Connections - August 2013 newsletter

AUGUST 2013 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

Songs of the Blessed...

A Concert of Worship with the Sorrells Family

first baptist church greensboro

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Followed by a Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship Sunday, August 11 @ FBC

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

Baptism and BBQ at the Lake Sunday, August 25 Camp Weaver

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www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286 1000 West Friendly Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401

August 2013 3 Baptism and BBQ at the Lake | by Steve Sumerel

September Connections Deadline: August 16 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

4 Insight | by Mike Queen Update from the Vaughans | by Helen Vaughan

5 Connect with Adults – Growing in Christ @ FBC –FBC Class Uses Skype Technology | by David Rowe –Sunday School Moves FRONT and CENTER | by Steve Sumerel –Divorce Recovery @ FBC begins September 4

6 Library Connections –CD Purchased in Honor of the Queens –Newly Donated Books in FBC’s Main Library | by Teresa Allen Connect with Business

7 Baptist Children’s Home’s “Hope in Style” Event

8 Connect with Children |

by Virginia Reynolds and Shelly Worsley

9 Connect with Youth & College –Youth Calendar | Steve Cothran

–Welcoming College Student Visitors | Luke Arno

10 Connect with One Another 11 August Calendar What’s Cooking | by Marty Kellam

12 “Songs of the Blessed” Sorrell Family Concert and Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship

Steve Pressley, Associate Pastor stevep@fbcgso.org / x231 Virginia Reynolds, Assistant Pastor - Preschool/Children virginia@fbcgso.org / x241 Marion Smith, Facilities Supervisor, x243 Doug Vancil, Associate Pastor - Music/Worship doug@fbcgso.org / x237 Terri Vancil, Assistant Pastor - Music/Worship terri@fbcgso.org / x238 Shelly Worsley, Childcare Director shelly@fbcgso.org / x293

2 | Connections

...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...

(Hebrews 12.1)

Baptism and BBQ at the Lake

BY STEVE SUMEREL

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ur faith traditions have long embraced the notion of celebration. We come together to celebrate the birth of Christ at Advent. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ at Easter. In the Christian Church calendar we celebrate the saints who have gone before us. Our nation celebrates its founding, and the wise men and women who gave rise to our country. We celebrate our moms and our dads, our bosses, and our administrative assistants. We celebrate birthdays, wedding, and employment anniversaries. We are a people who have much to celebrate and invest a great deal of time and effort to the process.

The last Sunday of August marks one of the most important celebrations of the First Baptist calendar. Some might say the annual Baptism at the Lake is a time when we celebrate the end of summer vacation, but that is only a small part of it. More than anything else, the Baptism at the Lake is a celebration of the fellowship we enjoy together.

Baptism at the Lake is the embodiment of fellowship. It is an extended period of time to engage in conversations that last more than a few minutes. It is a time when we enjoy catching up on the families of our church. The children and youth, who are taking part in all the recreation the lake has to offer, are blissfully unaware of the degree to which they are the focus of conversation on the shore. We come together to enjoy Lee’s barbeque, and the special dishes brought by everyone at the picnic. Recipes and many of the family stories from which they are derived flow as freely as the iced tea and lemonade.

And we come to enjoy the fellowship of our faith. We participate together as folks join with the minister in the lake for baptism…one of the oldest of our traditions…one of the most significant events in our faith journey…one of the most important acts of bonding a group of believers into a fellowship of faith.

Baptism at the Lake is more than the food, more than the recreation, more than a ritual or a social event.

It is what God intended fellowship to be; the celebration of our commonality and our deep and abiding love and appreciation for one another.

What you need to know if you haven’t been to Baptism and BBQ at Camp Weaver– Lee King and Co. will provide mouth-watering BBQ that will be the main course for our usual good cookin’ by FBC members, so bring a side dish or two to share! There is outdoor amphitheater seating but bring a lawnchair or blanket if you want.

If you want to swim in the lake, life vests are required; they are provided by Camp Weaver, but if you have your own, please bring them. Join us at the lake at 4 pm. We will eat at 5 pm.

Directions to Camp Weaver: Follow E. Lee Street until it ends and make a right onto Young’s Mill Road.

Follow Young’s Mill Road until it ends and make a left onto Mill Point Road. From Mill Point Road, the camp is located 3/4 of a mile on the right on Tapawingo Trail. Follow signs around to the lake.

August 2013 | 3

BY MIKE QUEEN

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y now you have met your new pastor. So have I, and I am happy for both his family and this congregation.

He and his family are excited about coming to Greensboro, and I know you are excited to have them coming to join with you in the Lord’s work in this good place. While you have not asked for my advice, humor me while I offer it anyhow. The Pastor Search Committee will take care of all the transition details, but there are ways in which you, as a congregation, can be a part of this welcoming process, too.

First, while you have only one set of names to learn as you meet the new pastor and family, they have hundreds of you to learn. Make it a practice to ‘always’ introduce yourself to them each time you encounter them. It will help them immensely.

And do not neglect doing this with the pastor’s spouse. Be patient as they learn, not only your names, but who you are.

Second, it takes a while to get to know a congregation… how it functions, how it makes decisions, what is working and what isn’t. Give your pastor time to get on board before you come to the pastor’s office with all the things you think need attention immediately. It is almost inevitable that someone

will do this, but a new pastor wisely needs to get know the congregation before tackling any thorny issues.

Third, pray for your new pastor and family. They will be leaving another congregation that has loved and nurtured them…a place that has been their spiritual home for a season.

As excited as they are to be coming to you, they are also grieving over the ‘good-byes’ this transition will require of them. Pray for them and pray for yourselves. This is a big deal and you will need God’s blessing every step of the way.

While I could offer a lot more advice, let me hush and say only this. Bobbie and I are incredibly grateful for the love and hospitality extended to us over these last nineteen months with you. From your kind notes and emails to your dedicated work on committees and deacons to your outpouring of concern when my mother died, you have been church to us.

To both congregation and staff we say ‘thank you’.

This is the second time we will ‘take leave’ of this place.

Ever since we encountered you for the first time in 1978 and across these now thirty-five years, you have been a special part of our lives. Along with our home church in West Virginia, you all are the ones who taught us how to be church. It has been a privilege for us to be back among you once again. May God continue to bless you in every good way.

PS: Don’t forget to introduce yourself (multiple times). Don’t forget to give your new pastor time to get to know you (he is not the Messiah…just the new pastor). Don’t forget to pray (the most powerful thing in the world).

Update from the Vaughans

BY HELEN VAUGHAN

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ell, I just had two rockin’ weeks. For a week and a half, I worked pre-field orientation for 80 new missionaries being sent out by TeachBeyond (TB) this year. These are the candidates I helped screen and “hire” since last October. The other half week was spent marrying off our son, Seth, in Illinois. God showed up in His big, loving, way for both of these events and I am thankful to Him from whom all blessings flow.

Pre-field Orientation– Pre-field orientation started this year with a new initiative called JumpStart, a one day intensive for people who are gifted to teach but who have no formal education as teachers. I developed and taught JumpStart and had a grand time doing it. Twelve people participated, all reporting that the day-long intensive helped build their confidence as teachers. I cannot post a photo of this group or the larger orientation group because so many are going to closed countries to serve. Their identities need protection in countries hostile to the gospel. Children who are going to the field with their parents also need pre-field orientation. It is equally important for them as they prepare to say goodbye and transition to a new culture.

Please pray for these children and their parents as they leave “the known” for the unknown in the next few weeks.

India– Imagine sitting in a classroom day-in and day-out listening to the teacher read from a textbook. Imagine being 8 years old and doing this! Reports like this motivate me as I write the Teacher Education Curriculum that TeachBeyond will launch in January 2014 in the Himalayan region of India. The leadership of a group of Christian schools in this region came to America for TB’s orientation to meet with us and comment on the curriculum work done so far. Fortunately, the leadership knows that a Christian education involves much more than the content and has approached TB to assist with the full realm of what it means to teach Christianly-including instructional methods which recognize how God created children as learners.

Apartment Rental– Part of making ends meet while back in the States is renting our apartment. Please pass the word around to trusted sources about a furnished, one bedroom, (also a queen size sofa bed in the living room), apartment. Utilities, fishing rights, and a washer and dryer are included. Pets allowed. They can call us at 286-9426 or e-mail at vaughaneurope@yahoo.com Please Pray– • in thanksgiving for each of you who have prayerfully and financially supported our work • for the new TB missionaries and their families who will soon leave for their assigned countries • for Seth and Tamara’s new marriage • for Samuel’s tonsils and first year of college • for Ellis and my marriage and our navigation of this time in the States caring for Papa Vaughan Ellis and I love and appreciate you. Let us know how to pray for you.

Support gifts to account number: 40223– TeachBeyond, PO Box 6248, Bloomindale, IL. 60108-6248 4 | Connections

Connect with Adults

Growing in

Christ@FBC

Sunday School Moves FRONT and CENTER

BY STEVE SUMEREL

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his fall two continuing Sunday School development programs will be kicked off. Almost fifty potential and current Sunday School teachers have already completed the six-month FRONT curriculum. Many of these graduates have asked for the “next FBC class uses Skype technology to stay connected level” of Bible, history, and theological

BY DAVID ROWE study. So, this fall FRONT 201 will offer more advanced study. However, he Koinonia Class recently introduced Skype as a way to allow class this three month curriculum will be members who cannot attend class in person to participate in the lesson as available to anyone willing to take on it is being taught. To utilize Skype one of the class members brings a laptop the challenge. FRONT will meet Monday computer to class and connects with the computer evenings beginning September 30. of the absent member. This allows the person not CENTER is a new program in attendance to be able to see and hear the class in designed to train those involved in action. In turn, the class is able to see and communicate Sunday School in-reach and out-reach with the absent member. Skype can be used on a functions.

CENTER will also become desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook, or a the support system for these efforts. smart phone. It is easy to set up and use once it is done CENTER will begin with a four week a couple of times. The idea of skyping came from a class training period, followed by regular member, Sharyn Lowe, who wanted her husband, Bill, support and information sharing group and herself to remain active members of the class. Bill sessions.

Every Sunday School class is has not been able to attend Sunday School for a while encouraged to assign someone to this and missed the joy and fellowship one gains in being effort. Nearly every plan to increase an active participant in the class. Chuck Sample worked with Sharyn and made this the level of new member and inactive desire a reality. The class has had two Skype sessions thus far and both have been member participation in congregational enthusiastic successes. Dan McCormick, another member who cannot attend for life involves efforts by the Sunday health reasons, has also participated in this experiment. Sharyn, Bill, and Dan are School. CENTER will become the onresidents of Pennybyrn and have been valued members of the class. The introduction going equipping tool to keep our Sunday of Skype ensures that they will be able to continue their active involvement.

Schools front and center in the future This may be an idea that other classes will want to consider. It is a way to keep plans and hopes of our congregation. homebound members involved, provide support and encouragement and show Anyone interested in obtaining the love of God to all our members. It also may foster new ideas and uses for using more information on any technology to reach others in the community. of these opportunities or who wishes to sign up can begins September 4 do so by The Divorce Recovery program is designed to stand alongside adults coping with divorce or contacting separation. The program meets on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:45 pm. Two levels make up Divorce Dr. Sumerel Recovery: the 9-session Recovery Program, followed by the 12-14 session Divorce Rebuilding seminar.

(274.3286, Divorce Recovery is structured with large/small group interaction, video presentations, and is led by x233/ people who have been through the program. If you know of anyone who would benefit from Divorce steves@fbcgso.org ).

Recovery, contact 274.3286, x288 – gloria@fbcgso.org – www.fbcgso.org/divorce_ministry

T

Divorce Recovery @ FBC

August 2013 | 5

Library Connections CD Purchased in Honor of the Queens

Check Out the Newly Donated Books in FBC’s Main Library

torytelling is not something that just anyone can do, or at least not with the captivating wit and humor of Mike Queen. Mike is a master at storytelling and we have all enjoyed hearing his stories, most of which came from his life in West Virginia before becoming a Baptist minister. So that you don’t have to miss hearing great stories from West Virginia we are placing a CD in the Library featuring the stories of West Virginia’s storyteller and humorist, Bil Lepp, whose style has been described as a blend of Bill Cosby and Jeff Foxworthy.

Check out our new CD by Bil Lepp which has been placed in the Library in honor of Mike and Bobbie Queen.

BY TERESA ALLEN

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• And God Came In: The Extraordinary Story of Joy Davidman

by Lyle W. Dorsett • Born For Love: Reflections on Loving by Leo Buscaglia • Called To Love: Stories of Compassion, Faith and God’s Amazing Grace by Kaye Miller • The Christ of Christmas by James M. Boice • God the Ingenious Alchemist: Transforming Tragedy into Blessing

by John R. Claypool • A Guide to Biblical Sites in Greece and Turkey

by Clyde E. Fant & Mitchell G. Reddish • Hearing From God Each Morning: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer • The Hopeful Heart by John R. Claypool

Connect with Business Actions Taken in the July Church Conference

On July 14 FBC conducted two church conferences.

The first was a Called Conference for the single purpose of voting on the church’s Bylaws. Church moderator, Jack Swanson called the conference to order and reviewed relevant existing Bylaws and procedures to assure the fellowship that the vote was proper.

Deacon Chair, Dr. Laura Lomax formally presented the motion: • On behalf of the Deacons, I move that First Baptist Church rescind its current Bylaws and adopt the proposed revised Bylaws that were approved by the Diaconate on April 15, 2013.

Action: There was no discussion and the motion was approved. (Note: the revised Bylaws are available through the FBC’s website and hard copies are available in the church office.)

The Pastor Search Committee chair, Becky Starnes announced: • Each member of the Pastor Search Committee felt led to the same candidate whose name will remain confidential until the weekend of July 27-28, at which time the congregation will have the opportunity to meet the candidate.

At the regular monthly church conference, convened following the worship service, the following motions were made and actions taken: Finance Committee Vice-Chair, Blake Absher made the following motion: • Upon the recommendation of the Youth Advisory Council, and with the approval of the Endowment Trust Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Deacons, I move that $2,000 be released from the Bowen Endowment Fund to grant scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to Courtney Key and Niki Schumaker to help with their college expenses.

Action: The motion was approved.

Associate Pastor, Dr. Steve Pressley made the following two motions: • On behalf of the Ordination Council, I move that First Baptist Church ordain Virginia Reynolds, our Assistant Pastor: Preschool/ Children, to the gospel ministry; and that the church staff be directed to plan and conduct an ordination service as soon as feasible.

Action: The motion was approved.

• On behalf of Interim Pastor Mike Queen and myself, I move that First Baptist Church endorse our member Patrice Justafort for admission to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program.

Action: The motion was approved.

FBC Job Posting: Missions Coordinator The Personnel Committee is seeking a candidate to fill the part-time (20 hrs/wk) Missions Coordinator position. Interested parties may contact Scott North in the church office or by email (scott@fbcgso.org) for information about the position.

June Financial Update

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une receipts were strong and made up for some of the lack in previous months. While our year-to-date budget receipts are still behind budget, we are slightly ahead of last year’s giving at this point in the year. Don’t forget that you can stay upto-date with your giving by clicking the “Sign In” button at the top of the church web page at www.fbcgso.org . You can also schedule regular recurring gifts or a one time contribution online at www.fbcgso.org/give_to_fbc .

6 | Connections

June 2013 Receipts & Distributions June Budget Receipts YTD Budget Receipts YTD Budget Disbursements YTD Differential

Actual Budget Last Year $149,763 $814,044 $846,495 ($32,450)

$117,452 $852,683 $877,001 ($24,318)

$105,757 $802,736 $799,542 $3,193

Baptist Children’s Homes’ Second Annual “Hope in Style” Event Saturday, August 24, Greensboro Country Club Children’s Fashion Show: 10 am-12 noon — Silent auction with brunch begins at 9 am

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ll eyes were fixed on Anna as she stepped on the lighted stage at last year’s Hope in Style fashion show. The young college student’s smile widened as she gazed into the audience. Standing tall and poised, Anna walked across the runway proudly showcasing her new cardigan, ruffled blouse, jeans, and shoes.

Anna and the other residents of Baptist Children’s Homes’ (BCH) Mills Home campus in Thomasville all took turns on the stage modeling the new school clothing they received because of the inaugural benefit.

“I was a little nervous when I first stepped onto the stage, but it was really exciting,” says Anna, a resident at BCH who is enrolled in college classes and works a local job. “This showed all of us who live at the Children’s Homes that there are a lot of people out there who love and care about us.”

Whether preparing for adult life, like Anna, or still attending grade school, many of BCH’s residents are there because they have not always received the care and support they needed to be successful. It’s the reason why Baptist Children’s Homes and lead sponsor Belk are preparing to launch the second annual Hope in Style event.

Hope in Style takes place in partnership with Belk and a number of other community sponsors. The event will again feature a children’s fashion show, a silent auction, musical entertainment, and brunch. Professional racer Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, serves as the honorary chairperson for the event.

“Belk believes this is a tremendous way to reach out to the community through these children. For myself, I see Hope in Style as an investment in a child’s future,” says Jason Scott, manager of Belk in High Point. Last year the retailer provided free clothing to 33 Mills Home children as young as two years old.

Baptist Children’s Homes President/CEO Michael C. Blackwell, hopes to build on the success of last year’s event. “It was humbling to see so many new friends and longtime supporters come together for the first Hope in Style. As a nonprofit, we continually count on the generosity of others so we can provide the highest possible care to boys and girls,” Blackwell said. “It is so meaningful to the children when friends from the community, especially people they’ve never met, step forward to make a difference in their lives.”

A person who is familiar with BCH’s Mills Home and children who have lived at the 128-year-old organization is Thomasville native Victoria Livengood. A Grammy-nominated opera star and crossover gospel singer, Livengood worked with the residents while serving as the interim minister of music at Mills Home church in 1980. Livengood is this year’s entertainer for Hope in Style.

“Being a part of Hope in Style is coming full circle for me,” Livengood says. “I’m able to come back home and use my talents to benefit the children at this wonderful place where I worked. Being there was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling times of my life.”

A silent auction once again rounds out the event. Last year, nearly 200 items were donated by community friends for the auction. Items ranged from gift certificates to vacation getaways.

Hope in Style’s ultimate goal is to empower BCH to help North Carolina children with little hope for success. The generosity of event sponsors helps BCH provide boys and girls with devoted houseparents, a safe home, educational opportunities, and the chance to enjoy a childhood free from past hurts.

TICKETSȃ Fashion show tickets are only $30 each and are available from: • Cheryl Angel: 643.9667 or cherylangel@bellsouth.net • Jennie Counts: 869-5252 or jlcounts@hotmail.com • Monica Vaughan: 323.0335 or edwin550@aol.com

Left: Victoria Livengood poses with some of her “fans.”

Above: Fashion show clothing is modeled by BCH residents.

August 2013 | 7

Connect with Children

A Gift for Each of Us

You Can Make a Difference!

BY VIRGINIA REYNOLDS

FBC needs child care volunteers

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n a recent conversation with a neighbor, I was made aware of a wonderful gift we already have.

My neighbor asked me, “how much do you charge for your Christian education classes on the Sabbath?” This neighbor practices another faith tradition and her surprising question was followed by, “can anyone come on a given week, or are they required to make reservations?” Somehow, the idea of faith education being so valuable that you have to have reservations and pay by the session had never occurred to me. I had always taken for granted that Sunday School would always be there when I showed up. The truth from this conversation is that we have a wonderful gift – it is Sunday School.

August 25 will be the start of a new Sunday School year and your invitation to take advantage of this wonderful gift. As Baptists, we have a tradition of having high quality, dependable Christian Education available to each of us.

For children, this is more than another class or option in their busy lives. Sunday School is an opportunity to develop life-long habits that will be foundational in their faith journey.

Our faithful teachers come prepared each week to share Bible stories and truths which are a part of our congregation’s commitment to nurture your child in the faith. But you have to be there to accept the gift. A new Sunday School year is your opportunity to open this treasure weekly – no reservation required or associated fees, just God’s life changing word taught and explored. We look forward to seeing you in Sunday School each week at 9:15 am!

Promotion Sunday August 25

8 | Connections

BY SHELLY WORSLEY

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ver wonder how you can make a real impact on a child’s life? Here is your chance! We have 50 open positions remaining for Nursery care for our preschool age children during the Sunday morning worship service.

Your sacrifice once a quarter to nurture and care for our youngest children is immeasurable when you compare it to the difference you are making in their lives.

We need volunteers in all three age groups: babies, toddler 2’s, and three year olds.

Nursery Duty is divided up into 13 groups, and consists of 4 Sunday’s of service.

They are divided up by 1st, 2nd , 3rd , 4th and 5th Sundays. When you commit to a specific Group, you will be signing up for 4 Sundays out of the year!

It is that easy!

Contact Shelly Worsley – shelly@fbcgso.org to find out what dates are available.

Worship Education needs teachers

BY VIRGINIA REYNOLDS

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nother opportunity to help with our children is with our four and five year olds. They have traditionally been given an opportunity to learn about worship on two tracks. The first half of the service, they attend worship with parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, or friends. Then mid-way through the service they exit for a special time of “Worship Education.” You may wonder why a two-fold approach. The first half is because children learn best when watching and imitating the real thing. The second half is because preschool age children need an opportunity to process what they have seen and heard, and Worship Education is that opportunity.

Teachers follow a set curriculum with a story time, as well as teach about the different elements of our worship time together. The young attention span means that children learn best with several different learning opportunities. Yet, the second opportunity is in danger of extinction. To date, several youth have been trained in assisting in this learning experience, but we do not have enough adult teachers to initiate another season of Worship Education for our preschool age friends.

If you would be willing to learn more about either of these service opportunities, please contact the Children’s Ministry office (274.3286, x241) or email Shelly Worsley ( shelly@fbcgso.org ) or Virginia Reynolds ( virginia@fbcgso.org )

Connect with Youth & College

Calendar|

Youth

August

Youth parents & kids: Keep this list of events to reference. Times are subject to change and new events may be added. If in doubt, contact the FBC youth department 274.3286, x235/x288 or check the website: www.fbcgso.org/youth

> Tuesday, August 6, 7 am– Arise! @ Grace UMC > Sunday, August 11, 5 pm– Sorrells Family Concert & Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship >Monday, August 12–High School Water Skiing @ Belews Lake, Time TBA > Tuesday, August 13, 7 am– Arise! @ Grace UMC > Friday, August 16– End of Summer Lock-In > Sunday, August 18– 10:30 am: Steve Cothran is Preaching @ FBC; 6 pm: Concert in the Park, Lindley Park, FAMILIES and Youth – Bring a picnic > Sunday, August 25– 9:15 am: Promotion Sunday (youth will go to their new Sunday School classes); 4 pm: Baptism and BBQ at the Lake

Welcoming College Student Visitors

BY LUKE ARNO, COLLEGE MINISTRY TEAM CHAIR

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t’s that time of year again. Parents and teenagers are frantically making sure they didn’t forget anything one month before the move-in date. Here in Greensboro we are blessed to have a wealth of colleges and universities, 6 in all counting Guilford College, UNC Greensboro, Greensboro College, Guilford Tech, Bennett College, and NC A&T. Each year in Greensboro there are almost 45,000 college students, and college is a time when students need Christ in their lives the most. Living on their own, they are faced with trials and temptations they may never have faced before.

Hopefully, many of these students will reach out to area churches to find a place to belong. They may not know why they are coming to the church, maybe they will just think it is the right thing to do, and with 2 of these colleges being only 2 blocks from First Baptist, many students will try our church. Our congregation can reach out to them. A church of our size can be intimidating (to say the least) to a college student attending for the first time.

We as a congregation CAN make a difference. We pride ourselves in being a missions-oriented church, and there is a great mission waiting just outside our doors. Most college students will sneak into the back of the sanctuary and try to be inconspicuous. They may not be dressed in their “Sunday best” but they will try to look nice with what they have in their dorm or apartment. Our number 1 priority is to make them feel welcome! Don’t treat them differently, but greet them as you would any other visitor and make them feel welcome.

Even if First Baptist does not become their home, by reaching out and making them feel cared for and loved, they will be stronger in Christ knowing that someone is there.

*Arise @ Grace UMC: Join us at 7 am and feed the hungry! Drop-off at 7 am at Grace UMC – Pick-up at Grace UMC at 9:30 am (438 West Friendly Avenue).

FBC Youth on Mission this Summer led Rosewood VBS...

PHOTOS BY ANNA STEPHENS

August 2013 | 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 June 30

Graham Bland (By Profession of Faith and Baptism)

Bereaved • Jean Shore in the loss of Ernie Shore, on June 29 • Melissa Sumner in the loss of her grandmother, Julia Ann Pace, on July 1 • Mike Elliott in the loss of his father, Sam Elliott, on July 2 • The family of Dr. Frank Atwater, on July 8 • Clyde Collins in the loss of his brother, Charles Collins, on July 10 • Bill Thomas (Happy Hearts) in the loss of his mother, Dorothy Yarborough, on July 10 • Ken Brannon in the loss of his aunt, Theda Cason, on July 15 • The family of Joy Morrison, on July 17 • David Smith in the loss of his father, C. P. Smith, on July 17 • Bunny Godfrey in the loss of her mother, Jean Symmes, on July 17 • The family of Clara Mason, on July 18 • Joanna Sample in the loss of her grandmother, Virginia Lindley Kirkman, on July 19

College Birthdays John Hardy 8/10 123 Brooks Ave Raleigh, NC 27606 jhardy@ncsu.edu

Caleb Rainey 8/29 2209 Lannigan Drive Greensboro, NC 27406 elias12@hotmail.com 10 | Connections

Stay Connected with Your FBC Family!

Make sure your contact information at FBC is up-to-date! If you have had any changes to any contact information: phone, email, address, etc., remember to let us know. Send all updates and changes to Rosemary Kellam ( rosemary@fbcgso.org / 274-3286, 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 online and check it out!

We are continually trying to find the best ways to communicate what is happening to you and we do this through email, phone tree messaging, newsletter, website, Facebook, Twitter, and even skyping Sunday School classes!

FBC August Birthdays 1: Lindsey Kalish 2: Sherwood Chesson, Wilma Fortune, Eleanor Patterson, Carol Putnam, Ruth Weston 3: Matt Chambers, Eloise Curlee, Larry Pike 4: Amanda Manning, Amy Overman, Sarah Pearce, Cassie Starnes 5: Debbie Huneycutt 6: Joy Davis, Michael Phillips, Martha Talley 7: No FBC Birthdays 8: Jeffrey Adams, Lois Harmon, Karl Lewis, Janet Moseley 9: Terri Battle, Dan Kennedy, Phyllis Parkerson 10: John Hardy, Samuel Sue 11: Martin Waitherero 12: Blake Absher, Doug Childs, Sue Weddle 13: Jim Frost, Marggie Samuel 14: Barbara Ingold, Alan Myrick, Earlean Price, Harrison Roberts 15: Betsy Absher, Warren Bass, Keith Burroughs, Penny Rowe 16: Geneva Metzger, Bill Simmons 17: Jean Bundy, Betty Case, Mike Elliott, Bob Godfrey, Pam Randleman, Joanna Sample 18: Kip Blakely, David Crews, Avery Payne 19: Dale Caldwell, Earl Lanning, Evelyn Polk 20: Paul Brady, David Gilliland, Randi Hathcock, Hal Koger, Elmer Puryear, Dolores Wayt 21: Shannon Knight, Bill Sessoms, Adair Suggs 22: Kim Bolton, Patrick Cashwell, Dot Collins, Eddie Wooten 23: Elizabeth Gibson, David Page, Jo Anne Thompson, Betty Whisenant 24: Delmas Bearden, Lorna Lanning, Becky Parham, Mary B. Pearce, Joshua Reynolds, Charlie Rierson 25: Martha Chandler, Amy Knight, Nancy Pappas, Martha Spangler, Alex Wells 26: Christopher Luper 27: Parrish Clodfelter, Rita Harrell, Dot Norris, Jim Pearce, Willie Pitts, Margaret Raines 28: Rob Young 29: Patricia Clark, Shelley Garrett, Lucille Hixon, Jeanette Mitchell, Billy Patterson, Caleb Rainey, Judy Ryan, Lauren Worsley 30: Kathy Sample 31: Larry Burroughs, Adair Garner

Take time to smell one more flower!

Sundays@FBC Prayer for Our Future - 9 am Bible Study - 9:15 am Worship - 10:30 am Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209) (No Wednesday night meals/activities in August.)

Sunday, August 11

•Church Conference and Cuisine. 108, 12 noon.

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No reservations required. $6/person– $20/family max.

Sorrells Family Concert of Worship and Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship.

Sanctuary/108, 5 pm. See the back cover for more information.

Sunday, August 25

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Promotion Sunday. Preschoolers, children, and youth go to their new Sunday School classes, 9:15 am.

Baptism and BBQ at the Lake. An afternoon of fun, fellowship, food, and an old-fashioned lake baptism. Camp Weaver, 4-7 pm. See page 3 for more information.

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Youth Calendar on Page 9 Key:

•All Ages •Children •Youth

What’s Cooking...

Fellowship Meal Changes

BY MARTY KELLAM

A

s in year’s past, the kitchen has been very busy this year. As of this writing we have served slightly over 12,000 meals for the 46 weeks or so we have been open. I need to say a huge thank you to Theo, our part time staff, Mildred Neal and Rashidah Cathy, and our ever faithful kitchen volunteers. There is no way I could do what I do without the support of these wonderful people.

This year the kitchen will be closed for the month of August for our annual cleaning. We will resume our Wednesday night meals on September 4.

As the upcoming year approaches, I want to let you know of some changes we are going to initially try.

1. Along with publishing the weekly menus in our monthly Connections magazine, we are going to try to list the menu for each week in the Sunday worship program and also have it mentioned during our time of fellowship announcements each Sunday morning.

2. We are going to bring back the weekly salad bar offerings. They may vary slightly from week to week and occasionally may incorporate a potato and/or pasta bar.

3. We are again going to offer a kid’s meal that will try to be in keeping with the theme of the adult meal.

4. In hopes of being a more convenient option for those individuals whose schedules haven’t always allowed their participation in our Wednesday evening fellowship, we are going to keep the serving line open until 6:30.

We are still in discussion about possible changes in our reservation and costs procedures. Ideas we have discussed include doing away with the “standing” reservation, incorporating an online payment option along with the online reservation system and the possibility of a “salad bar only” reservation option. We will keep you informed of what, if any, changes will be made.

August 2013 | 11

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro 1000 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401 www.fbcgso.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC NO. 179

Songs of the Blessed...

A Concert of Worship

Followed by a Homemade Ice Cream Fellowship Sunday, August 11, 5 pm, FBC Sanctuary

I

nspired by the hymn text, “We shall sing the melodious songs of the blessed,” Clark, Karen, Hannah and Jacob Sorrells will offer expressions of faith through classical, folk, gospel, and contemporary sacred music. Combining voices in a variety of combinations and incorporating piano, guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, dulcimer, and recorder, this concert will be uniquely diverse and reflective of this family’s belief that music makes a home richer and a life more connected to God.

If you would like to bring a gallon of your favorite homemade ice cream to share following the concert, please contact the Music office (274.3286, x239 or janeanne@fbcgso.org ).