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What’s going on at
Pastor’s Heart
O
First Denton
WEBS
ur annual all church revival, featuring our own Rick Ingle and Keith McGee, takes place this month. You can find a schedule of services in this Beacon. Rick has seen God save thousands over the many years of his ministry in evangelism. We are blessed to have him in our church and I know you are going to enjoy hearing him preach God’s Word.
Our Wednesday Evening Bible Study begins Wednesday, August 28. This fall we will be studying Paul’s letters to the church at Thessalonica. These letters are all about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Join us for 13 Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall for this in-depth study of God’s Word. Dinner will be served at 5 pm and then the Bible study will begin at 6 pm. Dinner is only $4 for ages 13 and up, $2 for ages 4-12, and free for ages 0-3.
Even though we are in the “Dog Days” of summer, it won’t be long before school starts and we kick-off fall ministry at First Denton. I’m excited about two things coming this fall. One is our new class for engaged or seriously dating couples. The State of Texas gives a big discount on marriage licenses to those who have taken a pre-marital class. Beginning Wednesday, September 18, we will be offering a class we are calling Preparing for Marriage. If you are engaged, or know of an engaged couple, be sure to let them know about this free eight week class that will help them prepare for marriage and save them some money. And who doesn’t need to save some money when they are getting married!
First Look is for those who have recently joined First Denton and for those considering becoming members. The next “First Look” is Wednesday, September 4, at 6 pm in S-111. Dinner will be served and our pastor will give you a “First Look” at First Baptist. You will be given the opportunity to join if you so desire. For more information or to RSVP, contact the church office at 940.382.2577.
The other fall event I’m excited about is our church-wide campaign “What On Earth Am I Here For?” You will be hearing more about this in the next few weeks, but get ready, this is going to be a great opportunity for spiritual growth and for reaching our community. I will be doing a six week series of sermons on the subject and we will have home groups meeting during that time as well. This is a great opportunity for our church to come together and focus on God’s Word. I hope you have a great last month of summer and come back from vacation ready to launch into a great fall at FBCD! In His Love, Jeff
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Debbie Rains.........................................August 1, 2009 Facilities Ministry Assistant Heather West.........................................August 1, 2009 Communications Project Manager FirstDenton.org
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PICK UP A COPY OF THE BOOK AT THE CHURCH OR DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK.
GET IT FOR KINDLE
GriefShare is a special weekly seminar/support group for people grieving the death of someone close. It’s a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. GriefShare group sessions will meet on Wednesday evenings, August 21 through November 13 from 6-7:30 pm in the Conference Room at First Baptist Denton. Please contact Judy Murphy in the church office at 940.382.2577, x150 or judym@firstdenton.org for more information.
Life Groups GET IT FOR iBOOKS
Home Groups Needed Beginning Sunday, September 15 we will start answering the question “What On Earth Am I Here For?” We are doing this through sermon messages, LIFE Group lessons, devotions and home groups. For six weeks individuals will gather with a group of 10-12 people, watch a 20 minute DVD study and discuss as a group. Dr. Jeff’s sermons on Sunday will coincide with your small group study. The host home will serve as the facilitators of the small group. You may pick what night of the week is best based on your schedule. We encourage you to invite people in your neighborhood and circle of influence. Home groups are a great way to build community and grow spiritually. We will have a short training session for all host homes Sunday, September 8 at 5 pm or Wednesday, September 11 at 6 pm. If you would like to host a group in your home, fill out the online form at FirstDenton.org/why. BEACON
Get Connected to LIFE - LIFE Groups help adults become developing followers of Christ by providing small groups of adults with similar ages, interests and family structures. They meet for interactive Bible study, connect through fellowship, become involved in ministry service and grow through accountability. LIFE Groups meet Sundays at 8:15, 9:30, & 11 am. Get plugged in to a LIFE Group at First Denton. Go to FirstDenton.org/lifegroups for a complete listing of LIFE Groups or email jeffd@firstdenton.org. LIFE Group Leader Training On Sunday, August 18 we will have an important time of praying, training, and planning for all Adult LIFE Group leaders from 12-2 pm. Please mark this date on your calendar. We will provide lunch immediately after the second service in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for this important time together as we prepare for another great year. Childcare is available by reservation only at 940.382.2577, x160.
Staff News Please welcome a new addition to our church office staff. Erica Horton will serve as our new Education Ministry Assistant. Erica will provide support to our Education Ministry to include LIFE Groups, membership, prospects, discipleship, home groups, and so much more. Erica has a degree in Biblical studies and brings experience in education ministry having served in ministry roles at First Baptist Dallas. We are very excited to have Erica join our ministry team. Erica can be reached at 940.382.2577, x110.
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Adult Ministries Adult 55+ Ministry The 39ers program for August 9 will be Tonya Blankenship and Chrys Owens. We appreciate their commitment to our music ministry. Our visits to the Bush Library and Museum on Friday, September 20 and Friday, November 1 are full. We are taking 34 each trip. I want to encourage you to sign up on the reserve list and we will call you if space becomes available. The cost is $13 which includes ticket, parking and transportation. Hopefully, we can secure another date. Note! One change we must make is the departure time (8:30 am) because we must go through security. Our Church Revival, August 11-14, will once again feature Rick Ingle and Keith McGee. They have made a great team for the last several years. It gives us a chance to support Rick’s ministry to places that cannot afford an evangelist, as Rick goes for free to the churches in mission areas. Our financial support helps with his financial needs. There will be an AARP Drivers Safety Class on Thursday, August 22 from 12-4 pm with registration at 11:30 am in room S-111. The cost for members of AARP is $12, non-members $14. Contact Judy at 940.382.2577, x150 to sign up.
Women’s Ministry Summer Bible study has come to an end, and everyone is getting ready for back to school events, taking last vacations and soaking up the last of summer. As summer winds down, here is what is coming this fall, be sure to mark your calendars, and set reminders. Fall Kick-Off New Day of the Week Our annual Fall Kick-off with be Saturday September 7. Mark your calendars for this change, tell your friends who have not been able to come on a Tuesday that this year it’s on Saturday evening, September 7. Tickets and details will be available in August. Fall Bible Studies Our team is praying, planning and preparing for our fall Bible studies. Mark your calendars for the week of Sunday, September 8. Fall Bible studies will start this week at our usual times on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Full details will be available in August.
Men’s Ministry Men’s Bible Study On Wednesday nights beginning July 31, the Men’s Ministry is doing a seven week Bible study by Tony Evans entitled “Kingdom Man.” This study lays out a game plan of equipping men to be the men God has called them to be - kingdom men. The study will take place at 7 pm in room S-109. Page 4
Men’s Ministry (cont.) Band of Brothers – Connecting men to God, His Word and other men for the purpose of winning, growing and training God’s man in Christ. They all meet at the church in South Hall. Band of Brothers 3 meets on Monday nights, at 7 pm in the Conference Room. Band of Brothers 1 meets each Wednesday night at 7 pm. Band of Brothers 3 is invited to attend on Wednesday night on weeks they do not meet. Come and join a group.
Single Adult Ministry The Single Adults LIFE Group (single adults up to age 50) Meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in the Singles Portable Building.
Generational Ministries Preschool Ministry Kindergarten Graduation On Sunday, August 18 we will honor our Kindergarten graduates at the beginning of the 11 am worship service followed by a celebration party in the CLC. Pizza will be served and parents will have a brief meeting while kids enjoy the bounce house. Preschool Teacher Orientation Make plans to attend the Preschool Teacher Orientation on Sunday, August 18 immediately following the morning worship. Lunch will be served. Preschool teachers will meet in Fellowship Hall A. Please make reservations by contacting Angela Adams at angelaa@firstdenton.org or call 940.382.2577, x160. Advancement Day August 25 is fast approaching. We are enlisting teachers during for both the 9:30 and 11 am teaching hours. We have several vacancies for ages 2 - K. Contact Shirley at 940.382.2577, x161 and help make a different.
Kid’s Ministry Promotion Sunday, August 25 Mark your calendars for this day of celebration as we promote our kids to the next grade level. A special “Welcome” to those Kindergartners and parents who are moving up to the Kid’s Floor!
FirstDenton.org
Generational Ministries Kid’s Ministry (cont.) Student Life for Kids Camp We had 56 join us for a week of coolness at Hide & Seek. We enjoyed our trip to Austin College - Sherman. We had many opportunities each day to connect with God’s Word and apply it to our lives! We celebrated three decisions to accept Christ during the week. Thanks to all who participated and a special thanks to our Life Coaches who served their assigned preteens with patience, fun and grace!
Mission News In July, we sent mission teams to serve in Chicago, Jamaica, Kenya, and McAllen. When you receive this, teams are still serving in Kenya and McAllen so please continue to pray for them as they reach others.
Newton Rayzor Back To School Event On August 10 at 10 am, we will hold our 3rd annual “Back to School” event in the CLC. We will have bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, and a card making station. We also plan to have a puppet show that will help us share Jesus with the children and their families. Before the children leave, they will receive their school supplies and have an opportunity to meet and pray with their sponsors. This event cannot take place without your help. We need many volunteers on this day. To volunteer, contact Jodi Massey at jodim@firstdenton.org or call 940.484.4384. World Mission Offering Emphasis Already, over $164,000 has been given to our 2013 goal. Our giving goal to accomplish our plans for 2013 is $225,000. You can see complete list of goals at FirstDenton.org/missionsgiving.
Student Ministry Summer Blitz All Youth Blitz this summer is now on Wednesday nights 7-8:30. Our middle school students will not be meeting on Sunday nights but instead will be joining the high school students for a great time of games, food and Bible study. High School Home Group High school students are spending Sunday evenings this summer at the home of Greg and Jane Naugher for the home group Bible study “First Hand Faith.” Join us from 7:30-9 pm at 801 Oak St, Denton, TX 76201 for a great time of friends and fellowship. Promotion Sunday This is the biggest day in August for our student ministry. This is when our completed 5th graders will officially become 6th graders and join the youth floor during the second hour of worship. They will attend the 9:30 am worship then come to the youth floor afterwards. This is also when our 8th graders will officially become 9th graders and come to life groups at 9:30 am then go to worship at 11 am.
BEACON
Christmas in August Elves Shelves is a ministry that helps to provide toys for families in need in the Denton area every Christmas. Last year you provided toys for over 1500 children. We expect the need will be great again this year and would like to start collecting toys now. On August 4, we will celebrate Christmas in August. We ask that you bring a new, unwrapped toy with you that Sunday and place it in one of the marked containers at each of the Worship Center entrances. You can also donate financially. Just designate “Elves Shelves” on your giving envelope.
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Mission News (cont.)
Additional Ministries Special Needs Ministry
First Refuge Grand Opening Sunday, September 8 in the afternoon. Take a look at the completed building and ministries at the First Refuge Ministry Center.
(God’s Perfect Souls) will God’s GPS resume its monthly worship services August 3 at 3 pm in the GPS Perfect Saturday, Fellowship This ministry Souls is aimed at Hall. the developmentally first denton’s special needs ministry
First Refuge Ministries is continuing to take volunteers as we expand the ministry. Those wanting to volunteer at First Refuge can get an application from the church office or from First Refuge. Those who want to give directly to the ministry can designate “First Refuge” on their offering envelope. You can see more information about First Refuge Ministries at FirstDenton.org/firstrefuge. First Refuge Cancer Support Group First Refuge Ministries has started a Cancer Support Group ministry. If you are a cancer survivor, newly diagnosed, or in the middle of the storm, come and see what God has in store for you. This month we will meet on Tuesday, August 13 and Tuesday, August 27 at 6:30 pm. The meetings are at First Refuge Ministry Building located at 1701 Broadway. For more information, contact Clint Blackmon at 469.222.4575 or clint@temsco.com. First Refuge Food Pantry First Refuge Food Pantry served 188 people with groceries during the month of June. Please pray for our volunteers as they help to feed those in need physically and spiritually each week at First Refuge Ministries. Food Pantry Sunday is August 11. We are requesting boxes of crackers. Thank you for so generously donating to our food pantry. Contact Doug Giles at dougg@firstdenton.org or 940.484.4384 for any mission related information.
WMU WMU, Change and Cooperation For 2013-2014, the WMU will be organizing the group leadership into teams so each leader will share some of the responsibilities. The group will also be cooperating with the Mission Teams of the church Missions Council (Denton; Texas; U.S. and North America; and International teams) on various programs and projects. The WMU leadership teams will be as follows: WMU Director and Associate Director, Mission Study, Mission Activities, WMU Treasurer and Hospitality Women interested in missions and serving others may contact WMU Director Rynell Novak at rsnovak27@gmail.com or 940.368.6672 for more information. Page 6
disabled, their families, and their caregivers. Join us for an action packed worship service; everyone gets a musical instrument, followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments. Everyone is welcome so come as you are and bring a friend, you will be glad you did!
Recreation Ministry Golf Tournament What..........The Beat the Heat Championship When..........Saturday, August 10 Time...........8 am Course........Lakes of Frisco Golf Club Cost............$45 per player Format........2 man best total with handicap Deadline.....Sign-up deadline is Monday, August 5 Sign-up.......email bradc@firstdenton.org 2013 Golf Tournaments: September 7.....Fall Memorial October 6.........Beat the Staff Championship
Family Ministry Preparing For Marriage On Wednesday nights beginning September 18, we will be hosting an eight-week premarital class called Preparing for Marriage. This class will be offered free of charge to engaged couples or seriously dating couples considering marriage. Preparing for Marriage will be from 7-8:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall and will be taught by our Senior Pastor, Dr. Jeff Williams, and our Family Pastor, Brad Cockrell. All couples who complete the class will be given a certificate that can be used to wave the marriage license fee for the State of Texas. For more information or to register for the class, email Brad Cockrell at bradc@firstdenton.org. Family Fun Bowling Night - August 18 from 6-8 pm Bring the whole family out for a fun evening of bowling at University Lanes located at 1212 E. University Drive in Denton. We have rented the entire bowling alley just for our church. The cost is $5 per person and includes your bowling shoes and as many games as you can bowl in 2 hours. You may also want to bring money for any food and drinks at the snack bar (no outside food or drinks are allowed).
FirstDenton.org
Additional Ministries Music & Worship Ministry A huge thank you to our music staff, choir, orchestra, kid’s choir, drama, media team and the many volunteers who made Celebrate America a huge success this year. I appreciate the countless hours you gave of your time and talent in order to honor our Lord and celebrate the freedom we enjoy in this great country. Celebration Choir Celebration Choir resumes rehearsal Wednesday, August 7, 6 pm. Orchestra resumes Sunday, August 11, 8:30 am in Worship Center. Praise Team Auditions Praise Band Auditions will be held September 4 at 9 pm in Worship Center. Praise Vocals on September 5 at 6 pm. Sign up sheets available in Music Office with a packet of info to complete and bring to audition. The Gathering September 8 at 6 pm. Church-wide worship service bringing the body of Christ together for an exciting evening of worship and fellowship. Will include worship led by Celebration Choir, Orchestra & Praise Team, the Lord’s Supper, testimonies, and prayer. Orchestra Members Needed We have opportunities for the following instrumentalists: oboe, violin, French horn. Contact Keith McGee: keithm@firstdenton.org. Media Tech Crew We have opportunities to work behind the scenes during the worship services on words, sound, camera, lights. Training provided. Contact Sandy Burke: sandyb@firstdenton.org or 940.382.2577, x140.
BEACON
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FIRST BAPTIST BEACON (USPS571400) is published monthly by First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone Street, Denton, Texas 76201-2799. Periodical Postage Paid at Denton,Texas.
First Baptist Beacon Postmaster: Please send requests for change of address to First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone St, Denton, TX 76201-2799.
Note of Thanks Jeff and Members of FBC Denton, Thank you for remembering my retirement from Denton Baptist Association. I appreciate the Celebrate America DVD. Music, worship and preaching are genuine strengths of FBC Denton. May the Lord continue to bless you in the days ahead as He opens doors to reach even more people. Gary W. Loudermilk
In Memorium Harold Gore
Christian Sympathy Betty Gore on the death of her husband, Harold Gore Aaron & Kristi Colton on the death of his father, Ron Colton, and grandfather of Sarah, Matthew & Hailey
Births CONGRATULATIONS TO Chris & Shelley Falley on the birth of their daughter, Jillian Falley
This Month’s Giving Worship Attendance Average...........................1387 LIFE Group Average Attendance July 2013 Adult .................................................................225 Adults 55+ .........................................................218 Single Adults.......................................................13 College ...............................................................53 International .........................................................1 Youth ................................................................119 Kids..................................................................109 Preschool .........................................................144 Other ..................................................................22 TOTAL (Average) ..............................................905 Budget & Designated Funds* Annual Budget......................................$3,675,000 Budget Received This Month.......................221,224 Budget Needed, YTD...............................2,049,519 Budget Received, YTD............................2,230,043 Building Fund, Total....................................717,086 Over/Under Budget....................................180,524 TOTALWorld Missions, YTD.......................164,128 Homebound Report: June 2013 Visits: 88 • Cards/calls: 78 Magazines: 25 • CD’s/DVD’s: 4 • Favors: 18
Library Hours
First Baptist Church Denton, TX • 940.382.2577 • FirstDenton.org
Sunday Schedule
8:15 am..........................Adults 55+ LIFE Groups 9:30 am.......................LIFE Groups and Worship 11:00 am.....................LIFE Groups and Worship
FBCD Staff Dr. Jeff Williams, Senior Pastor......................150 Jeff Dooley, Senior Associate Pastor .............111 Keith McGee, Minister of Music/Worship........141 Jim Markle, Minister of Business Admin.........121 Brad Cockrell, Associate Pastor.....................171 Cliff Feeler, Minister to Adults 55+..................155 Chris Barfield, Minister to Kids ......................131 Shirley Jones, Min. of Preschool Education...161 Mark Caswell, Minister to Students ...............191 Austin Wadlow,University Minister..................181 Todd Spurgin, Facilities Manager...................127 Lisa Lee, Senior Accountant...........................120 Judy Murphy, Pastoral Ministry Asst...............150 Brad Hill, Communications Director................112 Doug Giles, Missions Minister ...... 940.484.4384 Maegan Woodard, CDC Director ...................167
Sunday Monday Wednesday
9:15 am-12:30 pm 8:30 am-3:30 pm 8:30 am-2:30 pm 6 pm-8 pm
Many new books and several DVD’s are on our shelves. Come take a look! Contact Dianna Ray 940.382.2577, x109 or library@firstdenton.org.
Wednesday Menu The Wednesday meals will begin back August 28.
Following Christ: How to Become a Christian We joyfully share this information with you in anticipation of meeting you personally. Whether you are new to the community or have been here awhile, we have a place for you. But even more importantly, God has a place for you and wants to change your life! If you want to accept Christ as your Savior and have certainty of eternal life, then pray this prayer from your heart: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask you to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.” After you have received Jesus Christ into your life, tell a Christian friend about the important decision you have made. Follow Christ in believer’s baptism and church membership. Grow in faith and enjoy new friends in Christ by becoming part of His church and attending the Bible study class the church has just for you. You’ll find others who will love and support you.