First Baptist Owensboro
February 2018
LOOKING BACK AT 2017
FIRST ON MISSION
UPCOMING EVENTS
Last year was a big year at FBC. Our
Get an update from the Scott family in
This issue includes some great opportu-
ministers reflect on all that God did.
Southeast Asia on pages 8–9.
nities for you to get involved at FBC.
Table of Contents A Word from Paul ................................................. 1 2017: A Year in Review by Paul Strahan & the Ministerial Staff of FBC .....................................2–7 Last year was a big one for First Baptist Owensboro. We saw mission trips, Vacation Bible School, the end of our Phase II construction project, service projects, and more! Walk down memory lane in pictures while reading reflections from our ministerial staff.
Pg. 2–7
First On Mission Update by the Scotts ...........8–9 The Scotts update us on life in Southeast Asia and how the Lord is working through their family and their ministry.
Parenting Seminar................................................. 9 Our ApParent Privilege parenting seminar is now a four week Sunday School class! This class is designed to equip parents participating in FBC’s Dedication of Families—happening later this semester. It is also for anyone that desiring to prepare for or grow in biblical parenting.
Know Your Deacons............................................10 Night of Praise .....................................................11 January: A Month in Review..............................12 Calendar of Events ..............................................13 On the Cover: First Baptist Owensboro held Bridge Walk on Saturday, September 23rd. We served water and applied temporary face decals as people crossed the bridge on Owensboro's Bridge Day.
Pg. 8–9
MEET OUR STAFF PASTOR Paul Strahan PStrahan@fbcowb.org WORSHIP Derry Billingsley DBillingsley@fbcowb.org DISCIPLESHIP Wesley Dunn WDunn@fbcowb.org
ADMINISTRATION & SENIOR ADULTS Bob Farmer BFarmer@fbcowb.org
INTERIM STUDENTS JJ Poole JJPoole@fbcowb.org
CHILDREN Suzie Horner SHorner@fbcowb.org
RECREATION Dave Roberts DRoberts@fbcowb.org
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Ginger Mayfield GMayfield@fbcowb.org
FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR Barbara Wright BWright@fbcowb.org
OFFICE MANAGER Judi West JWest@fbcowb.org ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Michele Burton MBurton@fbcowb.org Susan Dant SDant@fbcowb.org
230 JR Miller Boulevard • Owensboro, KY 42303 • 270.683.3505 • fbcowb.org
T
he first two Sundays of 2018,
Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both
I encouraged and challenged
now and to the day of eternity.
you to make this a year of
“personal spiritual growth!” I pray you will do the same and be intentional about growing daily in your relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible is filled with Scripture admonishing, encouraging, and urging us to grow to full maturity in Christ. Here are two examples. Ephesians 4:14–15 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 2 Peter 3:17–18 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Here is a list of areas (not exhaustive) in which you could grow this year. • Grow in your knowledge of God’s Word • Grow in your love of God’s Word • Grow your understanding of your position as a child of the King • Grow in your willingness to share the gospel • Grow in the area of being the spiritual leader in your home • Grow as a husband, wife, son, or daughter • Grow in Scripture memorization • Grow in your giving • Grow in your prayer life Where do you start, and how do you grow?
• Make it a daily discipline 1 Timothy 4:7–8 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. In January, I spoke about living each day for God’s glory. When 2018 ends, I want to look back and see that I have grown spiritually in my relationship with the Lord, and I sought to live each day for His glory. To glorify God means to bring Him honor through what we say, how we act, and how we think. To glorify God means acknowledging His glory and valuing it above all things. It means we make it known to others. It means we have a heartfelt gratitude. We glorify God through our faith, our love, and our desire to obey Him. We glorify
• Start where you are • Be intentional • Seek the help of others! Apart from the Holy Spirit, there will be no growth. • Begin with the end in mind
God through our desire to know Him. Let’s make 2018 a year to remember by growing in our relationship with the Lord!
2017: A Year in Review by Paul Strahan & the Ministerial Staff
W
e are one month in to the new year, and it’s always good to reflect on
the previous one. 2017 was filled with activity, and God continues to do some awesome things through First Baptist Owensboro and its people. I want to take this opportunity to look back at some highlights from specific areas of
2 | Connect Magazine
ministry here at First Baptist.
Dave Roberts, Recreation The CLC has been busy with multiple activities geared toward making, maturing, and multiplying disciples. Our fitness room is seeing more use by members and non-members but could certainly withstand more traffic from
church members, especially those who have a healthier 2018 in their resolutions. Church members have free access to the fitness area, with an entry card that can be purchased for only $5. Staff would be happy to introduce you to the equipment and its workings. Non-members pay $60 per individual or $100 per family for four months of
In July 2017—48 children grades 2-6—attended summer camp at Jonathan Creek.
five to ten individuals weekly throughout the year utilizing our shower facilities. Most are very appreciative of our service. The Recreation Ministry also hosted a trip for seniors to a Reds versus Cards baseball game (Reds won, yea!), took families to Evansville for Otters baseball, held our annual Church Picnic at Ben Hawes, and organized Bridge Walk water distribution. Other new programs consisted of Men’s Night Out, Friday Foursomes, and the reestablished Ice Cream Social. Introduction of Pickleball is beginning to take root with play on Tuesday evenings. The connecting of the CLC with the church has allowed for better use of Sunday School classes and an expansion of needed space for music ministry. The new weekday entrance should lead to better access and hopefully more use of our great facility. Thanks to the staff in the CLC (JJ Poole, Nate Morris, and Colby Clark) for their service and work throughout 2017. We look forward to serving together in 2018!
Wesley Dunn, Discipleship membership. The walking track gets
GRADSA Dance Squad, crafts, ARC,
high usage during the heat of summer
as well as special occasions for Mentor
and cold of winter. Exercising together
Kids, Refugee Fellowship, and FCA
is a great way to grow physically and
Soccer Camp. In addition, many gather-
spiritually. Come join us.
ings (birthdays, showers, family events)
During the year the Recreation Ministry hosted many community groups such as Cub Scouts, Toastmasters,
were held in the CLC by both members and non-members, although usage was down due to the renovation and construction. The CLC sees approximately
The year began with many of our Sunday School classes relocating due to the renovation, and at the conclusion of the project, most classes found themselves in a completely new location. The flexibility of so many throughout the process was much appreciated, especially the leaders of the classes! Continued on next page
This Page (top to bottom): In January, Dr. Donald Whitney led his seminar, "Praying the Bible", on Saturday and spoke on Sunday morning; in March, our students participated in a city-wide DNow weekend, having times of worship and learning as well as serving in various projects; in 2017, in partnership with the International Center in Owensboro, First Baptist began hosting refugee fellowships in the CLC that included games, Bible stories, conversations, and food. Opposite Page (left to right): Over Memorial Day weekend, a few families from FBC hosted block parties for their neighborhoods; in June, Mrs. Suzie was able to present the gospel to the children who attended VBS—an average of 114 children and 86 volunteers attended each day! 4 | Connect Magazine
There was also a trip to Nashville for a
engaged several folks who had not been
out snacks, et cetera, seeds are plant-
men’s conference where several of our
in Sunday School. Please pray that these
ed and kids hear the gospel of Christ.
guys attended LifeWay's Main Event
groups will be making, maturing, and
None of this would be possible without
Conference. Many of the men com-
multiplying disciples for the glory of
our faithful team members and volun-
mented on how much the conference
God! Of course, there are many more
teers.
impacted them and their walk with the
things going on in the realm of dis-
Lord!
cipleship that we just don’t see. There
The year also saw the launch of Grace Marriage at FBC! The response has been great, and throughout 2018 there will be 31 couples working toward healthier biblical marriages. One of the most exciting things that happened in 2017 was the launch of three new Sunday School classes! In November, we started the Young Adult Men (led by Jeremy Shiflet & Kevin Young), Young Adult Women (led by Cortney Inklebarger), and Intermediate Adult Women (led by Amy Burgan & Jean Byrd) classes. The great thing about these classes so far is that they have
are men and women meeting with and discipling others that are not publicized events, but these gatherings are invaluable. May the Lord continue to multiply the discipleship efforts of believers at FBC in the days ahead!
Ginger Mayfield, Preschool Reflecting on the passing year, I am deeply humbled and thankful God chose me as FBC's new preschool director. Our church is blessed with many people who give so consistently in the Preschool Department. Through all the
In the Preschool Department, we definitely rally around our church’s mission statement: Making, Maturing, Multiplying. In 2017, we multiplied by 15 new members and promoted eight to the kindergarten class. Our children were taught on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights from the curriculum Bible Studies for Life based on levels of Biblical learning. They celebrated holidays, made many crafts, ate a plethora of goldfish, and sang beautifully in front of our congregation. It was a wonderful year full of God's blessings!
Continued on next page
prep work, changing diapers, passing February 2018 | 5
Suzie Horner, Children
assembled and delivered to the
Our Children's Ministry had an im-
tion for children whose parents are
pactful year of giving and serving our
incarcerated
community. The following are a few
•
three children donated their AWA-
ways God's love was shown through our
NA points to buy a coat for a child
First Baptist Owensboro children.
and one donated her points to make
•
60 Valentine's Day cards made at AWANA for the Veteran's Clinic
•
31 bags filled with toys, hygiene products, and New Testaments made by Cinderella Ball attendees and taken to Oasis
•
121 Bibles sent to soldiers by the VBS Children
•
65 cards made for Veteran's Day by Sunday School children for veterans
•
60 Build-A-Bears with the plan of salvation and a New Testament
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Daviess-McLean Baptist Associa-
two bags for Oasis •
21 children came to know Christ!
Derry Billingsley, Worship The life of a church musician is busy each week. In addition to weekly ministry opportunities, here are some notable highlights that took place in the Music Ministry in 2017. We began the year with a visit from the Purple Hulls on January 1, whose
Both Pages (top to bottom, left to right): On June 20th, our ministerial staff prepared and served lunch to two World Changers teams at English Park; in July, our students partnered with Redemption Hill Church in Medford, MA—landscaping a park, helping with a children's soccer camp, and handing out granola bars to commuters; we held two baptisms in the CLC in 2017 while our Sanctuary baptismal was closed during renovations; Paul launched our new logo and mission statement in September with the sermon series, Making, Maturing, Multiplying; on November 5th—Dedication Day—we dedicated the new portion of our building to the Lord; we celebrated Christmas in December with two musical programs—Lessons & Carols and Keyboards at Christmas. bluegrass flavor of worship fit well in Owensboro.
pulled in to listen! Our Children’s Choir presented the
On Palm Sunday, April 23, the Sanc-
musical Unplugged on Sunday, Octo-
tuary Choir joined several area choirs
ber 29. The musical—which included
in presenting The Good Samaritan
twenty 3rd-6th graders in our church
Concert, a program with members of
and several adults—reminded us of the
the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra at
importance of staying connected to
Settle Memorial UMC. The program of
God and each other.
choral and instrumental music raised funds for the Help Office and Boulware Mission, and others to help people in the Owensboro community. The Sanctuary Orchestra gave an outdoor concert at the Overlook Stage in Smother’s Park on Sunday afternoon, July 16. Several people braved the sun and heat to enjoy an afternoon of music to God’s glory. A boat or two even
a matinée performance so that many in our community could attend and celebrate Christ’s birth through beautiful music!
Bob Farmer, Administration Most of you are aware that 2017 was abnormally busy and filled with great challenges. However, we are proud to
On December 3, the Sanctuary Choir
say the building project is COMPLET-
and several instrumentalists present-
ED! Praise the Lord and hallelujah to
ed A Service of Lessons and Carols,
our heavenly Father. Thanks to all of
worshiping God through Scripture and
you for your contribution and to God
choral music.
be the glory!
Keyboards at Christmas on December
As you can see, 2017 was very busy but
17 featured several church pianists,
productive, and we are excited to see
along with guest musician/composer
what God will do in 2018. As the disci-
Anna Laura Page. This event featured
ples said, “Come and see!” ■ February 2018 | 7
First On Mission Update from the
Scotts
in South east Asia
I
Serve with the Scotts in Southeast Asia Join Pastor Paul on mission to help the Scotts in Southeast Asia (trip projected for October). Contact Paul (PStrahan@fbcowb.org) if you are interested in going.
t is the one-year anniversary of
on language classes, daily community
living in our new country. We are
life, and the work here. However, He
approaching the two-year mark of
has been our hope and endurance.
our return to Southeast Asia (our total
Recently, an encouraging reminder
years in Southeast Asia equaling about
from the Apostle Paul resounded with
four).
us as he referred to the Lord as “the
A Time of Hope The past year was especially difficult as we moved again and experienced the unexpected losses of two immediate family members. There were days we struggled to keep our minds and hearts 8 | Connect Magazine
God of endurance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5). What a tremendous relief that while we sometimes struggle to endure, His endurance remains! Pray that 2018 would be a time where the
A Time of Waiting Although we received government approval several months ago, the permit has yet to be issued. Please pray this would happen in the very near future. If the Lord has another plan in store, pray for us as we seek Him.
A Time for Building Relationships
“Nal” people would come to know and
Though we reside in another Southeast
love their Lord and Savior.
Asian country, the climate (physical and social) is very different. The heat has
increased. Socially, it feels as though we are easing into a pool instead of being able to dive right into relationships as we did previously. “N” continues to meet with a new brother to discuss The Word. Please pray for all of us, adults and children, to continue to build relationships that would glorify the Father.
A Time for Learning “A” met her main language goal for language number two (still one more goal to go for this language), which is a huge praise! That will free up some additional time to devote to homeschool, community, and provide “N” more time to focus on his language goals. “C1” is doing well in homeschool and enjoys speaking a bit of the local language.
Now a four week Sunday School Class!
February 11, 18, 25, & March 4 During Sunday School | 9:45–10:45 AM | Room 250
“C2” makes friends wherever he goes, and God has given him an incredible amount of energy! Learning language and culture is an ongoing process for all of us. Pray for us as we continue to grow in many areas of life here.
A Time for Teaming
ApParent Privilege will arm parents with Biblical understanding and up-to-the-
We are in need of a team of six volun-
primary influence of their children. It will give parents a Biblical view of parent-
teers to come in October. This group
ing, answer questions and concerns we all have, and help them understand how
minute research to show them the unparalleled opportunity they have to be the
would spend part of the time in our city
Christian parenting must become more
prayer walking and possibly working on
than taking your children to church.
a project. The other part of time would be used to help with the children’s time at a prayer retreat in another city with which we will assist. Contact Pastor Paul if you are interested. Please pray for this team to be assembled. To receive our monthly e-updates, please contact us at scotts.se@asia.com.
This class is designed to equip parents participating in FBC’s Dedication of Families—happening later this semester. It is also for anyone desiring to prepare for or grow in biblical parenting. This seminar is open to those outside FBC.
Visit fbcowb.org/parent to register.
February 2018 | 9
As Deacons, Brock Quinton and Matt Robbins are tasked with the mission of caring for the needs of our church. Pray for them daily as they seek to serve our congregation and pursue unity in the church.
When did you become a member of FBC?
the way I ought to live. Christians ought
I became a member of FBC in Novem-
humbly with our God.
ber 1993 when I moved back to the area after college graduation.
to be fair and upright, extending the hand of mercy and grace, and walking
What are your prayers for the congregation of FBC?
What passage of Scripture has recently impacted you? I pray for the pastoral staff and the
congregation to be led by Jesus Christ,
Matt Robbins
Micah 6:18 says, "He has showed thee,
joyfully allowing the Holy Spirit the
O man, what is good; and what doth
freedom to do His work through us. I
the Lord require of thee, but to do justly,
pray our congregation realizes their full,
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly
God-given potential to win souls for
with thy God." This verse details for me
Christ by proclaiming the gospel.
When did you become a member of FBC?
my first mission trip with lots of un-
We have been members since early 2012.
knowns. Keeping this verse on my heart and mind as I prepared helped keep me focused on His kingdom work.
What passage of Scripture What are your prayers for has recently impacted you? the congregation of FBC? Luke 1:38, "...I am the Lord's servant and willing to do whatever He wants..." This is a verse that I try to keep at the
Brock Quinton
forefront of my mind daily. Especially as I prepared to leave on a mission trip to Southeast Asia in January. That trip was
I pray that we are all (myself included) seeking the Lord's direction daily. I pray that we set aside the distractions of our busy lives and listen to God and the opportunities that He is providing us, to continue His kingdom work.
O W E N S B O R O ’ S
of t h g i N e s i a r P Join us at the RiverPark Center on Thursday, February 22nd at 7 PM for an evening of worship and praise. Combined choirs and orchestras from First Baptist Owensboro, Bellevue, Pleasant Grove Baptist, Yellow Creek Baptist, and Walnut Memorial will come together for a musical event that you won’t want to miss! Admission is free and open to the public. Contact Derry Billingsley at dbillingsley@fbcowb.org for more information.
FEBRUARY 22ND, 2018 - 7PM at the RiverPark Center 101 Daviess Street | Owensboro, KY 42303
February 2018 | 11
JANUARY
On November 29th, FBC children carried Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to the church bus for delivery to children with incarcerated parents.
A Month in Review
"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." —1 Corinthians 12:26
Welcome to Our
First Baptist Family!
FBC FAMILY REPORTS DECEMBER 21JANUARY 22
Sympathy...During their time of loss, we offer Christian love and sympathy to Sharon (Wendell) Smith (mother, Myra Petty), Judy (Earl) Lanham (sister, Toni Taylor), Kathy (John) Anderson (uncle, Dr. William A. McManus), Ray (Marnell) Chambers and Kay (Myron) Harris (mother, Jameline Chambers),
Bonita Brown Joined by Letter on January 7th
Larry (Dot) Kanipe (sister, Juanita Jean Conley), Chad (Erika)Wertz (mother), Marty (Ginger) Mayfield (mother, Ruth Ann Mayfield), and Dr. David (Betsy) Russell (father, Kenneth Russell).
Births...We rejoice with Kolby & Rachel Knott (daughter, Lillian Reese), Rodney & Lindsey Decker (daughter, Kenzie Beth), and Sarah & Sam Swift (daughter, Joanna Ruth; grandparents,
James Foster Joined by Letter on January 14th
Steve & Kim Swift).
SAVE THE DATES!
Coming Soon to FBC March 4–11
NAMB Week of Prayer March 9 DNow March 10–11 Bible Conference March 16 Dude's Big Gaming Night March 18 Quarterly Business Meeting March 23-25 Columbus Mission Trip March 25 Celebration of the Lord's Supper March 28 Awana Awards March 30 Good Friday Office & CLC Closed April 1 Easter Sunday April 13 Cinderella Ball April 20 Secret Church
Coming in th e month of
FEBRUARY 4SUNDAY
Big Bowl Sunday
Early Evening Worship 8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship
4:00 PM Early Evening Worship
5 7WEDNESDAY MONDAY
11
6:00 PM
Seekers Prayer Group
12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Lunch Evening Supper Studies for All Ages
SUNDAY Parenting Seminar Begins 8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship
13TUESDAY 14WEDNESDAY 9:30 AM
12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
CLC HOURS
Jo Nelson Study
Prayer Lunch Evening Supper Studies for All Ages
18SUNDAY
No Children's Church
8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship Deacon Meeting
19MONDAY
Office & CLC Open
6:00 PM
Seekers Prayer Group
21WEDNESDAY 12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Lunch Evening Supper Studies for All Ages
22THURSDAY 7:00 PM Night of Praise
at the RiverPark
25SUNDAY 8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship
28WEDNESDAY
12:00 PM Prayer Lunch 4:45 PM Evening Supper 6:00 PM Studies for All Ages
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
OFFICE HOURS BROADCAST Monday–Thursday INFO
Wednesday
Friday
6:30 AM - 8 PM 6:30 AM - 9 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 3 PM
8 AM - 4:30 PM 8 AM - 1 PM
Our service is broadcast on 90.3 WKWC (Sundays at 10 AM) and Channel 72 (Tuesdays at 7 PM and Wednesdays at 9 AM). Services are delayed by a week. Note: Sensitive information cannot be broadcast. An older service will be aired in its place.
MINISTER ON CALL If you have an after hours emergency, please call 270.683.3505 and press 9 to reach the minister on call.
February 2018 | 13