Connections - November 2013 Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2013 // www.fbcgso.org // 336.274.3286

Fall Family Fun Fest

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

November 2013 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life...

(Proverbs 11.30)

December Connections Deadline: November 18 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 Virginia Reynolds, Assistant Pastor - Preschool/Children virginia@fbcgso.org / x241 Alan Sherouse, Senior Pastor alan@fbcgso.org / x231 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

3 Insight | by Alan Sherouse 4 Connect with Access – New Classes Start November 6 – Connecting with Music – Go out on a Limb–That’s Where the Fruit Is – “Let It Go” – The Sermon on the Mount

5 Profile of FBC Divinity Student Jason Knight 6 Connect with Missions – Feast of Caring – Operation Christmas Child | by Carolyn Clontz – Equal Exchange | by Kelly Stephens

7 Connect with the Community – FBC Weekday School – Upward | by Tommy Starnes – Fall Family Fun Fest

8 Connect with Youth | by Steve Cothran Connect with Music Connect with Business

9 Connect with Adults –Warm Winter Fellowships are Coming! | by Alice Angell –November 4 PrimeTime Program –Day Trips to Super Senior Fest and Southern Supreme in Bear Creek

10 Connect with One Another 11 November Calendar –Looking Ahead to December

12 Thanksgiving Celebrations

BY ALAN SHEROUSE

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mong the many highlights of my first month as your Pastor was our Missions Fair on October 13.

“I can’t remember the last time I saw this many people in the Fellowship Hall” several people said. The room was full of people and charged with energy, as 30+ of our mission partners and friends set up informational tables describing the numerous involvements of First Baptist.

Our members walked about the room learning more about some of our efforts to love our neighbors and engage our community. It was a great day and we’re grateful to the many staff and lay leaders who worked to coordinate such a fine event.

Unfortunately, I didn’t win any of the “fabulous door prizes,” but I did take home a much broader understanding of our missional identity. One of the things I have heard consistently through this season of transition is our church’s desire to compliment our inward focus with a growing outward focus. While I agree that outward focus and new ways of loving of our neighbors will be a vital part of our life together in the future, I am also encouraged by all the ways we are already turned and turning outward. In other words, the Missions Fair not only showed me opportunities for growth, it also reminded me of strengths that already exist.

More than anything else, this has been the theme of my early “listening and learning” days with you: the growing awareness of our strengths. It’s easy for churches to focus on challenges and deficiencies when looking toward the

future (ie. “These are the problems we need to solve…”).

But if we’re limited to a deficiency mindset, it will only take us so far. The greatest source of hope for our future is not in problem-solving or in external strategy or templates, but in the gifts and strengths that already exist in the life of our church. This approach is often called Appreciative Inquiry.

Much more than a simple exercise, AI is a mindset, a way of life, and a culture we build together in the stories we tell and the things we celebrate. Our strengths encourage us to grow, giving us links to our past and hopeful images of our future.

I hope you’ll continue to help me by offering your stories and insights as I learn to appreciate our church and the strengths that have been nurtured over time.

Some of the early strengths I’ve seen include the beauty of our worship tradition, the broad use of our tremendous building, our multi-program offerings for families, our gifted ministers and staff, our “downtown” location and the opportunities for civic engagement therein, our history of denominational leadership, our support and love for one another, and our passion for serving our wider community locally and beyond. These gifts, and more, provide us with resources we need as we look toward the hopeful days ahead.

My hope for the future begins with an awareness of the strengths that already exist. In the words of one Missions Fair guest, who was representing a local healthcare agency: “I know you’re new, so you need to know how wonderful this church is and how much it means to the community.”

November is our Season of Commitment Abundant Life is focus in worship and preaching Jesus said, “I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly” - John 10:10 The theme of abundance is found throughout the biblical story, from the God who creates the earth and calls it “good” to Jesus who calls followers to life that is abundant and overflowing. Throughout the Commitment season of November (10, 17, and 24) our worship and preaching will focus on this theme, calling us to consider our own call to life abundant and our commitment to live that life together at First Baptist Greensboro.

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Connect with Access

NEW Wednesday Night Access Classes begin November 6 Classes run from 6:15 - 7:10 pm. Choose from four seminar tracks that run through December 11 except as noted.

There will be no Wednesday night activities during Thanksgiving week.

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Connecting with Music

Here’s an Access class that we hope will ring a bell.

Connecting With Music will explore the art and skill of handbell ringing. Music reading is a prerequisite for this course, but no ringing experience is required. Note: Rehearsals will end on December 4. To sign-up, contact: Doug Vancil– doug@fbcgso.org / 274.3286, x237 Terri Vancil– terri@fbcgso.org / 274.3286, x238 Led by Louise Burroughs, in 319

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Go out on a Limb– That’s Where the Fruit Is

Capturing a spirit of joy, zest and fulfillment in life is like an autumn harvest. It is like reaching high and wide to grasp the biggest, juiciest, reddest apple on the tree. How can we take responsibility for the harvest in our own lives while the world around us is in chaos? Why don’t we go out on a limb to pluck the red apple of success in our own lives?

You are the only person who can fulfill the ministry God called you to do. Our calling is to bring forth our fruit in our season. Psalm 1:3 tells us “They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prosper.” This is the ideal for us today as we continue our own journey of ministry as followers of Christ at FBC Greensboro. This is what God wants for us and has in store for us.

Join me as we look at Go Out on a Limb—That’s Where the Fruit Is and explore seven easy steps to help us appreciate our own beauty which God created. Our goal will be to consider how we can make a series of small changes that lead us from nondescript to glowing.

Led by Jennie Counts, in 102

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ACCESS . . . growth experiences for where you are in l i fe

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“Let It Go”

The house is clean, lunches are packed, dinner is in the crockpot, children are dressed, afternoon carpools arranged and out the door we run, ready to tackle another day. We’ve got it all under control. We are mothers, its what we do. We take control. But, sometimes being in control may get a little out of hand and we find ourselves spiraling down the path to becoming control freaks! An exhausting journey indeed!

It not only has an impact on us, but also our relationships with our family and friends. Maybe we need to learn it’s time to let it go.

You are invited to join us as we delve into Karen Ehman’s book, Let It Go. We may find great reward in learning to live “out of control”, letting go and letting God. Led by Kelly Cornett, in the Café

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The Sermon on the Mount

Perhaps the most famous of the teachings of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount is a rich collection of the wisdom of Christ. From the Beatitudes to the Golden Rule, Jesus covers the vast landscape of what it means to live a life of faith. You are invited to participate and unpack the wealth of meaning in these priceless words of Christ. Led by Dr. Steve Pressley, in Chapel.

Answering God’s Call to Wake Forest University School of Divinity A Letter from FBC Member Jason Knight

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ollowing thoughtful prayer and discussion, engagement. In order for us to truly learn, we need to I provide you this personal statement regarding my be imaginative about creating a diverse community for decision to accept admission into the Wake Forest ourselves. Without diversity we tend to lose our ability to University School of Divinity in August of this year. affectively engage our larger community. Unfortunately, After my graduation from the Wake Forest University my experience in the practice of law has been at odds with School of Law, I began practicing law in Greensboro, these personal desires.

North Carolina. When transitioning from a student to a I chose to accept the invitation for admission to the professional, I remained mindful of the fact that I gain Wake Forest University School of Divinity for numerous energy and fulfillment when seeking reasons. Specifically, my family’s connection “Some are hungry for food; with Wake Forest University is significant to serve, and when serving others. some are hungry for Accomplishing this goal has proven and important to me. Also, I am friends difficult in a field that thrives on being fellowship; while others are with current and former students of the adversarial. As a result, I have sought hungry for God. In the end, School of Divinity who speak very highly opportunities outside of my profession of their education. Finally, the location of all of us KNOW HUNGER.” Wake Forest is significant for me, to serve others, including those who find themselves homeless and hungry. By way of example, my wife and our 3 children. in October of 2010 I returned from a weekend retreat in I have struggled for years to take this step toward Wilmington, North Carolina and ten (10) days later began a pursuing a life in ministry. Each time I have felt God’s call, local ministry known as ARISE at Grace.

I have tried to suppress it through work, responsibilities ARISE at Grace is a weekly feeding ministry that serves and financial concerns. However, I came to a point in my the homeless and transitional community in Greensboro. I life where I simply strategically decided not to promote this ministry as food could no longer for the homeless because I ignore the feeling believe we thrive when we that I am called to be find similarities with other something more and people. As a result, ARISE do something more. has always been promoted Please know that and discussed as a free meal this decision was not for the hungry. Through easy for me, especially personal funds, donations of when factoring the time and resources, as well as financial aspects fundraising, ARISE is a ministry that grew from serving 8 of being a fullpeople, to serving approximately 150 on a weekly basis. This time student while ministry has definitely shaped my sense of God, self, church also maintaining a and community. full-time practice of law. However, I experienced a clear Jesus commissioned us to “feed his sheep” and through knowing that I could no longer suppress God’s call in my ARISE, this commission has become that much clearer for life. me. Specifically, hunger does not discriminate and from In addition, I have had some discussions with our new that first Tuesday to now, all who have experienced ARISE Senior Pastor, Alan Sherouse, regarding the Divinity School know that hunger is challenges that I will face. Alan has already proved to be our common bond. a valuable resource. As we move forward, it is my sincere Some are hungry for hope that Alan will be able to serve as a mentor. food; some are hungry Lastly, I am very thankful for your thoughts and prayers for fellowship; while for our family as we transition to this new life. There are others are hungry for definitely nerves associated with a move like this at this point God. In the end, all of in our lives. However, we are very excited and believe that all us know hunger. will be provided, as needed. We appreciate our Church family In addition, I at FBC-Greensboro in so many ways and we hope that our have long sought a learning environment founded on inclusion in that family honors each of you. imaginative courses and diverse programs of community Grace & Peace, Jason November 2013 | 5

Connect with Missions

Feast of Caring G

Thursday, November 21 • 5 - 7 pm, FBC Fellowship Hall

reensboro Urban Ministry’s 22nd annual Feast of Caring will be held this month. The Feast of Caring is an event which invites the community to help kick-off the ministry’s annual fund-raising campaign.

The gathering is noted for the beautiful pottery donated by local potters. When you make a minimum $25 pledge or donation to Greensboro Urban Ministry, you will receive a pottery bowl or five Honor Cards. All participants at the Feast of Caring enjoy freshly prepared soup and homemade bread. The event marks the introduction of the new Honor Card for the holiday season, based on original artwork by local artist William Mangum.

Homelessness is a challenge for nearly every community. The Honor Card program is an annual campaign to raise awareness and funds to meet the needs of the homeless. The Honor Card program is one of the most well run and leveraged charitable programs in the country. As the Honor Card program reaches its 25th anniversary, $4,071,349 has been raised to support homeless agencies across our state.

Operation Christmas Child –the real miracle is what goes beyond the shoebox

– supporting small-scale farmers through fair trade

BY CAROLYN CLONTZ

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id you know that Operation Christmas Child is about more than filling your shoeboxes with coloring books, toys, and toothbrushes. Your gifts enable Samaritan’s Purse to share the Good News of God’s greatest gift – His Son, Jesus Christ – with boys and girls who need to know how much Jesus loves them.

Start packing your shoeboxes now.

Along with each box, please include $7 to pay for shipping (checks payable to Samaritan’s Purse). If you do not have time to shop and would like help with a shoebox, we have volunteers who will shop for you! Just bring a check for $27 (made out to FBC with OCC in the memo).

Mark your calendars for our churchwide “Dedication Day” on

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HS Youth Choir Equal Exchange Fundraiser!

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Sunday, November 24. Bring your shoeboxes to the Atrium before Sunday School and Worship and plan to join us for the dedication prayer in the Atrium immediatley following Worship.

Questions: Operation Christmas Child coordinator, Carolyn Clontz jwcqclontz@gmail.com / 288-3216.

opefully you were able to sample some of the delicious chocolates and coffees from Equal Exchange during the Missions Fair, when the High School Youth introduced their fundraiser to FBC. Through November 30 you can place your order. Find a High School Youth that you know and order Coffee, Chocolates, Tea, Gift Items, and more!

Each youth has a catalog and will be taking orders to independently raise funds for their Spring Mission/Choir trip to Romania.

Equal Exchange was chosen because selling these products makes a difference in the lives of small farmers and artisans across the globe. They are able to provide for their families, improve their communities, and care for their land through fair trade and that is exciting.

Help support fair trade and your FBC youth going on mission!

Connect with the Community

FBC Weekday School and You… Serving Families in Our Community

UPWARD is ALL in, are you?

BY TOMMY STARNES

BY GINNY CARPENTER

this event makes it possible for us to chool is back in session, and give scholarship help to our families. we are so glad to have our Without these proceeds, we could families back and to welcome not help all the families that request new families into our school–including scholarship assistance.

Jack Sherouse, our newest student! We Speaking of the Via Scholarship… are already exploring fall, having fun our Board met in September and with our class pumpkins, talking about awarded scholarships in varying the change in seasons, and loving the amounts to 10 families, supporting fall weather! a total of 12 children. Our sale and Fall means time to re-link your our November Soup lunch help us Harris Teeter card to give free cash to sustain this fund that allows children our school. The school number is 8564. to attend preschool when their families You may link your card at the store, cannot pay the total tuition required. on line, or by giving your number to Personal donations also support the Via anyone at the preschool. We can link Scholarship fund, and we are always your card for you! Last spring, we so glad to have donations made to our received a check for over $200–free scholarship fund. money–because you linked your card On November 10, the Weekday to our school! Thank you! This check School will host our annual Soup Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Delicious homemade soups, bread, and cookies Weekday School will be available after worship for a donation. Maybe instead of going out to eat after church, you could bring your family to our Benefits the Weekday School Soup Lunch. The Via Scholarship Fund donation is your choice, but perhaps you’d like to donate what it would cost you to take your went into our Via Scholarship fund. family out to eat. Your donations will Our fall Consignment Sale was a help us meet the obligations that we huge success. We had more consignors have taken on–in faith–to support our than we have ever had before, and we families. made more money than we have ever Thank you for your prayers, made before! Thank you for supporting your service, and your dedication to that effort by participating, bringing supporting our preschool. We are so food, volunteering, consigning or blessed to be in this church and to be buying sale items. All proceeds go able to serve our families through this to our Via Scholarship fund, and ministry.

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ovember is a crucial month in our Upward ministry.

We need several volunteers (between 5:30 - 8 pm) to meet, greet, size uniforms, and score the evaluation nights on November 12 and 14.

A second viable part of this ministry is the scholarship opportunities we provide to those who, otherwise, could not afford to participate. For $75, consider sponsoring a child for cheerleading or basketball this year.

Thirdly, every one of us are prayerful people! Please continue to pray for this ministry and The “Expectation of God Moments” we continue to see year round. Join us Sunday Nov. 17th at 8:30 am for a free pancake breakfast and pickup your 100 days of prayer sheets.

Show us how you’re All In! For more info contact Tommy Starnes ( tstarnes@triad.rr.com / 274-3289).

Fall Family Fun Fest

Admission: One canned food for Greensboro Urban Ministry November 2013 | 7

Connect with Youth

Connect with Music

Join the Club…the Horrible Parents Club

BY STEVE COTHRAN

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t’s okay to admit it. It’s actually the only way to get help. And we’re not alone.

In fact, we’re in very good company if we think about it.

Adam and Eve. Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and “the boys.” Hannah.

David. Hosea and Gomer.

Mary and Joseph.

What?!? Mary and Joseph were chosen by God to be the mother and father of Jesus! They weren’t “horrible parents”! Really?

Have you ever left your child somewhere and not been able to find them for 3 days? (Wishing you could do this for at least 3 days sometimes also qualifies.)

I’m just saying, sometimes we look at God’s people in the Bible as sterling examples of faith, and we should. That’s why they are

mentioned. But we should also look at them as real, flawed human beings— just like we are—who occasionally mess up even though they are trying their best to follow God. They are part of the story to help us realize we can be part of the story.

Look, I don’t want to admit all of the mistakes I’ve made as a parent. Sure, to say the least, it would be entertaining—plus everyone would leave feeling much better about themselves and their own parenting skills! But we only have one hour each Sunday afternoon at 4:00.

It’s a good hour to learn from each other as we share insights on some of our “horrible” moments.

And some of our best.

Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach

BY DOUG VANCIL

December 22 10:30 am

by Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra Sanctuary Choir is always open to new singers. Even if for the short term, come and be a part of this most joyous Christmas music!

Two rehearsals offered per week: Sundays, 7 – 8 pm or Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 pm. Choose one or both.

Childcare is available.

We are eager to help you find your place in music ministry at FBC! Contact: Doug Vancil: 274-3286 ext. 237, doug@fbcgso.org Terri Vancil: 274-3286 ext 238, terri@fbcgso.org

Connect with Business

October Church Conference The monthly Church Conference took place following the worship service on October 13, 2013. The following actions were taken: Becky Starnes, Pastoral Discernment Council chair made the following motion: Motion: “Therefore, on behalf of the Pastoral Discernment Council, I move that the following portions of the Bylaws be waived for the next three years as they relate to the membership of the Pastoral Discernment Council: (1) Article VI, Paragraph D, limiting service on a standing committee to three years, and (2) Article VI, Paragraph I. g. 1, specifying that former Diaconate Chairpersons serve for a twoyear term.”

Action: The motion was approved.

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September Financial Update As expected September receipts were significantly below budget and last year’s receipts. (Due to the change in emphasis on budget determination, the September 30th cutoff was no longer driving the need for contributions to set the budget for the following year.)

Year-to-date budget receipts are about 7% below budget. While overall spending is below budget, expenses have still exceeded income by $126,562. Nevertheless, FBC maintains a strong operating cash balance. Please remember that you can stay up-to-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 give onetime and recurring gifts on-line at www.fbcgso.org/give_to_fbc .

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

Actual

Budget

Last Year

$151,298 $178,191 $1,179,583 $1,273,972 $1,306,145 $1,324,683 ($126,562) ($50,711)

$236,718 $1,292,976 $1,233,070 $59,906

Connect with Adults

Warm Winter Fellowships are Coming!

BY ALICE ANGELL

“Warm Winter Fellowships” are an opportunity to become better acquainted with other adult members of our church family by sharing a table and good food together. Small groups will be formed (6-8 adults) who will share a meal once a month, for at least four months, beginning in January.

We have a team that will organize the names into intergenerational groups.

You may decide to meet for lunch, breakfast, brunch or dinner. You may choose to meet in homes, restaurants, at a park or a combination of all these. Each small group will decide when and where to meet.

Be looking for a Sign-Up sheet in the next newsletter, your Sunday School class and on the Wednesday night tables. In addition, there will be forms in the Atrium. Please do this by November 24.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy dinner with friends, both old and new!

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Alice Angell– aangell@triad.rr.com / 282-3566 or Steve Cothran– stevec@fbcgso.org / 274-3286, x235.

PrimeTime - Nov. 4th Lisa Dames and “The Music of Patsy Cline” 10 years ago Lisa Dames appeared on the stage at The Barn Dinner Theatre as Patsy Cline for the first time. 10 years and 10 productions later, Lisa is still one of the most sought after Patsy Cline actresses.

PrimeTime includes– 9 am - Ceramics, Gym 9:30 am - Prayer Shawl Knitting, 108-A 11 am - Bible Study “Prayers of the Bible” with Dr. Pressley, 218 12 noon - Lunch, 108 Reservation deadline is October 31.

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

Day Trip to Super Senior Fest

Day Trip to Southern Supreme

November 7

November 19 annual Fruit Cake run

We will attend the program and lunch at Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville, NC for their Super Senior Fest. Lunch will be delicious Lexington barbecue.

Depart FBC at 9:00 am.

Return at 3:30 pm.

Cost is $9/person and includes lunch.

Deadline to sign-up: November 4 Sign up for this trip: Dolly Chesson - 545.7712 schesson@triad.rr.com Monica Vaughan - 323.0335 edwinv550@aol.com Sign up online using the “Events” link on the homepage: www.fbcgso.org

We will travel to Bear Creek for a plant tour and eat lunch at Grille 584 in Burlington.

Depart FBC at 8:30 am.

Return at 2:30 pm.

Cost is $4/person plus lunch.

Sign up for this trip: Dolly Chesson - 545.7712 schesson@triad.rr.com Monica Vaughan - 323.0335 edwinv550@aol.com Sign up online using the “Events” link on the homepage: www.fbcgso.org

November 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)

Biblical Recorder subscription renewals are due:

Responding to the Invitation on October 20

For those who wish to subscribe for another year, the subscription rate is $15.99 and your payments are due in the financial office by November 22.

Contact: Dolores Donahue – dolores@fbcgso.org@fbcgso.org / 274.3286, x226

November Birthdays 1.

2.

3.

4.

Shirley Brown, CJ Tillotson, Ellis Vaughan Bonnie Morrah, Jack Steelman, Ann Trull Debbie Garner, Jennifer Lewis Teena Hauselman, Howard Hicks, Hubert Johnson, Fred Lewis, Heather Power, Helen Vaughan 5. Ava Carr, Carol Jean Miller, Ed Mitchell, Mike Stone 6. John Matthews, Angela Peeler 7. Danny Edwards 8. Harry Kalpagian, Bobby Stutts 9. Parker Hall 10. Sara Denmark, Jacob Knight, Dave Worsley 11. Martha Cox, Matthew Kennedy, Glorine Luper, David Wells 12. Carolyn Clontz, Bob Curlee, Ada Harris, Roxana Johnson, Evan Raines, Ginny Smith 13. Harold Messick, Declan Stephens, Trent Stockard, Kendra Winston 14. Maxine Crews, David English, Reba House, Virginia Seagraves, Janey Twigg 15. Doris Edmonds, Tyler Katowitz, Monica Vaughan 16. Ken Brannon 17. Kendall Gooding, Rebecca Little 18. Elaine McRae 19. Michaela Stutts 20. Adam Hardy, Arlene Morrison, Dillon Peeler, Betty Sessoms 21. John Thompson 22. Bobby Holmes, Mitchell Lewis, Lily Morrow 23. Jack Echerd, David Newsom, John Shackelford 24. Juanita Hendrix, Esther Hutcherson, Burr Hutchison, Kay Mills, Dot Rierson, Susan Smith, Shelly Worsley 25. Megan Barlow, Hazel Fisher, Myra Hinson, Nancy McNeil, Doug Vancil 26. Louise Burroughs, Connie Carter, Jake Isom, Samuel Messick, Hilary Wilder, Anna Woodroof 27. Jeff Bennett, Jim Greene, Anna Hartis, Jan Hensley, Barbara Russell 28. Fred Brown, Sandy Gilliland, Kelly Stephens, Travis Wilder 29. Graham Bolton, Zach Howerton 30. Kelsey Peeler 10 | Connections

Grayson Smith (By Profession of Faith and Baptism)

Bereaved • The family of Lib Jessup, on September 22 • D.C. Thompson in the loss of his sister, Norma Price, on September 30 • The family of Bidney Dixon, on October 3 • Chris Hauselman in the loss of his stepfather, Tommy Strigo, on October 5 • Agnes Moore in the loss of her mother, Agnes Shipley, on October 6 • The family of Charlie Ripley, on October 11

Mitchell Lewis 11/22 1526 Tryon Road Raleigh, NC 27603 mtlewis2@ncsu.edu

Kelsey Peeler 11/30 Western Carolina University 245 Memorial Drive Suite 7251 Cullowhee, NC 28723 kkpeeler2@catamount.wcu.edu

•Saturday, November 2– Fall Family Fun Fest. FBC lawn, 3 - 5 pm (See page 7) •Sunday, November 3– All Saints’ Day. 10:30 am.

•Monday, November 4– PrimeTime. 9 am - Lunch. (See page 9) •Thursday, November 7– Super Senior Fest Day Trip. (See page 9) •Sunday, November 10– Church Conference/Via Scholarship Soup Lunch.

108, 12 noon (See page 7) Friday, November 15– Happy Hearts Thanksgiving Dinner. 108, 6 pm (See back page) Saturday, November 16– CBFNC Children’s Mission Day. FBC Raleigh, 8 am - 5 pm Sunday, November 17– Upward Prayer Breakfast. 108, 8:30 am (See page 7) Tuesday, November 19– Southern Supreme Fruitcake Factory Day Trip.

(See page 9) Thursday, November 21– Feast of Caring. 108, 5 pm (See page 6) Sunday, November 24– Operation Christmas Child Dedication. (See page 6) Tuesday, November 26– Thanksgiving Dinner. 108, 6 pm (See back page)

• • • • • • •

NOTE: November 28-29– Church offices will be closed

Looking Ahead to December...

• Friday, December 6: Festival of Lights featuring Youth Bell Choirs, Downtown Greensboro, 6 - 7:30 pm • Sunday, December 8: Hanging of the Green, 6 pm • Sunday, December 15: Churchwide Caroling, 3 pm & LoveFeast, 5 pm • Wednesday, December 18: Family Christmas Sing, 6:15 pm • Sunday, December 22: Worship/ Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, 10:30 am • Tuesday, December 24: Carols & Communion

by Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, 5 pm

Key:

November Fellowship Meals Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm 6: Country Style Steak, Mashed Potatoes, & Green Beans // Kids: Mini Burgers 13: BBQ, Cole Slaw, & Baked Beans // Kids: Corn Dog 20: Maple Balsamic Chicken (this dish has peanuts), Rice Pilaf, & Collard Greens Kids: Chicken Fingers 26: (Tuesday at 6 pm) Churchwide Traditional Thanksgiving Meal

Regular Weekly Schedule Sunday AM @FBC •Bible Study - 9:15 am •Worship - 10:30 am •Guest Reception - 11:45 am (209) Sunday PM @FBC •Following Christ, 3:30 pm • Youth Bells I & II, 4 pm • Children’s Bells, 5 pm • Children’s Bible Drill, 6 pm • Youth: MS Discipleship & HS Choir, 5 pm • Youth Snack Supper • Youth: MS Choir & HS Discipleship, 6 pm • Adult Bells I, 6 pm • Sanctuary Choir, 7 pm • Instrumental Ensemble (3rd Sundays), 7 pm

Wednesdays@FBC •Fellowship Meal - Dinner is served between 5-6:30 pm •Kids’ Access - 6 pm •Youth Forum - 6:15 pm •Adult Access Classes - 6:15 pm •Sanctuary Choir - 7:15 pm Don’t forget: Turn your clocks back one hour when you go to bed Saturday night, November 2.

•Adults •All Ages •Children •Seniors •Weekday School •Worship •Youth November 2013 | 11

First Bapt ist Church Greensboro

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC

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

give

thanks

NO. 179

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind—(Psalm 107.8)

Happy Hearts Thanksgiving Dinner Friday, November 15 at 6 pm in 108

Happy Hearts celebrates with family and group home friends for a delicious turkey dinner at FBC.

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Tuesday, November 26 at 6 pm in 108

Plan to attend our annual Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal of turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, dressing, rolls, green beans, sweet potatoes souffle, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and beverages. Reservations ARE NEEDED! The reservation deadline is Sunday, November 24. All “standing” Wednesday night reservations are not valid for the Thanksgiving dinner. To RSVP, contact Rosemary Kellam (274.3286, x225/ rosemary@fbcgso.org ) or sign-up on the FBC website Events: Reservations/Register page ( www.fbcgso.org/events_reservations_registration ). Childcare will be available for children 5 years and younger during the brief service that follows dinner. Please make your childcare reservations when making your dinner reservations.