMU Group 3. 102, 9:30 am •12 (Tu): Upward Practice. Gym, 5 pm •13 (W): Breakfast for Dinner & Spontaneous Nativity. 108-C, 5 pm •13 (W): Spontaneous Nativity. Sanctuary, 6:30 pm Meals. Peace United Church of Christ, 9:30 am •15 (F): Mobile rd •17 (Su): 3 Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •17 (Su): Caroling to the Homebound. Starts at 3 pm •17 (Su): Youth Christmas Party. Time TBA •18 (M): Upward Practice. Gym, 5 pm Practice. Gym, 5 pm •19 (Tu): Upward th •24 (Su): 4 Sunday of Advent. Sanctuary, 10:30 am •24 (Su): Christmas Eve Service. Sanctuary, 5 pm •25-26 (M-Tu): FBC church offices closed for Christmas holiday.

Key:

•Adults •All Ages •Children •College •Seniors •Missions •Weekday School •Worship •Youth

18 | Connections

Regular Weekly Schedule

SUNDAY AM @FBC

• Bible Study - 9:15 am • Worship - 10:30 am • College Lunch/Bible Study -

12 noon, Café

• • • • •

SUNDAY PM @FBC

Youth Bells - 4 pm, 319-D/ Sanctuary Youth Choir - 5 pm, 311 Adult Bells - 6 pm Youth Discipleship - 6:20 pm, 301 Sanctuary Choir - 7 pm, 311

•

WEDNESDAYS@FBC

Fellowship Meal Reservations Reservations due Mon. 12 noon.

Cancellations due Tues. 12 noon.

Meal reservation? Online at www.fbcgso.org/calendarevents OR Marty Kellam – x245 or marty@fbcgso.org Kids’ Programming - 6 pm Adult Classes - 6:15 pm Youth Forum - 6:15 pm Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm, 311

• • • •

Wednesday Night Weekly Activities The next step in finding your place at the table is knowing that you belong, and welcoming others in turn. Let’s focus on what it means to Belong at the Table.

Meals: 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Dec. 6: Wings Dec. 13: Breakfast Dec. 20: No Meal Dec. 27: No Meal

Weekly Children’s Extras: Yogurt, Fresh Fruits & Veggies, Etc. Reservations are encouraged for meals.

A Thousand Words‌ A picture tells a story just as well as, if not better than, a thousand written words.

Enjoy these pictures that tell stories from our FBC family. Share your photos: #fbcgso on Facebook or Instagram.

A Season of Thanksgiving at FBC Greensboro Enjoy these photos from our Commitment Sunday service, churchwide Thanksgiving dinner, Happy Hearts Thanksgiving dinner, Operation Christian Child dedication, and Advent Workshop.

December 2017 | 19

First Baptist Church Greensboro

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179

CONNECT WITH YOUTH & COLLEGE

COLLEGE BIRTHDAYS Save the Date for the Youth Christmas Party Sunday, December 17 at the Petitt’s

Lucy King | December 1 201 Kimberly Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408-5107 lucyleeking@gmail.com Ethan Schneider| December 1 5609 Tradd Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455-1261 Robyn Cothran | December 2

4 Country Woods Ct., Greensboro, NC 27410 RCothran725@flagler.edu

Joshua Sumner | December 15 1917 Efland Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 raptor4878@yahoo.com Raleigh Cothran | December 16 4 Country Woods Ct., Greensboro, NC 27410 cothranraleigh@gmail.com

Look for more information to come!

Brennan Bode | December 30 3715 Parkwood Drive, Greensboro, NC 27403 brbode97@gmail.com