First Baptist News VOLUME LVIII
AUGUST, 2015
In the Spotlight
Reflections C. Frank Granger
What happens when you combine a Men’s Bake-off, a summer Wednesday evening dinner, and a report from the youth and their June mission trip to Shaw, Mississippi? The Men’s Bake-Off resulted in cakes of all types entered by males of various ages. A pair of brothers, aged 6 and 8, a high school senior, a college student, along with several other adult males in the church entered their baked creations in competition. The Recreation Team chose to have three “teams” of judges. Each team consisted of a pair; each pair had a young adult (college age or just out of college) matched with an adult at least two generations older. Each team had to collaborate, and agree, on the result they marked down for each cake they judged. The dinner, like many other church dinners, had people gathered at tables, sharing a meal together, and sharing their company, their lives, and their stories. Following the announcement of the winners (reported elsewhere in this newsletter) and the appropriate applause and recognition of our panel of judges, we focused our attention to see and hear about the June mission trip. Yes, as to be expected, it was impactful not only for the adults and youth who went on the trip, but for the children and people in Shaw, Mississippi as well. What happened was a beautiful, and powerful, experience of what it means to be a Christian community of multiple generations participating together in faith formation. What happens is what doesn’t happen anywhere else in our community or our culture. Young and old come together in ways that give and receive. We watched as these youth, identifying themselves by naming their parents, captured our attention with their insight and what impacted them about this trip. We learned from them what it means to make oneself vulnerable and share the love of God with others. We were challenged by them to live out our Christianity here in Athens-Clarke County. What happened was a current example of what the early church did as it gathered to listen to the stories from the very ones it had commissioned and sent out on mission. What happened was beautiful as we saw these who once were the little children in those baby blue choir robes, standing tall and teaching us what it means to let others see Jesus in you. What happened was that as we listened, we affirmed and blessed these young people in their gifts, their budding identity, and most importantly, their choice to be Christians in this world. This is one of the unique characteristics and defining elements of First Baptist Church of Athens, Georgia. We believe that we are called to be church, to do church, and to learn about church together, not segmented and segregated by age, or by generation, or by likes and dislikes. This is why we worship together as one body of Christ. This is why we take trips together, young and old. This is why we, as adults, continue to teach the children and youth in our church long after our own children are grown. This is why we do so much of what we do the way we do it. The combination of things that on the surface don’t seem to fit together very neatly reveal the potential and value that resides within congregational life.
NO. 8
Sunday, August 23
First Sunday Celebration 11:00 a.m. Worship Covered Dish Luncheon (Fried Chicken and Drinks Provided)
Tuesday, Aug
ust 18
Midweek Noon Bible Study Re sum Led by Paul Bax le
y
es
Wednesday, August 19
t Meal 5:00 p.m. First Family Nigh of Fall Choirs 5:45-6:25 p.m. Children’s hip 6:00 p.m. Adult Disciples 6:00 p.m. Youth Activities ds 6:30-7:15 p.m. Mission Ki r Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choi
WORSHIP
Children Fine Arts Camp
CHILDREN’S CHOIR FALL 2015 “Choosing God’s Way” By Teresa Granger, Children’s Choir Coordinator Thank you to everyone who helped make Fine Arts Camp a big success! At camp, we learned about music through playing instruments, singing, moving, and making instruments. On the first day of camp, our featured guest was Dr. Arvin Scott from UGA who specializes in African drumming. He performed and brought instruments for the children to play. After the first day, the daily highlight was a concert provided by the UGA students, community musicians, and church members. These concerts included steel pans, a saxophone quartet from UGA, and a group of Redcoats performing. Thanks again to everyone who made Fine Arts Camp a great week: Teresa Granger, Randy Brittain, Margaret McDonald, Corinne Klemenc, Erin Keeney, Rose Wilmot, Christopher Adams, Becky Adams, Clare Eggleston, Judith DeFoor, JoAnna Barrow, Robin O’Rear, Carol Reddish, Debbie Brown, Joyce Reynolds, Nancy Dempsey, Menda Lambeth, Nancy Lee Wilbanks, Jan Brown, Vicki Horton, Bill Horton, Barbara Brittain, Charles Brittain, Susan Henderson, Julie Linsley, Stacey Pendry, Jill Dawson, LaReece Reynolds, Susan Hogan, Susan Greene, Hollin Hargrave, Hannah Dillard, Kate Adams, and Isabelle Hale.
Sunday, August 16 CHILDREN’S MINISTRY FAMILY BREAKFAST AND PARENT’S MEETING Fellowship Hall 9:30-10:45 a.m.
We will have the annual children’s ministry Family Breakfast on Sunday morning, August 16 in the Fellowship Hall. Families with children birth through grade 6 are invited to a breakfast. Breakfast will be from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. and include children and parents. The children will then leave at 10:00 to go to their new Sunday School classes for the 2015-16 church year.
Our theme for the Children’s Music Ministry this fall is “Choosing God’s Way” and is based on the scripture passage from Psalm 46:10. This curriculum is published by Growing in Grace and features anthems, movement songs, hymn studies, and instrumental activities for children. Please look at the Youtube link to preview some of the songs and teaching materials for this year. The link is www.youtube. com/watch?v=mp-JIY_CLWI First Baptist Church provides a graded choir program for children on Wednesday evenings for ages three through sixth grade. Our Brownie Bear preschool choir is for children who are 3, 4, and Pre-K age children. Our Music Makers younger children’s choir is for grades kindergarten through second grade. The Joyful Singers choir is our older children’s choir and is for third through sixth grade children. Please mark your calendars with the dates listed below for Children’s Choirs at First Baptist Church this fall. If you have questions about your child’s participation in the children’s choir program, please contact our Children’s Choir Coordinator, Teresa Granger, at thghome@bellsouth.net. We would love to have your child share the love of God though music by their participation in our children’s choirs. Important Dates: Children’s Choir Fall Kick-Off Night Wednesday evening, August 19 at 5:45 p.m. First Regular Rehearsal Wednesday evening, August 26 from 5:45- 6:30 p.m.
Passportkids! 2015: Revolution
Memorials Given Memorials were given to the Foundation Benevolent Fund in memory of the following in the month of June: Juli-Anne Vasenden Sea Willow Nichols Margaret Skinner
At Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, our group of 10 children and 4 chaperones learned about what it means to be a part of God’s Revolution. It was a great week of worshipping, playing, Bible study, and games. Thank you to the chaperones who came with us on the trip: Jason Williamson, Margaret Thomason, and Emily Bailey!
WORSHIP
Youth-Middle & High School Brandon Pendry
Passport/Summer/Seniors Every year on the last night of youth Passport Camp, we have a time of sharing where non-seniors can express their feelings and thanks to the seniors as they go off to next steps in their lives. Seniors also have a chance to share anything they’d like to with the group or each other. During that time this year, our group said goodbye to 8 seniors on the trip and 2 who could not attend. And as usual, there were tears of sadness as we will miss those moving on and they will miss us. But this year’s “cry-night” as it’s become known had less sadness and more confirmation and celebration of the life of the AthensFBCYouth over the past 6 years. One of the overwhelming refrains from seniors and non-seniors alike was the sense of family–of Christian unity, they felt as a part of this group and church. I believe it’s this sense of unity in Christ and resting assured
that God is with us, and we are with and for each other, that made this night less tearful and rather a joyful celebration of what has been. What a huge blessing that teenagers have a church and group where they are a part of a family in Christ and a knowledge that God has been and will continue to be with them wherever they go in life. As our high school seniors make important life transitions, pray not that they will find clarity but find God, and be willing to answer God’s call to them. And as our group changes here at AthensFBCYouth, offer the same prayer with the addition that our students and each of us answer God’s call on our lives AND for how we are all called together to be and live as one family, united in Christ.
Music Ministry Randy Brittain
I Spent My Summer in the Music Library at FBC Athens You probably don’t know this, but Ministers of Music spend a lot of time holed up in the Music Library of a church. We are constantly looking through music and searching for just the right piece that will enhance a theme for worship. I affectionately refer to our Music Library as the dungeon because it is one of the lowest places in the church, except for the boiler room. That room of the church has not really been touched since the renovation of 1980 and most people have no idea where it is. So it is a quiet and peaceful place where one can work without interruption, mainly because no one can find you. But often when I am in that room I realize that there are hundreds of people in there with me. These are the people who have served in the Music Ministry of FBC Athens as music directors, organists, and choir members through the years, and their names and stories are written all over the music. The Music Library houses over 1,600 individual titles of anthems for children, students, and adults. It also houses 40 cantatas or oratorios for Christmas and Easter as well as instrumental music for accompaniment. For many decades, the Music Library was kept up-todate by Helen McArthur and Carol Haynsworth. These two dedicated individuals kept music organized for all the various choirs of the Music Ministry until their retirement three years ago. I can tell by looking at the major choral works that the two works that were sung over and over throughout the years were The Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois and The Crucifixion by John Stainer. When you look through the individual scores of these two titles, you can find the names of choir members from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. I found the personal score of Cecil Johnson who sang the tenor solos for many performances of The Seven Last Words of Christ. I also found the score of Margaret Reed who was a longtime member of the Sanctuary Choir and who started out as a paid student singer in the choir in the 1940s while studying at UGA. I’ve also seen the names of these choir members inscribed on some of the scores: Gene Sutherland, Irene Dodd, Mildred Turner, and Guy Smith. These were all faithful servants to the music and worship life of FBC in times past. One of the most interesting names I saw inscribed on a piece of music was Wolfe. This obviously was used by Fletcher Wolfe who was
the first full-time Minister of Music of the church in 1956. Fletcher would only serve the church for two years before leaving to direct the Atlanta Boy Choir. But since Fletcher’s coming in 1956 the church has had a full-time Minister of Music on staff. I’ve seen the names of these full-time Ministers of Music inscribed on individual pieces: D.C. Rhoden, Warren Valine, Bob Farrall, Ken Powers, and Len Willingham. This summer has been a time of cleaning out and reorganizing the Music Library. Music from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s that could no longer be picked out of a box without disintegrating finally had to be thrown away in order to make room for the new. Stacks of choir folders from the 60s and 70s finally had to be tossed to clear the way for new folders and new cantatas and new oratorios. The Music Ministry has been a vital part of First Baptist Church from the very beginning with hymnbooks purchased by 1854, multiple choirs supporting worship by the 1880s, paid music staff by 1887, and not one, but two organs by 1891. (Many thanks to Ernie Hynds for this history lesson!) But by spending a lot of time this summer moving through the Music Library, making hard decisions about what to keep and what to throw away, I’ve been able to see some of that history up close and personal. And it is a history of people. People who gave of their time and talents to the worship life of the church and served faithfully in their time. People who served as Ministers of Music, organists, choir members, soloists, student singers, and librarians. Would you like to add your name to this ongoing story of ministry? August is the perfect time of year to join a choir and participate more fully in the music and worship life of the church. Please call me at the church office or email randy@firstbaptistathens.org for more information on any of our choirs. Wednesdays Beginning August 19 5:45 p.m. Children’s Choirs (Preschool through 6th grade) 7:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Sundays Beginning August 23 5:15 p.m. Youth Choir (7th through 12th grade) 6:00 p.m. Adult Handbell Choir
WORSHIP
College Corner Amanda Lewis
Praying Out Loud For seven months before I began seminary, I lived in Northern Ghana working for a Ghanaian pastor, Rev. Emmanuel Mustapha, as a part of an initiative to distribute mosquito nets to target the spread of malaria. I traveled with local pastors sharing the Good News and the good news that these nets could help save them from the mosquitoes that carry malaria which are only active at night. We spent long days traveling down dusty roads. During the rainy season, we even managed to get a few vehicles stuck in the mud as we traveled to visit newly formed churches. As tiring as the work was, and as difficult as it was to face the language and cultural barriers, one of my biggest challenges came in learning to worship with these congregations. When Ghanaian Christians pray, they pray aloud, lifting their voices up all at the same time. They are not reciting the same words in unison, they are each praying in their own words shouting their concerns to God. They do not worry that someone will hear their prayers, because with that much noise in an enclosed space you can barely hear yourself think. For the first few months in Ghana, I found myself mouthing my prayers, so it appeared that I was speaking aloud, but that way I was assured that nobody could hear me. I am not sure exactly when I made the switch, but it was my desperation for God to take away my homesickness that made me willing to speak these prayers aloud, even with someone standing next to me. Though my homesickness did not disappear, I learned a great lesson about the power of voicing prayers, lifting my humble requests to a God so big that God’s ears can hear the prayers of a thousand voices praying at once. Last fall at FBC Athens, we began our Sunday night Bible studies with a series on prayer disciplines. We wrote our own breath prayers– centering prayers to recite as you inhale and exhale a breath. We learned to pray with creative movement, stretching up and bowing in humility as we pray. We also practiced saying prayers while lighting candles. (This is my favorite form of prayer; I like to imagine the flames are dancing, joyfully lifting my prayers to heaven, or burning with passion and sorrow with me as I pray prayers of lament.) The majority of our college students are introverted, so I was not surprised that their least favorite prayer practice was to pray aloud. As a group, they managed to speak their prayers for about two minutes before their voices became softer and softer, turning from mumbled words into whispers and then total silence. Even months later, praying aloud, even just to say a blessing, is still not one of their favorite activities. In June, I was shocked when two of our students came to church to pray and grieve with the guests of Our Daily Bread over the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. They came to church that morning knowing that they
may have to practice a discipline that stretches them outside of their comfort zone, but they were still willing to take part in this time of prayer. During lunch at Our Daily Bread, we shared scripture and prayed with several people lamenting the tragic loss of life. It was difficult for our students to speak of such pain, and to voice their prayers, but it was a blessing to see their willingness to face their discomfort to comfort others. Though it took me months to learn to pray and to worship with Ghanaian congregations, that experience empowered me to teach our students to enhance their prayer lives. I am excited to see the ways in which the students will grow in their faith and the ways they integrate with the congregation and the ministries of the church over the next year.
It’s Been Quite a Year This month marks my first year on staff at FBC Athens, and it has been an amazing experience. This year we completed a series on prayer disciplines, studied neglected voices in scripture, and traversed the Old Testament through the Lectionary readings in Sunday School. These group Bible Studies have been enhanced by the activities that helped our students grow together as a group. On Wednesday afternoons in the fall and spring, students walked to the Farmer’s Market together. We celebrated holidays and the changing of the seasons together: carving pumpkins with the Sanders, hiding Easter Eggs for the children, and gathering for BBQ and a trip to Bear Hollow Zoo on Memorial Day. We successfully completed our group building challenge at Escape the Space and survived an afternoon of exploring Ikea together. We celebrated birthdays and learned to make Kentucky themed foods in honor of the Kentucky Derby. These fun activities have been vital for community building for the college students, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. This in turn facilitates their ability to help each other grow spiritually. In February, we traveled to Atlanta to participate in CBF’s Now Serving Weekend, which provided our students the opportunity to serve in under resourced communities. In June, we met at the church to pray and grieve with the guests of Our Daily Bread after the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. I am so excited to be a part of a congregation that not only welcomes students as visitors, but that also welcomes them to participate in the life of the church. Providing opportunities for students to read scripture in worship, to volunteer with the children, and to take part in the church’s outreach activities are beautiful opportunities that remind them that they are a part of a larger, intergenerational, faith community. The congregation has blessed these students, and they in turn have the ability to bless the congregation. I am looking forward to this next year with our students. I hope that you will join me in investing in their lives and encouraging them to take part in rich experiences of life in community.
community Supper Clubs – Sign-Ups Beginning Now Supper Clubs: These are designed for adults in our church who want to participate with others in getting together to build relationships in our church community around table. What is a Supper Club?: A supper club is a group of 6-8 individuals. What is the purpose?: The purpose is to build relationships with others, share conversation, and a meal. When do they meet?: Groups decide when, where, and how often to meet. How are they formed?: Groups are formed from among the individuals who sign up. The Community Team forms the groups. A
group coordinator makes contact with all the members of the group after the group is formed. How long does the group remain together? Groups are to be formed by late August, and can meet as often as they wish for one year, September-August. Groups can meet in homes, go out to dinner together, or do some of each. Groups are autonomous and make their own decisions. Becky Adams from our Community Team is coordinating supper clubs. Sign-ups will continue through August. Groups will be formed at the end of August and participants will be notified in early September. How to sign up: Church Office: 705-548-1359, Email: frank@ firstbaptistathens.org, Online: www.firstbaptistathens.org
community OUR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL STORY Young Couples Class The two words Stacey Pendry would use to describe the Young Couples Sunday School Class are “welcoming” and “engaging.” Those words ring true for all of the members of this class who responded to questions, but the definition of “young” may have been relaxed. Johnathan McGinty said, “It is actually a diverse class in terms of age and thought.” He added that it is also fun and welcoming. Initially formed about 10 years ago, the class has a number of young(ish) couples–some who have young children and others who do not. “At the time we joined, the church was just coming out of a period when few young couples were in attendance,” recalls Johnathan. “I remember two couples roughly our age almost hugging us when Julie and I joined.” From the original class, the remaining members include the McGintys, Matt and Caroline DuVall, and Travis and Clare Eggleston. Four years ago Mary and Chris Conley and Bill and Donna Hopper became the leaders of the class, and a new season of growth began for the class. Twelve of our new church members in the past three years are members of this class. The class doesn’t shy away from topics that might be uncomfortable. According to Johnathan, an early series was titled “Hot Potatoes” and delved into some difficult topics to discuss, such as abortion, war, etc. “It was really interesting to see the diverse points of view in the class, yet to also see how those viewpoints were welcomed.” Another popular series was a recent study titled “Elevate Your Marriage,” a study on 7 practices of highly intimate couples. The class not only values classroom discussions–members also share a strong desire to connect with one another. “We have built strong friendships with others in the class and had the opportunity to get to know people in other classes through joint Sunday School and fellowship breakfasts,” says Stacey. “I have seen God through the love and support that members of the class and the teachers have shown inside and outside of church. From providing meals to new moms, diligently praying for those going through difficult times to opening up our homes, this class has simply been wonderful.” Socially, the class enjoys cook-outs and breakfasts with regularity. But according to Johnathan, the ladies do a better job making social plans; “Julie regularly coordinates suppers for the women in the class–the guys are a bit slower to get things mobilized.” Nevertheless, relationships have become strong. Johnathan elaborates, “What stands out to me is that when I was ordained as a deacon and we did the laying of hands, I remember every single member of my class who came through and gave me an encouraging word. With a couple of hundred people speaking to you, it’s hard to sort out who is who, but I knew exactly who came through from our class and what they said.” The Young Couples Class meets each Sunday in Room F-318, located on the third floor above the Fellowship Hall rotunda. Mary and Chris Conley and Bill and Donna Hopper continue to provide leadership and teaching for the class, along with Paul Baxley, who teaches one Sunday each month. e v t a Da S he t
e
Christian Community is… people you can count on, call on, care about, connect with, share thoughts and prayers. The Community Team put together a survey for the congregation to fill out. The surveys have been completed and the results correlated. Each week leading up to the FBC 1st Sunday Celebration Day on August 23, we will have on display a part of the survey results. Our first display board will show those interested in outdoor activities. Please take a moment to stop at the display in the Branyon Foyer to see who you might contact to enjoy the same outdoor activities you do.
Men’s Bake-Off Results
SCRUMPTIOUS: John Lambeth SIGNATURE: Shaun O’Rear
Fall Daily Devotional Begins Monday, August 31 A 12-week daily devotional is being provided for our congregation beginning Monday, August 31. The devotions have been written by twelve members of our congregation. The devotional has been organized with readings for Monday through Friday of each week and uses the Sunday lectionary scripture for the coming week. These devotions will be printed in a booklet for those who wish to use a printed form. Additionally, the devotions will be sent to members by email. If you would like to be on the list to receive this devotional each day during the fall, please send your name and email address to Sharon Jenkins at sharon@firstbaptistathens.org. Also, if you have friends or family who would like to receive these, we are glad to add them to the list. (They will not be on any other e-mail list.) Our writers include: Tom Brown, Jerry Gouge, Frank Granger, Paula Hooper, Connie Ivester, John Lambeth, Menda Lambeth, Amanda Lewis, Helen Mills, Carol Reddish, Mark Sanders, Becky Snow.
Adult Sunday School Teacher Retreat Saturday, August 29 • 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. First Baptist Fellowship Hall Guest Leader: Michael McCullar
Concert on the Grounds
Formations Pastor at John’s Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, GA.
Sunday, September 27
A Celebration of Bluegrass
Featuring: The Iron Mountain Messengers
Our Men’s Bake-Off on July 22 was very competitive. The results are: SHOWSTOPPER: Owen Young
9:00: 9:25: 9:40-10:45: 10:45-11:00: 11:00-12:15: 12:15-12:30: 12:30-1:00:
Our Schedule: Arrival and Light Breakfast Scripture and Prayer Session I Break Session II Closing Worship Lunch
RSVP to the church office or by e-mail to evelyn@firstbaptistathens.org
Mission Mission of the Month Salvation Army About: The Salvation Army of Athens provides emergency services to families struggling to make ends meet in Clarke (Athens), Oglethorpe, Oconee, Madison, and Jackson counties. Through your generous support, last year The Salvation Army: • Sheltered over 17,050 individuals and families at the Athens Salvation Army facility. • Served over 31,000 hot meals to local men, women, and children. • Provided 253 households with energy assistance and 4,075 households with case management and housing assistance. • Shared a new way of looking at the world with over 225 children who attended Salvation Army local youth programming and summer camps. • Assisted over 2,100 children with Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program. How FBC Helped: FBC participated in the Angel Tree programs and bell ringing at Christmas, as well as giving funds for the Salvation Army through our missions budget. Ways to Serve: Look for our yearly service with Salvation Army in December and help their mission of serving families in crisis.
Mentors The BEST Back-to-School Supply Classes begin August 11 in the Clarke County School District, and there are hundreds of children who are on waiting lists to receive a mentor–a role model, listener, and friend who can help them succeed in school and in life. Mentors visit their “mentee” at school once each week, for a meal, homework help, game and/or conversation. Visit scheduling is flexible, and a minimum one-year commitment is required. Volunteers complete an application, background check, and training session. The first training session of the school year will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information: Clarke County Mentor Program mentor@athensga.com www.clarkecountymentorprogram.org 706-549-6800, ext. 227
Who’s Serving: Food Bank Needs: Canned Diced Tomatoes, Peanut Butter, Saltine Crackers Food Bank: Deacons: August 11/12, August 25/26 Our Daily Bread: Young Couples Class: August 14
Interfaith Hospitality Network News Annual Teardrop Ride Help families facing homelessness achieve lives of hope and sustainable independence. Join IHNA for the 5th annual Teardrop Ride on Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 a.m. There are four different distances available for rides: 21 miles, 35 miles, 63 miles, and 101 miles which all begin at Morgan County High School in Madison. The cost to ride is $40 if you register before August 15. Register online at www.ihnathens.org/teardrop-bike-ride.
A Note of Thanks from a Hosted Family Last month, FBC hosted a family for the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens. Many thanks go out to the volunteers who helped and others who were on call. This marks the latest hosting in over 10 years of working with IHNA. Our next hosting week will begin on September 27. In honor of our volunteers and to remind you of the importance of this work, this thank you note from our first family in the network in October 2004 is being published: Dear FBC, We would just like to say thank you so much for all your help and prayers and love and support while we were staying there. We had a blessed and wonderful time while we were there. We greatly felt the love of Jesus coming from all of you. We thank God for you and what you did to help us. “Give and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. May your cup overflow with abundant blessings.” Jerold, Christy and the boys
On Friday, August 7, FBC is helping provide 300 sack lunches for Smart Lunch/Smart Kid. Please sign up in your Sunday School class or email Brandon Pendry (brandon@firstbaptistathens. org) if you are available to help assemble the lunches. We will also need donations of sandwich and snack items for the lunches. Contact Brandon for more information.
Walk for Water Livy Baxley is currently planning the second annual Walk for Water to benefit Watering Malawi, a CBF sponsored organization. Her goal for this year is to raise $5,000 for this wonderful organization which provides clean wells and simple irrigation systems in the Malawi, Africa region. You may donate online at wateringmalawi. org, including Livy’s name in the comment section. Or, you can send a check to First Baptist with “Walk for Water” on the memo line. Livy also invites you to come out and learn more about water poverty on Saturday, September 12 at Oconee Veterans Park between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m.
50+ Team Announcements Joint Meeting
DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER IS MONDAY, AUGUST 24 AT NOON.
The 50+ Team will have a joint meeting of the new team members and the current team members on August 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Joyce and Bill Fleeman, 1147 Hwy. 106 South, Hull, Ga. This will be a covered dish meal for team members and spouses or guests. Please call the church office by August 3 to make a reservation.
Serving Together
Co-Deacons for the Weeks of:
August 2-8 August 9-15 August 16-22 August 23-30 August 30-September 7
Bobbie Monk, Don Nelson Phyllis Barrow Nelson, Robin O’Rear Shaun O’Rear, Lori Ragsdale Alan Reddish, Carol Reddish Beth Sanders, Ches Smith
Counting Committee Schedule: August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30
Fred Young, Julie Jenkins Bill Hopper, Julie McGinty Dallas Cannady, Steve Barton Randan Ashmore, Julie McGinty Bill Hopper, Brad Lastinger
Fellowship Team for August
Sherri Divers, Jimmy Bryant, Jim Ebert, Kathy Barrow
Usher Team for August
Annette Barfield, Frank Cash, Wilson Denney, Joyce Gravely, Bert Hill, Joanna Hill
Welcome Center Team for the Weeks of: August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30
Branyon Foyer: Karen Price, Cindy Haygood Fanning Foyer: Charlotte Crowe, Judy Ebert Branyon Foyer: Judy Ebert, Jim Ebert Fanning Foyer: Debbie Brown, Tom Brown Branyon Foyer: Charlotte Crowe, Pam Bickley Fanning Foyer: Karen Price, Cindy Haygood Branyon Foyer: Debbie Brown, Tom Brown Fanning Foyer: Judy Ebert, Jim Ebert Branyon Foyer: Karen Price, Cindy Haygood Fanning Foyer: Charlotte Crowe, Pam Bickley
First Aid Phone – August
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Church Family News Sympathy
We extend our Christian love and sympathy to the family of Janey Cooley who passed away on Monday, July 27, 2015.
New Members We extend a warm welcome to Margaret McDonald who joined with us on July 26, 2015 by transfer of letter.
Wednesday Night Suppers and Programs Our Wednesday Night Supper and Programs begin August 19 with Wednesday evening supper, children’s music and mission opportunities, and Adult Education. Previous permanent reservations do not carry forward from year to year. You may make your reservation by calling the office or visiting the church website. You may also submit the following form to the church office to make your permanent supper reservation. The 2015-16 Wednesday Night Supper schedule and menus are available to view and print on the church website. Please call the church office by noon on Monday to make a reservation or to change a reservation. On Wednesday evening, please choose the meal for which you have a reservation so that there is enough food for everyone. Children may have the hot menu or salad bar option at the children’s price, but if this is a change to your permanent reservation, you must call the church office by noon on Monday.
Wednesday Suppers
Stacey Pendry
MENU
August 2 Jeff and Anna Randa August 9 Caroline and Matt DuVall, Colin and Katrina Law August 16 Craig and Jennifer Ellis, Trish and Andy Hogan
August 19 Hot Meal: Children: Salad Bar:
Chicken Fingers, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli Spears, Fruit Cup, Breadsticks, Dessert Hot Meal Baked Irish or Sweet Potato
Contributions & Participation
August 26 Hot Meal: Children: Salad Bar:
Hamburger Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Sliced Peaches, Biscuit, Dessert Hot Dog and Tater Tots Baked Irish or Sweet Potato
Extended Session
Weekly Needs: Received Week of July 5 Received Week of July 12 Received Week of July 19 Received Week of July 26
$27,140.67 $15,379.09 $17,719.00 $19,486.33 $23,735.35
As of June 30, 2015 Needed: Received: Expenses: Balance:
$705,657.42 $544,316.19 $618,628.62 ($74,312.43)
11:00 a.m. Worship Attendance July 5, 2015 122 July 12, 2015 164 July 19, 2015 203 July 26, 2015 165
Wednesday Night Supper Permanent Reservations
Name: ________________________________________________ Hot Meal or Salad Bar Option: $7.00 Children’s Meal: $3.50 Number of Reservations Needed: ______ Hot Meal ______ Salad Bar, with Irish Potato/Sweet Potato (circle one) ______ Children’s Meal
Worshipping Together
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP IN AUGUST Sunday, August 2, 2015 The 10th Sunday After Pentecost Communion Sunday Sermon by Dr. Roger Paynter: The Well-Mannered God Texts: Psalm 51:1-12, Mark 6:1-13 Sunday, August 9, 2015 The 11th Sunday After Pentecost Sermon: Life-Giving Nourishment Texts: I Kings 19:4-8, John 6:35, 41-51 Sunday, August 16, 2015 The 12th Sunday After Pentecost Sermon: Seeking Wisdom Texts: I Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20
Paul A. Baxley
Senior Minister
Amanda Lewis
Minister of College Students 706-548-1359
Ministers
Frank Granger
Randy Brittain Brandon Pendry
Anne Brittain
Alan McArthur
Minister of Minister of Music Christian Community Organist Music Associate
Pianist
Minister of Youth and Mission
Jon Appleton
Pastor Emeritus
www.firstbaptistathens.org
FIRST BAPTIST NEWS (USPS 193-040) is published monthly at no charge by First Baptist Church, 355 Pulaski St., Athens, GA 30601-2860. Periodicals postage paid at Athens, GA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FIRST BAPTIST NEWS, 355 Pulaski St., Athens, GA 30601-2860.
First Baptist News
(USPS 193-040) First Baptist Church 355 Pulaski Street Athens, Georgia 30601-2860
Sunday, August 23, 2015 The 13th Sunday After Pentecost FIRST SUNDAY Sermon: Renewing Commitment Texts: Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18; NT Text TBA Sunday, August 30, 2015 The 14th Sunday After Pentecost Sermon: Pure Religion Texts: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9; Psalm 15, James 1:17-27
Community announcements
Feel like there’s too many needs to be met? Feel like you just can’t do it all? So you do NOTHING? Come on August 23 to see how just a little bit of your time and energy goes a long way toward fulfilling God’s mission.
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