First Baptist Owensboro
May 2017
REFUGEE MINISTRY
SUMMER PREVIEW
CLASS OF 2017 GRADS
Danelle Young, along with FBC volun-
A whole lot is in store this summer.
Our seniors are graduating! See their
teers, tells us about this new ministry.
Get informed and get involved!
photos and pray for their new journeys.
TABLE OF CONTENTS A Word from Paul ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1 God at Work: Refugee Ministry by Danelle Young ��������������������������������������2–5 You may not even realize what has been going on in our Christian Life Center some Sunday evenings with our new Refugee Ministry. Danelle Young, FBC member, tells us about this exciting and impactful ministry. You'll also hear from ministry volunteers and learn how you can participate in the future.
VBS 2017: Calling All Galactic Starveyors! ������������������������������������������������� 6-7
Pg. 2–5
Vacation Bible School is one of our biggest outreach events of the whole year! Learn about this year's theme and all the important details you need to know to get involved.
Summer Preview ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8–9 Summer hits in June and there will be plenty for you and your family to do! Check out this overview of upcoming events, and be in prayer for those coordinating and participating.
A Mother's Love is a Very Special Thing ������������������������������������������������� 10–11 Just like the familiar FBC song suggests, "A Mother's Love is a Very Special Thing"! We asked our preschool children to draw just what their mother means to them. Here are their art pieces for us to oooh and aaah over!
Pg. 8–9
FOM Update: Greetings from Medford ���������������������������������������������������������12 Tanner Turley, lead pastor at Redemption Hill Church in Medford, Massachussetts, updates us on the happenings from their growing church.
Class of 2017 Graduates ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13 It might be hard to believe, but it is graduation time for many of First Baptist's own! Congratulations Class of 2017!
Connect Follow-Up Committee Update by Virgil Barker ����������������������������14
Pg. 12
God deserves our best! Virgil reminds us of this truth and encourages us on our Connect: For Future Generations journey.
On the Cover: What Know Your Deacons ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15 a beautiful sunset from Camp Hero, last year's Our monthly introduction to the deacons of First Baptist Owensboro continues with Tim France and Larry Horner. children's camp at Crossings Jonathan Creek!
Calendar of Events ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16 April: A Month in Review ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
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
CHILDREN
Suzie Horner SHorner@fbcowb.org
STUDENTS & MISSIONS Will Smith WSmith@fbcowb.org
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Alisha Williams AWilliams@fbcowb.org
OFFICE MANAGER Judi West JWest@fbcowb.org
FINANCIAL SUPERVISOR
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Maeghan Adams MAdams@fbcowb.org Michele Burton MBurton@fbcowb.org Susan Dant SDant@fbcowb.org
Barbara Wright BWright@fbcowb.org
230 JR Miller Blvd • Owensboro, KY 42303 • 270.683.3505 • fbcowb.org
by Paul Strahan, Pastor
SERMON SERIES
HOLY WEEK
CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER
We have continued our series of
We had a good week of preparation for
Our interim Recereation & College
messages on “The Core Principles of
Resurrection Sunday. The service of
Minister, Brent Phillips, left for minis-
the Christian Faith!” I pray these have
Shadows on Thursday night, sometimes
try in South Carolina in April. The CLC
helped you in building a foundation of
known as Maundy Thursday, was one of
continues to function with our assis-
what you believe. As I have said before,
the best. I want to thank the choir, Der-
tants managing the building. I have met
we could have named them, “The Bib-
ry, and the accompanists for presenting
with the Recreation Committee, and we
lical Principles of the Christian Faith”.
such a moving service.
are discussing the future of the CLC,
What Southern Baptists believe is what the Bible teaches. If the Bible speaks to a subject, we want to be obedient to that truth. I have just a few more weeks of messages in this series. I am praying about beginning a series in an Old Testament book, possibly one of the Minor Prophets. I will let you know as soon as I can.
Our Resurrection Day service was wonderful also. It is always good to see family members worshipping together. I enjoyed having the children for a children’s sermon. We had a number of guests, but there is always room for more. I am happy that we serve a Risen
especially for when our construction is complete. We are looking to put an Interim director of the CLC in place until our building is complete. Let me ask that you pray for guidance and direction. Our goal is to honor Jesus Christ and make much of Him!
Savior! God is good all the time! May 2017 | 1
by Danelle Young Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ —Matthew 25:34–36 2 | Connect Magazine
Did you know that Joseph, Mary, and
refugees will be resettled here each year.
Jesus were refugees in Egypt until King
In fiscal year 2017, it is 50,000 people.
Herod died? You can read about their family’s escape to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-23. A refugee is a person who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. He or she is unable to return to their country, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Fewer than 1% of the world’s refugees are resettled globally in any given year.1 In the United States, our president determines how many
The International Center in Owensboro has resettled up to 150 refugees per year since 2009–2010. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working as an interim at the IC. As I write this, the faces of our clientele flash through my mind and their stories flood my heart with emotion and sympathy. Questions have crossed my mind like: “What if I were born in that country? I wonder what it was like to grow up in a refugee camp? This young man arrived alone; I wonder if he has any family? There are
so many displaced people right now,
So where and how do we begin? We
I’ve seen a group of women who speak
when will God intervene?”
can start by welcoming refugees to our
different languages unite to play volley-
community. Our Christian Life Center
ball and men team up to play soccer.
is the perfect gateway and venue to host
Kids are eager for coaching instruction
international fellowships. It provides
in the gym. Education professionals can
much-needed recreation space for ref-
interact with new students and their
ugee families and individuals to come
parents outside of school. It’s good peo-
together and socialize, with each other
ple watching (at least), but even more
and with us. To date, our newly-form-
enjoyable to interact! We would like to
ing Refugee Ministry Team has hosted
see the FBC Refugee Ministry Team
three fellowships. Our fourth event will
grow. The larger we are, the more we
be Sunday evening, April 30th. Our
can impact our community for Christ.
immediate goal is to build rapport and
If you would like to be involved, please
relationships. Our ultimate goal is to
let me know!
God fearfully and wonderfully makes every human, and He is intimately familiar with each of us around the globe (Psalm 139:13-16). Our new neighbors are placed among us for a reason—we are salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14). God is intervening, through His people! As Christians, we possess the gifts of hope and salvation. Now we have the opportunity to extend those gifts to people nearby who desperately need light in their lives. Perhaps like Esther, we were created (and reside in Owens-
share God’s love and story.
May this prophecy in Revelation 7:9–10
boro) for such a time as this (Esther
What is an international fellowship?
propel us toward our calling: “After
4:14)!
It’s a party! If you were to drop in, you
this I looked, and there before me was
would see a beautiful array of people,
a great multitude that no one could
smiles, conversation, children’s activi-
count, from every nation, tribe, peo-
ties, food, and the gym and game tables
ple and language, standing before the
(pool, air hockey, and ping-pong) being
throne and before the Lamb. They were
put to good use. At our last event on
wearing white robes and were holding
March 26th, approximately 85 guests
palm branches in their hands. And they
and 25 volunteers came together for a
cried out in a loud voice:
The purpose of the church is to take the gospel of Jesus to all people in every place on earth. Yet even after two thousand years, thousands of people groups remain unreached. There are now at least seven unreached people groups represented among Owensboro’s refugee communities, including some of the world’s largest remaining unreached groups. In bringing refugees to Owensboro over the past eight years, God has opened new pathways for the local church to send the gospel of Jesus back to places it has never been known! 2 Are
fun-filled evening. One Sunday School class donated stuffed Easter eggs for the children! The Easter story was told before releasing the kids in a designated
‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”
area for the egg hunt. We’ve received positive feedback from both guests and volunteers.
you tired of living in a broken world?
The fellowships have been a blessing
Jesus promised, “the Good News about
to all who’ve attended. I’ve observed
the kingdom will be preached through-
relationships forming as people begin
out the whole world so that all nations
to recognize each other after multiple
will hear it; and then the end will come
events. Volunteers are connecting with
(Matt. 24:14).” Let’s work together to-
new friends on Facebook. Our chil-
ward that end!
dren are naturals at welcoming other
Footnotes: 1 Kentucky Office for Refugees “Understanding Refugee Resettlement” report 2 Dr. James Litsey “Refuge Owensboro Description” report Additional supporting passages: Genesis 28:14, 1 Chronicles 16:23-28, Matthew 28:19, Luke 24: 45-47, Acts 17: 24-28, Romans 4: 16-18, and Galatians 3:8
children and showing them around. May 2017 | 3
REFUGEE MINISTRY VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIES JJ Poole: Having the fellowships has
Brock & Kendal Quinton: We have
Todd & Erica Houston: Our entire
been a blast! I have been able to help
volunteered at a few fellowships as a
family has been involved since the first
pick and drop off some of the kids that
family. We helped organize activities for
fellowship. With Todd being a teach-
have been coming to the events, as well
the kids; however, our most important
er and coach at OHS, he continually
as being able to play soccer with them.
job was to love the people attending
spoke of his refugee students and how
Every time we have had an event, the
these fellowships, and make them feel
much he admired their hard work and
kids are always so excited to be able to
welcome both in our community and
determination. God began growing
come to such a great place like the CLC.
in our church. We believe that God is
our hearts with compassion for these
It has been an eye opening experience
using the fellowships to help our church
people. Fellowships became a perfect fit
to really find out the amount of refugees
build relationships and show others the
for all of us! Our family simply shows
that we have here in Owensboro. The
unconditional love of Christ. God has
up and works on creating relationships.
way God has brought these people to
greatly used this work to impact our
Whether it is through decorating cook-
our doorstep is just amazing. Some-
family. As parents, we are watching our
ies, painting nails, or playing ping pong,
times we can’t always go on mission
two-year-old son play with children
we are investing in them. The number
trips to share the Gospel so God has
in our community who are complete
one response I hear from the refugee
said, "Ok, I’ll bring them to you." Being
strangers to him. Watching the children
children and adults is how grateful
part of the Refugee Night has shown
play shows that love has no barriers.
they are to get out of their home for an
me that even though I live in a small
For us, God has opened our eyes to the
evening and how grateful they are for
town in Kentucky, I have an incredible
practical ways that we can serve Him
our kindness and friendship. As great as
opportunity to witness to people who
and others in our backyard. It just takes
this is, these nights mostly impact MY
don’t know my Lord and Savior.
something small, such as playing a
family as our hearts grows for these pre-
game of ping-pong, painting fingernails,
cious people, stretching us to seek other
or being a friendly face to have a lasting
ways to love, serve, and have intentional
impact for His kingdom.
gospel conversations with refugees.
4 | Connect Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE God has opened a door in Owensboro, and moving forward, we want to be intentional about equipping our congregation for the mission ahead. This fall, FBC will provide training that can be put into practice at fellowship events. You don’t have to wait until then to get involved though! Currently, English conversation groups meet on Sundays between 1:30-2:30. Beginning soon, there will also be opportunities for small groups to come alongside a family during their first 90 days in Owensboro. A small group would assist with things like airport pickup, apartment setup, transportation, grocery shopping, Social Security registration, obtaining state IDs, opening a bank account, bus training, school enrollments, and cultural orientation (refugelouisville.com/welcome). Training will be provided! For more information, contact Danelle Young at dy22@icloud.com or call 270-570-3341. International Fellowship & Potluck
FCA Soccer Camp
Volunteer Training
Sunday, April 30 | 5–7 PM | CLC or
for Refugee Children
Sundays, October 1, 15, & 22 | 6–7 PM
local park (weather dependent)
July | Additional Info TBA
Volunteers are needed to help with
Contact Erica Houston if you are inter-
transportation, food, greeting guests,
ested in helping.
conversing and playing games with guests, and children’s activities Vacation Bible School June 12–16 | 8:30–11:30 AM | FBC Volunteers needed at the church and to transport children
Volunteer Training Sundays, September 10 & 17 | 6–7 PM
Location TBA International Fellowship Sunday, October 29 | 5–7 PM | CLC Thanksgiving Fellowship Sunday, November 19 | 5–7 PM | CLC
Location TBA International Fellowship Sunday, September 24 | 5–7 PM | CLC
May 2017 | 5
CALLING ALL...
Vacation Bible School
Monday–Friday, June 12–16 8:30–11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center Volunteers & children can register at fbcowb.org Participating children must have completed a grade between Kindergarten and 5th grade VBS 2017 will turn you into a Galactic Starveyors! As you focus your telescope on the marvels painted in the sky by the Creator, you will discover the wonder among all wonders—that God who created everything there is—the knowable and the unknowable, the visible and the invisible—wants a personal relationship with you! You are invited into the clubhouse to see the God who is over the moon in love with you! 6 | Connect Magazine
A "TELESCOPIC" OVERVIEW Day 1: In the Beginning
Day 4: God Had a Plan for Jesus
Genesis 1:1–2, 26–31; John 1:1, 14
Mark 15:22–16:7 (3s–K) — Matthew 26:17–30 (B–2s)
Point of the Day:
Point of the Day:
God created me to love Him.
God had a special plan for Jesus.
Bible Story Summary:
Bible Story Summary:
In the beginning God created the world and everything in
Jesus never did anything wrong. Not even once. After Jesus
it, including people. God made people special. He made
had died on a cross, His friends placed His body in a tomb.
them able to think and to choose and to love. God loved and
When some women went to the tomb, they met a young man
cared for the people He had created. (Genesis 1:1–2,26–31;
dressed in a white robe. The man said, “You’re looking for Je-
John1:1,14)
sus, but He is not here. He is alive again!” (Mark 15:22–16:7)
Day 2: God is Still in Charge
Day 5: God is Always with Us
Genesis 3
John 21:1–19; Acts 1:4, 8
Point of the Day:
Point of the Day:
God will always love me, even when I make wrong choices.
God promises to help me.
Bible Story Summary:
Bible Story Summary:
Adam and Eve chose to eat the fruit God said not to eat.
Jesus helped the disciples catch 153 fish, and
Because of their wrong choice, Adam and Eve had to leave
then cooked breakfast for His friends.
the garden. But God still loved them and took care of them.
After breakfast, Jesus told Peter
Adam and Eve were the first people to disobey God, but they
to love others and to tell
were not the last. Everyone who has ever lived has chosen to
other people about Him.
disobey God—except Jesus. (Genesis 3)
Jesus promised that
Day 3: God Sent Jesus Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–24; Luke 2:22–38 Point of the Day: God promised to send His Son, Jesus. Bible Story Summary:
God would send a special Helper who would always be with and help the disciples. (John 21:1–19; Acts 1:4, 8)
Jesus ate a special supper with His friends. While they ate, Jesus said, “Remember Me, and always think about Me.” God had a special plan for Jesus.
May 2017 | 7
OFFICE & CLC CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 29
The church office and the Christian Life Center will be closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 29th.
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE FOR JUNE
fbcowb.org. Find more VBS 2017
least 6–8 volunteers to help with ser-
information on pages 6–7.
vice projects throughout the week. We
CROSSINGS SUMMER CAMPS
will also provide support for a large
June 16–18 & June 17–23
This world places hope in skills, reputation, accomplishments, nations, and nationality. In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul teaches us that our citizenship is in heaven and that we
outreach event on Friday night. The cost is $980, which includes transportation, lodging, and two meals. If you are interested, please contact Bob Farmer as soon as possible.
CAMP K12
Friday, June 30
belong to Jesus. For this reason, our
Kindergarten–second graders love
hope is not placed in the rewards that
to go to camp but may not be quite
Each Wednesday in June, First Baptist
this world has to offer. We are Out-
ready for an overnighter. This is their
will have noon prayer lunch, but we
siders. We strive to obtain a different
chance to get away for a day and
will not serve family supper or have
reward—the prize of knowing our
have some fun! Camp K12 will be
evening activities. However, there will
true King—Jesus.
on Friday, June 30 and children will
Wednesdays in June
be no prayer lunch on Wednesday, June 14th due to VBS.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 12–16 at 8:30 AM
All Galactic Starveyors are encouraged to join us for VBS as we search for the Visible and Discover the Invisible. Children having completed grades K–5th and their friends are welcome June 12-16 at 8:30-11:30 in the Christian Life Center. Volunteers and children can register online at 8 | Connect Magazine
Our middle and high school students will attend camp—themed "Outsiders"—at Jonathan Creek on June 16–18 (MS) and 17–23 (HS). If interested, contact Will as soon as possible to register.
SENIOR ADULT SERVE MEDFORD MISSION TRIP June 17–24
Redemption Hill Church has invited us to serve during their “Serve Medford Week”, June 17–24. They need at
receive an email with the details as to where we will go this year and how to register. Friends are welcome to join us! Past destinations have been the Children’s Museum of Evansville, Chaney’s Farm, and Kentucky Down Under. This year’s camp will be just as fun. Contact Suzie with any questions.
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE FOR JULY
Wednesdays in July
Each Wednesday in July, our Wednes-
day prayer lunch will meet, but no
You may be thinking, “I have no soc-
are willing to go all in. Are you willing
meal will be served. Attendees are
cer experience,” or “I have absolutely
to go all in for Christ? Join other men
encouraged to bring their lunch with
no athletic abilities.” Well, no soccer
from FBC and thousands of brothers
them. We will not serve family supper
experience, no worries. You just need
in Christ as worship and teaching
or have evening activities.
a willingness to serve God and love
from notable Christian speakers en-
OFFICE & CLC CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
on elementary-aged kids. The cost
courages, challenges, and equips you
of this trip is $600 ($100 deposit due
to live an extraordinary life for God.
Tuesday, July 4
The church office and the Christian Life Center will be closed for Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4th.
CAMP PARENT MEETING
Sunday, July 9 at 5 PM
On July 9th in Room 300, parents whose children will attend Camp 2–6 with Mrs. Suzie are encouraged to attend this very important camp parent meeting. If you are unable to make it, please contact Suzie.
HIGH SCHOOL SERVE MEDFORD MISSION TRIP July 15–22
Go and assist our mission partners who serve at Redemption Hill Church. This mission team will lead a soccer camp for elementary age kids.
May 28th). Contact Will to register.
CAMP 2–6 SUMMER CAMP AT CROSSINGS
July 23–26 (Signups Closed)
We are so excited to return this year to Jonathan Creek Camp this summer with 62 campers and chaperones. Each year the kids have had a blast, met new friends, gotten to know each other better, and most of all, God worked in their lives. Last year, we saw two make decisions at camp! Please pray that the Holy Spirit will speak and that children will listen and obey Him.
THE MAIN EVENT MEN'S CONFERENCE July 28–29
God is not looking for men who are deemed successful, impressive, or even good by the world's standards.
LifeWay is hosting this event, and you can find out more details and register at fbcowb.org/mainevent. We will leave early-to-mid-afternoon on Friday and arrive home Saturday afternoon. Cost is $150 per person and includes travel, conference, hotel, and all but one meal.
SENIOR ADULT SERVE MEDFORD MISSION TRIP August 16–20
We invite you to join us for an opportunity to serve with Redemption Hill Church as they reach out to the Medford Community. We will walk the neighborhoods to promote the Community Fun Day on Saturday, August 19th. We will also help serve during the event. If you are interested please contact Bob Farmer at your earliest convenience.
He's looking for ordinary men who May 2017 | 9
10 | Connect Magazine
May 2017 | 11
GREETINGS FROM MEDFORD
FIRST ON MISSION UPDATE FROM REDEMPTION HILL
I
by Tanner Turley, RHC Lead Pastor
t’s an exciting time of the year.
interest in serving on one of our Sunday
of discipleship among each person who
Spring is always highlighted by
teams on our Connect Card. Which
is a part of our church. Our next ser-
the end of snow, the Red Sox back
Team? Worship! I soon found out Dan
mon series will focus on the importance
in action at Fenway Park, Marathon
had served as a Worship Intern the two
of corporate worship, connecting with
Monday, and Patriot’s Day, which
previous summers and is a gifted wor-
a small group, serving with a ministry
commemorates the first two battles of
ship leader. To top it off, his wife, Nikki,
team, church membership, and engag-
the Revolutionary War (Can you name
can sing too! How’s that for answered
ing in God’s mission in our everyday
them? That’s right. Lexington & Con-
prayer? Thank you for journeying with
lives. Then we will gear up for a great
cord). The past few weeks have brought
us. It’s amazing how God provides the
summer of serving Medford with three
many reasons for Redemption Hill to
right person at the right time and works
signature events spread across the three
celebrate God’s work among us.
through our prayers!
months: Serve Medford Week (June
For starters, many of you have prayed
We also just wrapped up an awesome
God would send us our new worship
Easter season. We held our 6th annual
leader. Well, I am thrilled to tell you
Medford Eggstravaganza (Egg Hunt)
He did and not as we expected! After
and had 316 people attend our Easter
seventeen months of searching through
service. Two of those made a commit-
calls, networking, interviews, job post-
ment to follow Jesus! Six more said they
ings, and conversations, God decided
want to explore more about Jesus and
He wanted to show how powerful He
Christianity! We’re so thankful for how
is by sending someone to us. On the
God is working through our collective
We are so thankful for the way FBC
third Sunday of the year, God sent a
witness.
Owensboro continues to partner with
new couple to visit Redemption Hill as guests who had just moved to the area. As it turns out, they indicated an 12 | Connect Magazine
As we head into the summer months, we will focus on cultivating next steps
18–24), Soccer Nights (July 10–14), and Community Fun Day (August 19). Please pray for each one of these events. We are asking God to add 10 new Medford families through our summer outreach! Please also lift up our staff as we seek the Lord daily and lead with His grace.
us as we bring Jesus to this great city! Hope to see you in Owensboro (or Boston!) soon!
Rebecca Browning, DCHS
Davis Dodson, DCHS
Ryan Embry, DCHS
Jacob O'Bryan, DCHS
Anna Kate Schertzinger, OHS
Olivia Wilson, DCHS
Not Pictured
Kisiah Brown, SSHS Cameron Brandle, DCHS David Miller, DCHS
College Graduate
Lucas Wiman Georgetown College Majored in Art May 2017
| 13
by Virgil Barker, Coordinator FBC
When things aren’t going well...
the land to the king for nothing. Yet,
Follow Up Team
GOD DESERVES OUR BEST!
David’s response baffled the landowner
Today we have many reasons to offer
It seems that in many ways today the
up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving:
idea of excellence and giving God our
Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but
next month (June 6th) we reach the
best is a foreign concept. How many
I will surely buy it from you for a price;
halfway point of our three year Con-
times have I done just enough to get by?
nor will I offer burnt offerings to the
nect: For Future Generations, the total
How many times have I forfeited God’s
Lord my God with that which costs me
Connect gifts are quickly approaching
best and my best to just embrace the
nothing. —2 Samuel 24:24
$3,000,000, and the work on the new
good enough? You might say it is an ep-
addition and renovation are moving
idemic affecting many Christians today:
quickly toward completion. I’m hop-
we only approach God at appointed
ing we will have exceeded three mil-
times, we only think of Him when we
lion dollars by the time you read this.
need something, and we want His bail-
However, as I review all that God has
out when it gets tough. We want all that
accomplished in just a few months, a
God has to offer without our having to
question comes to my mind. Have we
offer anything. If we are honest with
given our best?
ourselves, many of us fit this picture.
God doesn’t deserve what’s easy! God deserves our best! Regardless of the task we face... GOD DESERVES OUR BEST!
How often do we think about what we are giving to God? The story of David in 2 Samuel 24 comes to mind as an example of Giving Our Best rather than going with Easy.
When things are going as intended...
God had instructed David to build an
GOD DESERVES OUR BEST!
altar on the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite who was willing to give
and it baffles most people today.
David had it in his heart to give God only his best. God cared enough to send His very best—His Son, Jesus Christ— to die on a cross. Likewise, we are expected to give our best to Him. How often do we skirt the issue? We give just enough. We do just enough. We go just enough. Just like the widow who gave her two small coins, our very best doesn’t have to outdo or measure up to anyone else’s. However, it must be OUR very best. I cannot give your very best. You cannot give my very best. If we don’t give our best are we giving Him anything at all?
This month we introduce Tim France and Larry Horner. These men of God are tasked with the mission of caring for our church's needs. Keep them in your daily prayers as they seek to serve our congregation and pursue unity in the church. Trust in the Lord with all your heart
the Spirit's leading, praying to be the
and lean not on your own understand-
"light and salt" that I should be.
ing; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
LARRY HORNER
Member 10 years Larry, what passage of Scripture has recently had an impact on you and in what way?
TIM FRANCE
Member 17 years Tim, what passage of Scripture has recently had an impact on you and in what way? I have actually had three separate sets of verses that have spoken to me. We
—Proverbs 3:5–6 I have been challenged to trust God for "the next thing", trusting He will use me in ministry and family to honor Him. I am seeking to stay sensitive to
What are specific ways that you pray for the congregation of FBC? I pray that our church family draws closer to the Lord each day and as we draw closer to Him we will in turn draw closer to each other and bring Glory to Him.
and business-related. These verses have
many kinds, because you know the test-
helped me through stresses of family
ing of your faith produces perseverance.
sickness and caretaking that go along
Let perseverance finish its work so that
with that, as well as increased responsi-
you may be mature and complete, not
bility and time required at work.
lacking anything.
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will
—James 1:2-4–2
sustain you; He will never let the righ-
What are specific ways that you pray
teous be shaken. —Psalm 55:22–22
for the congregation of FBC?
Come to me, all you who are weary and
I pray that our church will always seek
burdened, and I will give you rest.
the will of God and that each and every
—Matthew 11:28-30–28
member will continue to grow in the
have had many trying situations over
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and
the past 12–15 months both personally
sisters, whenever you face trials of
Lord. May 2017 | 15
MAY
Calendar of Events
3 WEDNESDAY
12:00 PM Prayer Meeting 4:45 PM Family Supper 6:00 PM Studies & SS Review
4 7SUNDAY
THURSDAY
18 THURSDAY 21SUNDAY
6:00 PM Seekers Prayer Daviess-McLean Week of Prayer Children's Church Break Begins
6:00 PM Seekers Prayer Dedication of Families
8:30 AM 9:45 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM
Classic Worship Sunday School Elevate Worship Evening Worship
9 10 WEDNESDAY TUESDAY
9:30 AM Jo Nelson Study
12:00 PM Prayer Meeting 4:45 PM Family Supper 6:00 PM Studies & SS Review
14SUNDAY
Mother's Day No Evening Worship
8:30 AM Classic Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Elevate Worship
17WEDNESDAY 12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Meeting (FH) Family Supper Studies & SS Review
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
24
WEDNESDAY
28
SUNDAY
12:00 PM 4:45 PM 6:00 PM
Prayer Meeting Family Supper Studies & SS Review
HS Serve Medford Deposit Due
8:30 AM Classic Worship 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Elevate Worship
3:00 PM Discover FBC 6:00 PM
Evening Worship
29MONDAY
Memorial Day Office & CLC Closed
31WEDNESDAY
12:00 PM Prayer Meeting 4:45 PM Family Supper 6:00 PM Studies & SS Review
CLC HOURS
Monday–Thursday 6:30 AM - 9 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 1 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 3 PM
OFFICE HOURS Monday–Thursday 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8 AM - 1 PM
BROADCAST INFO Our service is broadcast on 90.3 WKWC on Sundays at 10 AM and Channel 72 Tuesdays at 7 PM and Wednesdays at 9 AM. Services are on a one week delay. Note: If sensitive information is mentioned in a service, it 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.
16 | Connect Magazine
APRIL: A MONTH IN REVIEW
"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." —1 Corinthians 12:26
CHURCH FAMILY REPORTS
MARCH 20–APRIL 20
SYMPATHY...We offer Christian love and sympathy to Mary Ann (Jim) Nichols in the death of her brother; to the family of James ‘Jim’ Lee in his passing; to Millie Miller & MaryAnn (Robert) Leucht in the death of Chester Miller, husband and father respectfully; to Keith (Connie) Goodman in the death of his father, Rex Goodman; to Jancie Westerfield in the death of her mother, Ella Mae Logsdon; to Mary Martha Reynolds, Robert L. Wilson, Sam Wilson, and Roberta Owen & families in the death of Martin Wilson, father and brother respectively.
WELCOME FIRST BAPTIST'S NEWEST MEMBERS!
Came Forward March 19th to Join by Baptism Ryan & Hillary Overby Pictured with their children Paige & Parker Overby
Joined by Statement of Faith April 9th Linda Sue Boling
Joined by Transfer of Letter April 2nd Brad & Jeni Goodall Pictured with their children Alyson & Payton Goodall
Joined by Transfer of Letter April 9th Jacqueline Stephens May 2017 | 17
230 JR Miller Blvd • Owensboro, KY 42303 • 270.683.3505 • fbcowb.org