Connections - May 2013 newsletter

MAY 2013 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

Ceramics

first baptist church greensboro

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Emphasizing worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and ministry to our city and our world.

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Seeing the Savior - Images from the Life of Christ

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Colorful interpretations of the Birth, Ministry, Passion, Ascension, and Return of our Lord . . .

May 2013 www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401 June Connections Deadline: May 15 Email news to kelly@fbcgso.org or bring it to the church office.

Kelly Stephens, Managing Editor Communications Director kelly@fbcgso.org / x223 Gloria Koster, Design Manager Education Ministry Assistant 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 Ginny Carpenter, Weekday School Director ginny@fbcgso.org / x240 Steve Cothran, Associate Pastor - Youth/Families stevec@fbcgso.org / x235 Dolores Donahue, Administrative Assistant - Finance dolores@fbcgso.org / x226 Jane Anne Hayber, Music/Worship Assistant janeanne@fbcgso.org / x239 Monica Hix, Pastoral Assistant monica@fbcgso.org / x231 Marty Kellam, Food Services Director marty@fbcgso.org / x245 Rosemary Kellam, Operations Director rosemary@fbcgso.org / x225 Kate Kitchen, Homebound Ministry Director katek@fbcgso.org / 202-5757 Scott North, Business Administrator scott@fbcgso.org / x222 Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Mike Queen, Interim Pastor mike@fbcgso.org / x231 Virginia Reynolds, Assistant Pastor - Preschool/Children virginia@fbcgso.org / x241 Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243

Summer is just around the corner and we will all be headed in different directions. Stay connected with your FBC family through the Connections monthly newsletter. Summer highlights that are featured in this issue include the Seeing the Savior Gallery, the CBF General Assembly at the Koury Center in June, the Oasis Summer Alternative Sunday School class, BIBLE Camp for children, and exciting youth activities.

3 Insight | by Mike Queen 3 CBF General Assembly in Greensboro this June 4 Seeing the Savior | by Monica Hix 5 Connect with Business –Special Called Business Meeting for Election of Deacons, Finance Committee, Clerk, and Endowment Trust –Bylaws Review Update | by William Waters –March Financial Update

6 Ceramics – A Hands-on Ministry | by Cynthia Markham 7 Connect with Adults –Oasis: The Summer Alternative Adult | by Steve Sumerel –New Adult Access Class: “The Tension Between Church and Culture” | by Steve Sumerel –YWCA WE! Shelter Wrap-Up | by Catherine Scott-Little –Memorial Service at the Columbarium

8 FBC Missions – Local and Global –Community Garden | by Mike Queen –Update from the Vaughans | by Helen Vaughan

9 Children’s, Youth, and College News –BIBLE Camp Is Coming Soon | by Virginia Reynolds –Congratulations State Bible Drill Winners –FBC Youth Activities this Summer

10 Connect with One Another

Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor - Music/Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237

11 May Calendar

Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor - Music/Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238

12 Back Cover

Shelly Worsley, Childcare Director shelly@fbcgso.org / x293 2 Connections / May 2013

–Upcoming Day Trips –New and Donated Books in the FBC Library –May 6 PrimeTime

C

BY MIKE QUEEN

an you imagine if you and your family lived in a country torn apart by war and violence…a country where you once had a good life and prospered and then lost everything? The reality is that this happens to thousands of families every week somewhere in the world. All across the US, including Greensboro, there are people and agencies dedicated to helping these refugees begin a new life by teaching them the English language, by providing job training, and by helping folk to acclimate to American society.

Our FBC member, April Eller, is married to Kevin and they have three small children. April has met a refugee family, the Mihindous, who have come from the African Republic of the Congo. The Mihindou family worships with us at FBC Greensboro most Sundays. The children have joined our youth group and children’s ministries. But the challenges for them are great. One of the children has had some serious health issues. Without April’s help in interceding for them, the Mihindous would never have found access to much needed health care. She has been a lifeline to them in so many ways.

All of this work is coordinated through the NC African Coalition (Funded by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services

and the Ethiopian Community Development Council). Each family is allotted $1,100 held by the Coalition to set up immediate housing and to get the family through the first three months. Yes, that is right…$1,100 for three months! They also pay half the rent and utilities for six months, they assist in getting food stamps and medical care, they help children at the Newcomer’s School, and most importantly help them actively search for employment. A lot of this is accomplished through the New Arrivals Institute (funded

by Grace Community Church, NC State Refugee Assistance Program and GTCC), which is housed at the Vandalia Presbyterian Church. As generous as all of this is, it is not enough. As April said, “It takes more than three months to learn a language and get trained for a new line of work and to get on your feet.”

First Baptist Greensboro has a long history of working with refugee families, and the needs for such work have never been greater. Whether as an individual, a family, or a SS class, there are opportunities for folks at FBC who want to make a difference in the lives of a refugee family right here in Greensboro. If you have an interest or need more information, please feel free to contact April at 664-8036 or at info@k2production.com. She hopes to establish a team of eight to ten persons for this ministry. If you are looking for a ministry, I can think of nothing that meets the test of Matthew 25 more than this… “I was a stranger and you welcomed me…”

Boldly Refresh Your Spirit Through Fellowship: The Gathering Place- Connect with ministry opportunities, buy goods that support mission projects, and fellowship during evening receptions.

Networks and mission communities- Learn from Baptists who share your same ministry interests.

Auxiliary events- The Fellowship and its partner organizations will host special gatherings during Assembly including the Baptist Women in Ministry’s 30th Anniversary Celebration at FBC on Wednesday, June 25.

Since then we have such a hope, we act with great boldness.

Greensboro/June 26-28 This is YOUR General Assembly and it’s FREE: • Attend one or all sessions per your schedule and interest • Pre-register online by June 9 ( www.thefellowship.info/assembly/ preregister ) –After June 9, register onsite at the Sheraton • FBC volunteers are needed in Registration and Hospitality (shifts), Friday Evening Communion Servers, and in Fitness/Wellness Room (nurses) Volunteer online as you pre-register or contact: •Communion Servers: Terri Vancil - 274-3286, x238 or terri@fbcgso.org •Registration: Frances Upchurch - 855-3731, francesup@gmail.com or Chris Canipe - 273-6491, ccanipe@triad.rr.com •Fitness/Wellness: Cheryl Angel - 643-9667 or cherylangel@bellsouth.net A new addition to the General Assembly this year: Fitness and Wellness Activities. Plans include fitness walks, classes, and health screenings.

Medical personnel are needed to assist with blood pressure screenings from 11 am-4 pm Thursday and Friday, as well as volunteers in the wellness room from 7 am-4 pm each day. If you can assist at any of these times, please contact Cheryl Angel (contact information is listed above).

Assembly experiences for children and students- Preschool, children, and youth assemblies and the Greensboro Sessions for College Students allow for the whole family to be involved. (Fee req. and limited enrollment.)

Boldly Reflect Through Prayer and Praise Friday evening worship service- Participate in a dynamic and meaningful worship with communion and a word from the new Executive Coordinator.

Commissioning service for field personnel and new church starters- Come be a part of this special event as the Fellowship blesses and sends new field personnel and church starters to be the presence of Christ in the world.

Pre-Assembly Prayer Retreat- This pre-Assembly retreat is designed as a time of study and prayer for ministers and laity and will be held onsite. (Fee required.)

Boldly Respond Through Ministry Dialogue Workshops- Explore relevant issues and topics such as Baptism and Church Membership with Bill Leonard, Ministry and Motherhood with Alicia Porterfield, Setting Deacons Free with Tom Stocks, Parenting and Social Media with Brian Foreman, and more.

Business sessions- Hear updates and offer input on the work of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the new organizational plan.

State and regional meetings- Support the Fellowship movement in NC. Learn about events, programs, and resources available to address the needs of our state.

Leadership Institute- Is your church searching for its missional identity?

The focus of this year’s Leadership Institute is Dawnings, the process by which churches begin living missionally. Dawnings seeks to help congregations find their calling through vision, formation, and engagement. Learn about the Dawnings process by participating in this abbreviated retreat experience.

(Some of these events may require additional registration.)

May 2013 / Connections 3

May 20 through June 30, 2013 Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM 35 insightful and colorful interpretations masterfully portrayed by 13 artists from a variety of artistic and ethnic backgrounds.

BY MONICA HIX In 2008, the Visual Arts Team spent a weekend with renowned sacred artist, Catherine Kapikian.

We invited Catherine to dialogue with us about sacred art, to walk through our building and view the space with her gifted “lenses”, and to dream with us about ways to engage our faith community in visual expressions that enrich our worship and life together. During that time with Catherine, the idea for a gallery space in the hall outside the Church Office took shape. She Nativity with Candles, Tanja Butler introduced us to the organization Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA).

CIVA was founded in 1979 with the mission to “support a Christian presence within the art world.” They encourage Christians participating in the visual arts to develop their callings to the highest professional level. Catherine was particularly interested in us knowing about the traveling

exhibits that CIVA offers to churches, colleges, galleries, and other institutions.

In May, we will host our first traveling exhibit from CIVA, Seeing the Savior. It is a vibrant collection that portrays the life and ministry of Jesus.

Through the work of 13 artists, the treasured Biblical stories become visible for us to encounter in fresh and transformative ways. It is the hope and prayer of the Visual Arts Team that this exhibit will “help the church to rehearse and remember the biblical story, to worship more deeply, to build a bridge to the non-believing world, and to deepen times of personal devotion and prayer.” (from the Mission of CIVA as stated on their website – www.civa.org) During the six weeks that the exhibit will be here at FBC, we invite you to carve out time to view, reflect, and meditate upon these sacred works of art.

Inaugural Event Sunday, May 19 10:30 am Worship Choral music by the Sanctuary Choir Proclamation by Rev. Monica Hix

Last Supper, Rudolph Bostic

4 Connections / May 2013

Jesus Carrying the Cross

Connect with Business Special Called Business Meeting on May 19 Election of Deacons, Finance Committee, Clerk, and Endowment Trust The Committee on Committees recommends the election of the persons introduced here to serve as indicated. Election of these nominees will be Sunday, May 19, during a Special Called Meeting. A bio information sheet on the Deacon nominees will be available at the church on Sunday, May 5 on the information boards outside the church office, the Atrium, and on the FBC website: www.fbcgso.org .

NOMINEES Deacon: Fred Binder Jim Burch Nancy Culclasure Gene Cox

April Eller Jennifer Hall John Hardy, Jr. Trisha Hooper

Finance Committee: Glenda Koger Randy McDaniel Stephen Porter Anne Webb

Charlie Adams Robert Angell Phil Barbee Bea Kay Powers

Clerk: Kay Crawford

Endowment Trust: Coolidge Porterfield

2013 Committee on Committees Bob Caldwell Paige Kalish Cynthia Markham, Chair Guy McCall Geneva Metzger David Philpott Tom Sears Tom Townes Dave Worsley

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2.15

A Report from the Bylaws Review Committee

BY WILLIAM WATERS, Chairperson Bylaws Review Committee Last year our congregation was led by the Transition Team in conversation and activities around five major areas of healthy congregations – Heritage, Mission, Leadership, Connections, and Future. I am certain you will agree with me that this experience was invaluable for the Pastor Search Committee and it provided an opportunity for members of all ages and backgrounds to come together and give voice to our future and mission. And it is the very voice of the congregation during this process that has necessitated change in certain areas of the life of the church in order to be more open as to how God would want us to serve and grow. One of those areas your response indicated as needing intentional focus, consideration, and change was that of our Bylaws.

Having heard your concerns and thoughts regarding the Bylaws, the Diaconate Chairperson and the Diaconate commissioned a special Bylaws Review Committee to review and study the current Bylaws and to submit a recommendation to the Diaconate for consideration. Having completed a comprehensive and thorough review of the Bylaws and after multiple meetings with the Diaconate regarding its work, the Bylaws Review Committee presented its recommendation to the deacons in a special called meeting on Monday, April 15. I am happy to report that the deacons have approved the recommendation of the Committee and we have been encouraged to move forward in communicating the proposed changes to each of you.

In an effort to ensure that you are well-informed regarding the work of the Bylaws Review Committee and the deacons, we have scheduled two informational sessions that will allow our Committee to present the prospective changes and to answer any questions that you may have regarding the revisions: • Sunday, May 19 - First Session: immediately following our regularly scheduled church conference.

• Wednesday, June 5 - Second Session: immediately following our fellowship dinner.

• Sunday, June 9 - formal presentation of the proposed changes to the membership during our regularly scheduled business meeting, as required by our current Bylaws.

• Sunday, July 14 - a special called church conference for a membership vote to adopt the revisions prayerfully considered and approved by the deacons.

We look forward to meeting with you in the coming weeks ahead and we ask that you earnestly pray for God’s guidance and direction as we seek to serve Him in a more meaningful way.

March Financial Update March 2013 Receipts & Distributions March Budget Receipts YTD Budget Receipts YTD Budget Disbursements YTD Differential

Actual

Budget

Last Year

$137,376 $443,567 $425,256 $18,312

$128,988 $454,053 $450,475 $3,578

$108,823 $430,040 $409,748 $20,292 May 2013 / Connections 5

Connect with Adults

A Hands-on Ministry

BY CYNTHIA MARKHAM The Recreation Building Open House was held on March 15, 1964. Six years earlier, Dr. Claude Bowen, the pastor of the church, began to develop plans for the recreation program to serve the church membership. It was designed to promote Christian fellowship and provide recreational activities for both young and old. Judge William York led the Building Committee in planning and construction.

One area on the second floor of the gym became the ceramics room. The photo on the right shows this room and the ladies who were the volunteers who worked with the program in the beginning – Mrs. Frank Deese, Mrs. Joe “Porky” Ray, Jr., Mrs. Warren Bass (the director), and Mrs. Robert Curlee.

The Ceramics Department is open to First Baptist Church members, persons who are involved in programs sponsored by the church (such as the Weekday School), and friends or relatives invited by a member. Due to the fragile condition of ceramic greenware, persons must be 13 years of age or older to work in the ceramic workshops. There have been exceptions for Vacation Bible School or BIBLE Camp.

When Mildred Bass stepped down as director of the department over 30 years ago, Cynthia Markham became the director.

There have been many volunteers through the years to help with pouring, firing, and assisting the folks in the workshops.

Greenware is poured in the original room now, and four other rooms upstairs in the gym are used for the workshops, firing, and spraying. In addition to the greenware, cleaning supplies and tools, paints, brushes, and sprays are all available for purchase. Greenware for seasonal items (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween), planters, baskets, serving pieces, frames, vases, lamps, animals (birds, rabbits, frogs, turtles, dogs, cats), and figurines are some of the popular items.

Workshops are held from 9 am - 1 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February through December. Everyone is encouraged to join the group for good Christian fellowship and fun!

6 Connections / May 2013

Connect with Adults

Oasis is Back

BY STEVE SUMEREL

S

ummertime and the living is easy….well, we are going to try to make it a bit easier for the many dedicated Sunday School teachers who work so hard all year to bring quality Bible study to you each week. Teachers should have the opportunity to take a break in the summer, and Oasis is our way to facilitate this. Available each Sunday of June, July, and August, Oasis is an on-going Sunday School class that is open to whole Sunday School classes to attend.

Whether it is for a week, a month, or for the whole summer, teachers are encouraged to take a break by taking advantage of this program.

Oasis will begin at 9:30 am in the Chapel, allowing individual classes time to meet first and take care of business before the joint class starts. Led by Dr. Sumerel and other teachers, Oasis takes the scripture that is to be the focus of the sermon for that Sunday, and engages the participants in an experience of encounter with the passage. Attention will be given to utilize various teaching styles and methods.

Take a break…come to the Oasis and stay for a while… it’s all part of the journey.

New Wednesday Evening Adult Access Class:

The Tension Between Church and Culture

BY STEVE SUMEREL

O

n May 8, 15, and 22 everyone is invited to attend a new Adult Access seminar series which will focus on the tension between the Church and the culture in which it exists. The seminar will address the relationship between the church and the culture from an historical perspective, and then move into the ways in which these tension points are played out in worship styles and the ethical ecology of our time. The seminars will be led

by Dr. Steve Sumerel and Rev. Winfred White. The Church and Culture seminar will meet in the Fellowship Hall, room 108, 6:15 pm.

Dr. Pressley’s seminar series on Ruth and Esther will continue to gather in the Chapel and will meet concurrently with the Church and Culture series.

Memorial Day Service at the Columbarium Sunday, May 26 at 9 am Join First Baptist’s 7th annual Memorial service of readings, prayers, and patriotic music.

The service will conclude in time to join Sunday School classes.

YWCA WE! Shelter at Summit House a Success with a “Little” Help from FBC

BY CATHERINE SCOTT-LITTLE

D

uring the winter months, the YWCA Winter Emergency (WE!) Shelter served 69 homeless women.

The shelter, a partnership between Greensboro Urban Ministry, the YWCA, and several Greensboro congregations, offered the women a safe place to stay, meals, case management, and all the support a small army of volunteers could muster. Volunteers from eight congregations from across the city and representing a number of different faith traditions staffed the shelter for 121 nights between December 1 and March 31. By the end of the shelter season, 41 of the women left with a place to stay and 20 found jobs.

FBC was an important partner in the shelter’s success.

We provided volunteers and food on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. The FBC contributions to the shelter included: • 2,091 volunteer hours contributed by at least 100 volunteers.

• Approximately 1,300 meals served by wonderful FBC cooks.

• Approximately 1,000 breakfast bags prepared by FBC children, families and Sunday School classes.

• Financial support for utilities and other shelter needs.

• Numerous supplies for the women and the shelter.

• Constant prayer support for the women, the staff and the volunteers.

Reflecting on their experience in the shelter, the women shared how they were touched by the ministry. On an evaluation form, one resident wrote, “Homelessness feels like helplessness.

Thank you for giving me a place to begin to feel hope again.”

Another shared her appreciation for the shelter, writing, “Just knowing that someone really cared about me made me feel that I could overcome the bad past and move forward.”

Many thanks to each and every person who contributed gifts of time, food, supplies, prayers and/or funds to support the ministry! The women’s lives, our community, and our congregation were blessed through FBC’s support for the WE! Shelter ministry. In Jesus’ own words, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 May 2013 / Connections 7

Connect through Missions MISSIONS – LOCAL

Community Gardening

BY MIKE QUEEN Community Garden (CG) is a concept that is sweeping the nation, and some members of First Baptist have inquired as to whether our church might launch a CG as a part of our ministry in the community. CGs exist in many forms and are limited only by the creativity of participants. Probably the most common type grows fresh vegetables on a small patch of land and gives the harvest to local food banks or feeding ministries. But there are dozens of other models at work also. Urban forests that grow nut trees and wild berry plants are just one example.

According to NC State University, Guilford County already has twenty CGs at places as varied as Pennyburn Retirement Center, Holy Trinity Church, and Mixed Greens CG. Along with NC State, UNCG and Wake Forest University have experts who specialize in particular kinds of CGs. The benefits of a CG are obvious in many ways, but they also provide a sense of community for neighborhoods, they help the environment, composting reduces waste, and the list goes on and on. If you have interest in exploring the possibilities of a ‘community garden’, please reply to Monica Hix in the church office at monica@fbcgso.org or 274-3286, ext. 231. With sufficient interest, we will pull the interested parties together to continue the conversation.

MISSIONS – GLOBAL

Update from the Vaughans

BY HELEN VAUGHAN After 8 years abroad, it is a treat for our family to experience a Greensboro Spring. I guess the abundant rain recently is sharpening the green color.

Although working from our Greensboro home, my contacts are with people all over the world. I am encouraged by opportunities to provide transformational education to some of the poorest children in the world. However, in this letter I am sharing about two situations needing prayer.

Niger– Three years ago I worked with TeachBeyond’s (TB) partner school, Sahel Academy, in Niamey, Niger. The school is primarily for Christian workers in this country. The forces of Islam (and I do mean “forces”) from the north are continually threatening this nation, similar to Nigeria. In the fall, a flood devastated part of the already struggling country. The flood destroyed the school and wreaked havoc on the community of Christian workers in the area. Please pray with me for all the workers including the new TeachBeyond staff who are committed to serving there. Please pray for the Nigerians affected by the the flood, for protection against the hostile Islamist from the North, and for the spread of the gospel.

Central African Republic– As I previously shared, one of my home assignments is helping write a teacher training curriculum for third world countries in relationship with TeachBeyond. One of those is the Central African Republic (CAR), a country which experienced a coup on March 24.

The TB staff are safe, but this event caused a setback in our work there and in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). TeachBeyond’s president describes, “We had hoped to create a cooperative relationship between the program in the CAR and the one in emerging in the DRC. However, these world events have meant the programs have had to proceed independently. This puts a strain on our resources and our fear is that the large scale educational reform underway in DRC, of which we are a part, will be negatively impacted.”

As a side note which may be of interest to you: I sent one of my teaching modules to a co-worker in the DRC to critique since she actually teaches our target audience. The module had a section on dealing with distractible students. She said in her many years there, she had never had a “distractible” student. Imagine that! She speculated the different environment and the high value they placed on an education may contribute to the student’s focus in class. It certainly raised questions for me because I observed something similar in working with a school in rural Ukraine. Why do you think these students are free from distractibility?

As always, thanks for your prayers, support, and friendship. We appreciate you!

–In His Grace, Ellis and Helen!

8 Connections / May 2013

Kids’ Connections

BIBLE Camp•June 17-21

9 am - 1 pm Daily • Sign Up Now!

2013 BIBLE Camp will explore Jesus’ question, “Who is my neighbor?”

BY VIRGINIA REYNOLDS

Throughout the week, children will engage in Bible study, missions projects, crafts, games and more. Everywhere Fun Fair takes children to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world’s fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God’s love can be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods.

BIBLE Camp is designed for children ages 3 (last Fall) through those completing the 5th grade. Thursday night, June 20, will be a world’s fair celebration around the tables at 6 pm. Registration for BIBLE Camp is now available for FBC families for only $10 per child. Scholarships are available as needed.

Passionate about world missions? Eager to share your life experience with our young neighbors? Consider being part of this year’s BIBLE Camp. Adult and youth leaders will enjoy being part of a small group as we learn to love our neighbors together. To learn more about how you can volunteer to be part of this exciting BIBLE Camp, please contact Virginia Reynolds. Childcare will be available by reservation for children 3 and under if parents/ grandparents are working in the BIBLE Camp. Parents / Grandparent volunteers may bring their children without expense. To sign up, call or email Virginia Reynolds (274.3286, x241 / virginia@fbcgso.org ).

The registration deadline is June 2.

At Everywhere Fun Fair, kids will experience the love of Jesus, meet welcoming neighbors from the Bible, and explore the everyday life of neighbors from other countries! Don’t miss it!

Congratulations State Bible Drill Winners Ginny Barnes, Lauren Worsley, and Kyleigh Pegram We are proud of these three young girls for advancing to the NC State Bible Drill which was held at Yates Baptist Church in Durham, NC, on April 13. Please congratulate them for the hard work and dedication it required to represent FBC at the State level.

Youth/College Connections Summer Missions Week

Unidiversity 2013

June 24-28

July 22-27 University of Tennessee

FBC Youth will be on mission together Monday-Friday, leading a VBS for the children at Rosewood each morning, serving the homeless, catching a Hoppers’ game, welcoming guests at the Convention Center, and serving right in our own backyard! Get ready for some cool surprises too, and the first one is that this week-long mission experience is only $75/ person! Sign up NOW at www.fbcgso.org/youth

Connor Crews

Birthday: May 19

Unidiversity is an unforgettable experience that will grow your faith as you spend an incredible week of fun and learning about God with friends and churches all over the southeast.

Cost is $300, and includes our own Steve Cothran preaching the last night of Camp! The $75 deposit deadline is NOW so reserve your spot. Sign up online: www.fbcgso.org/youth

Caroline Parham

Birthday: May 23

700 Bolinwood Dr., Apt. 10G Chapel Hill, NC 27514 4519 B Lake Jeanette Road, Greensboro, NC 27455 336.644.9073/ parhamc09@students.ecu.edu 336.404.7570/ connorcrews@gmail.com May 2013 / Connections 9

Connect with One Another If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1st Corinthians 12:26)

Responding to the Invitation on March 24

Responding to the Invitation on March 31

Responding to the Invitation on April 14

The Lindsay Family

Millicent Childs

Caroline Barbee

Ty (By Letter), Jeanelle (By Letter), Aaron (By Baptism), and Joslyn

(By Baptism)

(By Letter)

Responding to the Invitation on April 14

Responding to the Invitation on April 14

Welcome New Babies!

Owen Wright Eldred Born: April 6 Proud Parents: Jane and Phillip Eldred Proud FBC Grandparents: Jim and Sally Skidmore

Owen David Ellington Born: April 7 Proud Parents: Laura and Ben Ellington Proud FBC Grandparents: Gary and Joyce Beech

Neal and Lilly Persinger

Rev. Winfred and Sandra White

Neal (By Letter) and Lilly (By Baptism)

(By Letter)

FBC May Birthdays 1: J. C. Blowe, Stephen Porter 2: David Baity, Sharon Barlow, Pam Chambers, Shannon Frazier, Dawn Pegram 3: Michelle Ball, Randy McDaniel, Austin Payne 4: No FBC Birthdays 5: Margaret Eckelmann, Zach Isom, Susan Suggs, David Wood 6: Grace Flannagan, Carolyn Myers, Seth Vaughan 7: Taylor McDaniel 8: Tanner Baugh, Jim Hardy 9: Hope Carpenter, Carolyn Jones, Parker Phelps, Bennett Wood 10: Becky Livengood 11: Brandon Hill, Meg Rudd, Katie Saunders, Laura Tutterow 12: Betty Dominick 13: Gwen Koontz, Shane McDaniel, Isabel Rollins 14: Jim Filipski, Jake Leonard, Julia Lyle, Jane Messick 15: Emily Bennett, Gerrad Biffle, Gary Trull 10 Connections / May 2013

16: Larry Barnes, Jr., Jean Canter, Frank James 17: Spencer Adams, Kay Cook 18: Kelly Kennedy, Bee Martin, Bryce Starnes 19: Connor Crews, Isabelle Eller, Sadie Eller, Lee Hough 20: Marilyn Honeycutt, Mary Nichols, Jennie Stewart, Clay Young 21: Shannon Childs, Gary Cole, Ann Davidson, Braden Hall, Joe McLean 22: Madelyn Biffle, Bud Hardin 23: Steve Moseley, Caroline Parham, Effie Rowan, John Suggs, Carolyn Whicker, Lillian Wilson

24: Ray Alexander, Susan Burnette, Trey Howerton 25: Neal Persinger 26: Daniel Kellam, Wendy Stafford 27: Mack Conway, Toni Lewis 28: Harriett Bowles, Robert Hall, Michael Hatfield, Clare Johnson, Jeaneane Paschal, Clarence Stone, II 29: Terry Snow 30: Gracen Blake, John Mathews, Christina Nunn, Ellie Rider 31: No FBC Birthdays

Bereaved • The family of Doris Dean Simpson, on March 24 • Varnell Moore in the loss of his brother, Clint Moore, on March 29 • Angela Peeler in the loss of her grandmother, Ethel Wilkey, on March 30 • Jim Wayne in the loss of his mother, Ola Mae Robertson, on March 30 • Dot Walker in the loss of her nephew, Bart Purvis, on April 2 • The family of Julia Elrod, on April 5 • Mary Markham in the loss of her brother, Robert Lee Kenney, on April 5 • Carolyn Clontz in the loss of her sister, Barbara Denton, on April 9

May@ Sunday, May 5

•Worship & Baptism. Sanctuary, 10:30 am.

•50-Year Luncheon. Fellowship Hall,

Wednesday, May 22

•

12 noon. Reservations due by May 1.

Each year FBC honors our half-century members with a meal, a program, and a remembrance gift for their faithfulness.

Kid’s Access Open House/Music & Missions, 3 yrs - K/1. 123/125, 6:15 pm.

Children will show family & friends what they have learned this year in their classes.

Monday, May 6

Thursday, May 23

9 am - Ceramics, Gym 9:30 am - Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A 11 am - Bible Study, 218 12 noon - Lunch, 108. More information on back cover. Deadline for reservation: May 2. Sign up online: www.fbcgso.org/ seniors or contact Rosemary Kellam 274.3286, x225/ rosemary@fbcgso.org .

9 am and return at 5 pm. Tour with Tom

•PrimeTime. 9 am - Noon activities.

Sunday, May 19

•Worship & Seeing the Savior.

Sanctuary, 10:30 am. (Details in article on page 4.)

Church Conference and Cuisine. 108, 12 noon. No reservations required. $6/person– $20/family max.

By-Laws Information Session. 108.

Seeing the Savior. Exhibit OPENS for viewing following Church Conference and Cuisine.

• • •

Monday, May 20

•Seeing the Savior. Exhibit open for

viewing weekdays, 10 am - 4 pm.

Exhibit runs through June 30. Open to public.

Key:

•Day Trip to Old Salem. Leave FBC at

and Sara Sears. $24/person includes lunch at Salem Tavern. More details on back cover.

Sunday, May 26

•

Memorial Day Service. Columbarium, 9 am. Join FBC’s 7th annual Memorial Day service of readings, prayer, and patriotic music.

Wednesday, May 29

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Kid’s Access Presentation/Music & Missions, Grades 2-5. Fellowship Hall, 6:15 pm. Children will share what they have learned this year in their classes.

Mark your Calendars!

Sunday, June 2

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Baccalaureate Sunday. Sanctuary, 10:30 am. A service honoring our FBC Youth graduating seniors.

Youth Choir Concert. Sanctuary, 6 pm.

Youth Choir and Bells will perform their year-end concert.

Sundays@FBC Bible Study: 9:15 am Worship: 10:30 am Guest Reception: 11:45 am (209)

•YOUTH Bells, 4 pm; Choir, 5 pm; Discipleship, 6:15 pm •ADULTS Sanctuary Choir, 7 pm Wednesday Nights@FBC •Fellowship Meal– 5 pm •Kids’ Access– 6 pm •Youth Forum– 6:15 pm •Adult Access Classes– 6:15 pm •Sanctuary Choir– 7:15 pm May Fellowship Meal Menus– May 1: Cajun Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast, Red Beans and Rice, and Broccoli Salad May 8: Barbecue, Cole Slaw and Whole White Potatoes May 15: Herb Baked Fish, Rice Pilaf, and Side Salad May 22: Theo’s Famous Fried Chicken, Rice and Gravy, and Collard Greens May 29: Theo’s Famous Fried Fish, Cole Slaw, and Baked Potato

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•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth May 2013 / Connections 11

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC

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

NO. 179

Join Us on a Day Trip with Tom and Sara Sears to

Old Salem

Monday, May 6 Program

Thursday, May 23

Jodi Kolada from the Adult Center for Enrichment (ACE) will tell us about ministry and volunteer opportunities with ACE.

Includes Lunch at Salem Tavern

PrimeTime Schedule Includes

Tom and Sara have restored a home on the square in Old Salem and will give us a tour. $24/person includes lunch.

Leave FBC at 9 am and return at 5 pm. To sign up, contact Dolly Chesson, swchesson1@gmail. com /545.7712 or Monica Vaughan, edwinv550@aol.com 55 @ / 3323.0335.

Sign-up online “Events” link on FBC website: www. fbcgso.org

Upcoming June Day Trip: Wohlfart Haus Dinner Theatre on Thursday, June 13– See “Showboat.” $49/person. Leave FBC 9 am/Return 6:30 pm.

9 am - Ceramics, Gym; 9:30 am - Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A; 11 am - Bible Study, 218; 12 noon - Lunch, 108.

Deadline for reservation: May 2.

Sign up online: www.fbcgso.org/seniors or contact Rosemary Kellam 274.3286, x225/ rosemary@fbcgso.org

Check Out the New and Donated Books at the FBC Library Children’s Library Are You Ready to Play Outside? By Mo Willems– Piggie can’t wait to go play in the sunshine but will a rainy day ruin all the fun?

Main Library The Blind Side by Michael Lewis– Michael Oher, a homeless black teen is taken under the wing of the Touhys, a wealthy white Memphis family. Oher’s size and skill in football brings accolades but success as a player and student takes the help of his new family, coaches, and tutor.