From the
What’s going on at
Pastor’s Heart
First Denton
W
hat On Earth Am I Here For? begins Sunday, September 15. For six weeks, we are going to focus on some of life’s most important questions. What is my purpose? Do I matter to God? What does God want from me? And several others. My Sunday morning messages will be the starting point to finding these answers, but there are two other
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 are meeting on Wednesday evenings, through November 13 from 6-7:30 pm in the Conference Room at First Baptist Denton. Please contact the church office at 940.382.2577, x150 for more information.
aspects
of this six week focus. One is the devotional book “What On Earth Am I Here For?” by Rick Warren. We have copies available for $10 or you can download a copy on your kindle or other device for a few dollars less. We will start this devotional together on Sunday, September 15. The other part of this six week effort involves Home Groups. We have over 40 homes that will be hosting groups. We want to encourage everyone to be a part of one of these groups, but especially those of you who don’t currently have a LIFE Group. You can find further details about this spiritual growth emphasis in this newsletter. I’m excited about what God is going to do at First Denton during these weeks. Our building committee continued working hard through the summer and in September they will present to us a master plan for buildings. Wednesday night, September 18 is the date. Don’t miss this important and historic meeting. These are exciting days for our church as we seek God’s direction for our future. I’m looking forward to a great fall with you at First Denton. I believe God is going to do some unbelievable things at First Denton in the coming year. In His Love, Jeff
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.
Staff
Anniversaries
Megan Chadwick...................................September 1, 2009 Financial Assistant Jeff Dooley.............................................September 9, 2012 Senior Associate Pastor Brad Hill.................................................September 8, 2009 Communications Director Todd Spurgin.........................................September 1, 2008 Facilities Manager Maegan Woodard..................................September 1, 2012 CDC Director
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FirstDenton.org
What’s going on at
First Denton
Building Dreams: The Reveal Our building committee has been working hard with H&H Architects to create a master plan for our new church home. The reveal of the plans will include two Q&A sessions and a final church vote. We hope you can be there to see the future of our building. The Schedule The Reveal: Q&A Session: Q&A Session: Final Vote:
September 18, 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall September 22, 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall September 25, 6 pm in the Chapel September 29, during both worship services
PICK UP A COPY OF THE BOOK AT THE CHURCH OR DOWNLOAD THE EBOOK.
GET IT FOR KINDLE
Coats for Christ is a ministry of First Denton that helps collect coats to donate to the Salvation Army. The coats you donate are used to help keep the homeless of Denton warm. As you clean out your closets to get ready for the fall, please consider donating your gently used coats. Right now you have the opportunity to show Christ to someone by helping them stay warm at night. Your donations can be accepted at the “Coats for Christ” drop box in the main foyer or in the church office.
WEBS Our Wednesday Evening Bible Study began 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 Wednesday nights at 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall for this in-depth study of I and II Thessalonians. 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.
Life Groups Are you looking to connect to a small group this fall? We have new LIFE Groups forming, so this is a great time to get plugged into a small group community. Go to FirstDenton.org/lifegroups for a complete listing of all our LIFE Groups meeting at 8:15, 9:30, or 11 am. Contact Jeff Dooley at jeffd@firstdenton.org to get plugged into a LIFE group. BEACON
GET IT FOR iBOOKS
Beginning Sunday, September 15 we will start answering the question “What On Earth Am I Here For?” We are doing this through sermon messages, devotions and home groups. Purchase your book on Sundays after the worship services for $10. Be a part of a home group or sign up to be a Host Home. Sign up at FirstDenton.org/why or contact Erica Horton at ericah@firstdenton.org. Host Home Orientation Sunday, September 8 at 5 pm or Wednesday, September 11 at 6 pm in S-111. If you are hosting a group in your home, please attend one of these brief sessions. We will answer all of your questions and present you with your host home kit. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Education Ministry Assistant, Erica Horton at ericah@firstdenton.org.
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Adult Ministries Adult 55+ Ministry What On Earth Am I Here For? Beginning Monday, September 16, and continuing each Monday through October 21, Adults 55+ are invited to room S-111 from 9:30-11am for the study, “What On Earth Am I Here For?” The Pastor will be preaching on this theme and small groups will be meeting weekly to have a DVD study and group discussion. Contact Cliff in the church office if interested in this group study on Monday mornings. Judy Murphy Retiring You probably know by now that Judy Murphy retired August 31. We have invited Judy and Bill to 39ers on Friday, September 13 to express our gratitude for her personal attention to all of us as well as her desire to serve every request. Trips for the Fall We have trips planned to Camp Copass for Senior Adult Day, O’Harlies in Decatur, and the State Fair of Texas. The sign up posters are on the Adult 55+ bulletin board. Meals on Wheels We have a special opportunity to make Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels recipients to be delivered with their Christmas meal. Becky Knight invited us along with other churches, Senior Centers, and special interested individuals. These cards along with meals will be delivered to 5,000 people in 14 North Texas counties. Deanna Blackmon has agreed to assist anyone wishing to make Christmas cards to meet Saturday morning, September 28 from 9:30-11am in Fellowship Hall. The scrapbook folks will be meeting Friday night and Saturday all day, but Deanna has agreed to assist in making the cards on Saturday. Check with Cliff. He will provide the guidelines.
Women’s Ministry Fall Bible Studies Join us for Nehemiah as we walk with Kelly Minter and look at how his heart broke for the people of Israel. This study is available Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We will also have an opportunity for ladies to join “What On Earth Am I Here For?” This group will start Sunday, September 15. And last, but not least, one of our favorites has returned; Apples of Gold. This study will start in late October. For details and registration for the studies go to our website at FirstDenton.org/women. I look forward to seeing you this fall. Spirited Scrapper’s is back! Kick off with spirited scrappers on September 27 & 28 to work on leaving a legacy through scrapbooking. We will dive in serving others by making homemade cards for a special outreach through Meals on Wheels. We also have a great time of fellowship, inspiring ideas, and preserving those precious memories. Contact Deanna Blackmon at blackmond@verizon.net for reservations and more details. Page 4
Go
e v r e S • • Love 2013
Women’s
FALL Kickoff
SatuSeptember rday, Sep7 t•e5 mpm ber 7 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 are $14. Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner is served at 6 pm. Come and see what God has brought to the women at First Denton.
Men’s Ministry 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 will join with the Kingdom Man study Wednesday nights at 7 pm through September 11. Band of Brothers 3 is invited to attend on Wednesday night on weeks they do not meet. Come and join a group. Men’s Bible Study On Wednesday nights through September 11, 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.
FirstDenton.org
Generational Ministries Generational Ministries Preschool Ministry Kindergarten Celebration All kindergarten families are invited to a celebration on September 27 from 6-8 pm in the CLC. We will celebrate your child entering kindergarten, have pizza, fun and provide some important information about plans for a great new LIFE Group year. Mark you calendar and join us. MOPS Join us at Mother’s of Preschoolers during the month of September. MOPS meetings provide support and fellowship for preschool moms. Meeting dates are September 5 and 19 from 9-11:30am. Contact Dawn Bath at mopsmom@yahoo.com for additional information.
Kid’s Ministry A Look Back At FROG Camp What a “ribbit”ing good time! Our Frog campers and sponsors had a blast traveling to Frisco, Dallas, Grapevine and Lewisville. Each day, we learned how to “Fully Rely On God (Isaiah 50:10),” while sharing fun frog facts, enjoy fellowship and making friends. Thanks to all 80 of you froggy friends and 16 sponsors who helped make this year’s camp so successful. We celebrated 16+ decisions! Don’t forget to put July 21-24 on your 2014 calendar and sign up for another incredible FROG Camp! Kid’s Life Group Leaders Are you willing to invest in kids? Our Kid’s Life Group classes need you! We have needs for adults, college students and teens willing to invest in teaching our kids God’s Word on Sunday mornings. There are openings for 1st, 2nd, 4th & 5th graders. Please contact Pastor Chris at 940.222.4198 or by email at chrisb@firstdenton.org. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. Choose to let Jesus use you! AWANA AWANA is a mid week discipleship/scripture memorization club that has three elements every night: large group, handbook time and games circle. Our AWANA Club has begun. AWANA meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7:30 pm. All Sparks (Kindergarten - 2nd), T-N-T’s (3rd-5th) & Trek (6th-8th) begin each club night in the CLC Gym. All Puggles (2 year olds) & Cubbies (3-4 year olds) begin in their respective classes in the Preschool Hall. Please contact Scott & Julie Herring at cjherring@grandecom.net to sign up to serve. BEACON
Student Ministry New School Year The new school year has begun and the Student Ministry has been preparing and planning for many exciting events for this fall and beyond. Keep an eye on the Beacon, website and especially our new and improved weekly updates. See You at the Pole On September 25, students from all over the United States will gather around their school’s flagpole for prayer. They pray for their school, city, state, and country. We encourage our students to make a difference in their school and community. The best way to start is through prayer. Please join all of our brothers and sisters in Christ as we pray for God to move in a mighty way. Please contact your school administrator for exact times and other details. W DF
t Adven ure Pa rk
Dude’s
October 18-19
For more info and to reserve your spot:
FirstDenton.org/paintball Guy’s Paintball Weekend Our annual Guy’s Paintball weekend this year is scheduled for October 18-19. We will meet at the CLC on Friday at 5 pm and depart for the DFW Adventure Park campsite. We will eat dinner by the campfire and wake up Saturday for an exciting morning of paintball. We will eat lunch, pack up and return to the CLC at 2 pm. The cost is $40. Sign up now and reserve your spot. Page 5
Mission News In August, our last two mission teams to McAllen and Kenya returned from their trips. Pray that the sharing of the Gospel by all of the mission teams this summer will have an impact. As the temperatures rise, we ask that you continue to remember to pray for those who need assistance during the hot summer months. There are many volunteer opportunities for people of all ages at First Refuge. If you are interested in serving, please contact Jodi Massey at 940.484.4384 or jodim@firstdenton.org. 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. Newton Rayzor Back To School Event Thank you to all who sponsored a child by providing School Supplies and Backpacks to the children in need at Newton Rayzor Elementary School. Please pray that the seeds that were planted during our Puppet Gospel Presentation will take root in the hearts of all that attended. First Refuge Grand Opening Sunday, September 8, 4-6 pm Take a look at the completed building and ministries at the First Refuge Ministry Center.
Additional Ministries Food Pantry Sunday is September 8. We are requesting boxes of macaroni and cheese. 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. Fall Support Groups Making Peace With Your Past This group will lead you through a 12-unit study that provides biblical and practical help. The study will help you identify and understand problems and feelings from childhood experiences, identify ways the past affects you in the present, understand that other people have experienced similar problems and feelings, unlock buried feelings from the past and experience healing and forgiveness, experience an atmosphere of trust, honesty and unconditional love and experience a sense of hope and healing. Making Peace men’s group starts Sunday, September 15 Making Peace women’s group starts Sunday September 15 Moving Beyond Your Past This 12-week study will provide help in identifying negative behaviors that are often adopted to mask emotional pain. Foundational principles for this group include the following: a negative behavior does not go away unless you learn to alert yourself when reacting according to old patterns, you must grow spiritually to change the way you act, you must identify lies you’ve believed and receive the truth, spiritual and emotional growth occurs in cycles, emotional wholeness affects your relationship with self, others, and God. Moving Beyond Your Past begins Wednesday, September 25 from 6-8 pm. Contact Shirley Jones at shirleyj@firstdenton.org or 940.382.2577, x161 to register or for more information.
WMU 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, September 10 and Tuesday, September 24 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 296 people with groceries during the month of July. Please pray for our volunteers as they help to feed those in need physically and spiritually each week at First Refuge Ministries.
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“Every Texas Baptist Can – Share. Pray. Give. Go.” Tuesday, September 10, 10 am in room S-109 will be our monthly program and luncheon. This month we will look at the Week of Prayer for Texas and Mary Hill Davis Mission Offering. Sponsors: WMU and Texas Team of church Missions Council Women interested in missions and serving others may contact WMU Director Rynell Novak at rsnovak27@gmail.com or 940-368-6672 for more information.
Special Needs Ministry month’s GPS worship service God’s This is Saturday, September 14 at 3 pm in Fellowship Hall. This ministry GPS Perfect the is aimed at the developmentally Souls disabled, their families, and their first denton’s special needs ministry
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! FirstDenton.org
Additional Ministries Music & Worship Ministry
marriage
BASICS
A Premarital Class
SEPT 18 7-8:30 PM
Fellowship Hall
Marriage Basics On Wednesday nights beginning September 18, we will be hosting an eight-week premarital class called Marriage Basics. This class will be offered free of charge to engaged couples or seriously dating couples considering marriage. Marriage Basics 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.
Celebration Choir Christmas Kickoff Celebration Choir Christmas Kickoff is September 11 at 6 pm in the Choir Room. This is a great time to join choir and be part of singing for our Christmas Celebration 2013. Praise Team Auditions Praise Band Auditions will be held on September 4 around 9 pm in the Worship Center, and Praise Vocals on September 5 starting at 6 pm. All wishing to audition must sign up in the Music Office. You will be given a packet of information to complete and bring to the audition. Orchestra Members Needed We currently have opportunities to serve in our orchestra for all instrumentalists. Please contact Keith McGee at keithm@firstdenton.org. Media Tech Crew We have opportunities to serve for those with the desire to work behind the scenes during the worship services on words, sound, camera, and lights. We will provide training! If interested, contact Sandy Burke at sandyb@firstdenton.org or call the music office 940.382.2577, x140. Kids Choir Kickoff Kids Choir begins September 15 at 5 pm in the Elevate room for grades 1-5 and Preschool/Kinder choir will be in P-102. This is a great opportunity for our children to learn music and sing for our Lord.
Recreation Ministry Golf Tournament What..........The September Shootout When..........Saturday, September 7 Time...........3 pm Course........Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club in Keller Cost............$45 per player Format........2 man scramble Deadline.....Sign-up deadline is Monday, September 2 Sign-up.......email bradc@firstdenton.org 2013 Golf Tournaments: October 6.........Beat the Staff Championship BEACON
The Gathering The Gathering on September 8 at 6 pm, is a church-wide worship service bringing the body of Christ together for an exciting evening of worship and fellowship. The evening will include worship led by Celebration Choir, Orchestra & Praise Team, the Lord’s Supper, testimonies, and prayer Page 7
First Baptist Beacon
FIRST BAPTIST BEACON (USPS571400) is published monthly by First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone Street, Denton, Texas 76201-2799. Periodical Postage Paid at Denton,Texas.
Postmaster: Please send requests for change of address to First Baptist Church, 1100 Malone St, Denton, TX 76201-2799.
In Memorium Bill Allen Margot Mainous
Christian Sympathy
Births CONGRATULATIONS TO Chris & J.J. Searcy on the birth of their daughter, Julie Charis Searcy, granddaughter of Greg and Jane Naugher and great-grand daughter of Jimmie and Jackie Naugher
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS SHARED WITH: Lewis & JoAn Eden on the death of her father, Mark Carson
Ed & Sandra Pearce on the birth of their granddaughter, Elanore Evelyn Pearce, Parents: Cory & Julie Pearce
Mary Allen on the death of her husband, Bill Allen; and to daughter, Becky French and granddaughter, Molly French
Tim & Stacie Stone on the birth of their son, Caleb Alexander Stone
J. C. & Bobbie Lowery on the death her sister, Doris Maxine Calvert John & Connie Cox on the death of her sister-in-law, Bette Gibson
This Month’s Giving Worship Attendance Average...........................1382 LIFE Group Average Attendance July 2013 Adult .................................................................248 Adults 55+ .........................................................233 Single Adults.......................................................13 College ...............................................................67 International .........................................................3 Youth ................................................................142 Kids..................................................................105 Preschool .........................................................154 Other ..................................................................27 TOTAL (Average) ..............................................991 Budget & Designated Funds* Annual Budget......................................$3,675,000 Budget Received This Month....................261,737 Budget Needed, YTD..............................2,332,212 Budget Received, YTD............................2,480,849 Over/Under Budget....................................148,637 Building Fund, Total....................................721,678 TOTALWorld Missions, YTD.......................164,194 World Missions Goal.................................225,000 Homebound Report: July 2013 Visits: 109 • Cards/calls: 70 Magazines: 23 • CD’s/DVD’s: 4 • Favors: 43
Wednesday Menu
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
9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25
Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable, Hot rolls Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Pancakes or French toast sticks, Biscuits & Gravy. Roast, Potatoes, Veggies and Hot rolls Chicken strips, Mashed potatoes and Gravy, Veggies and Hot rolls
Library Hours 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.
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 Brad Hill, Communications Director................112 Doug Giles, Missions Minister ...... 940.484.4384 Maegan Woodard, CDC Director ...................167
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.