First Baptist News VOLUME LVIII
July, 2015
In the Spotlight
Reflections C. Frank Granger
Last week I attended the annual General Assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). After the Wednesday evening worship, many of us were, as to be expected, talking with friends, hugging those we haven’t seen in years, meeting new people, sharing ideas and opinions, and looking to see who else was present. I had just finished catching up with a fellow college classmate, starting to make my way across the crowd and looking to see who else I knew. A young adult stepped over, extended her hand to shake, and said, “This may be a bit awkward . . .” Not recognizing her, I was unsure how to respond and certainly had no way of knowing what she was about to say. We shook hands. I waited. No more than a second or two of space between the silent shake and her next comment, though it seemed as if time had momentarily suspended. Honestly, I expected that she was going to say she was the daughter of someone I went to school with. However, she didn’t introduce herself, nor give one of those “you might not remember me, but . . .” introductions. So before I had any more time to speculate, or linger in suspense, she went straight to the punch line. “I wanted to tell you that . . . you are part of the reason I am now in ministry.” Wow! Really!? How? When? Who are you? Those are the thoughts running through my mind. Still I couldn’t place this person. So I had no reference point for even being aware of having had any influence on her, much less something that would result in a career. She continued to tell about her time at Camp PRISM. This was a children’s camp that First Baptist Athens and about 6 other Baptist churches did together in the 1990s and 2000s, before there ever was a Passport Camp. She recounted remembering me and Kenney Standley as leaders for them, and that she credited Camp PRISM with her faith formation. Teary-eyed, I made my own awkward move at this point and asked her to tell me her name. “Judith Meyers,” she said. She grew up at Fernwood Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. “Yes, of course! I remember you.” Another example of how our worlds collide. You may remember Fernwood Baptist Church which recently called Bailey Edwards Nelson as their pastor. Bailey was on our staff for two years as our children’s minister while she was in seminary. And, one summer while at Furman, Bailey was at Camp PRISM with us. Judith’s message changed the course of my whole experience at the CBF General Assembly. It was what could be termed a delayed confirmation. We ministers believed that what we were doing in all of our planning, preparation, hopes, and craziness at Camp PRISM would have meaning for the children of our churches. Hearing it confirmed made all the difference. More impactful than that was the confirmation that each of us touches people in ways that we never know. Mostly, it may be well and good to be that way. The working of God’s spirit through us is more fluid and less encumbered when we are those unknowing conduits and vessels. Nonetheless, hearing in retrospect of a time of inspiration touches lingering doubts we carry with a hand of blessing and confirmation. What to her was an awkward moment became for me a sacred moment of blessing and grace. Sometimes entering the presence of the sacred is awkward. Judith dared to risk the awkwardness she
NO. 7
Fine Arts Camp 2015 FBC Athens
“Make a Joyful Noise” When: July 6-9, 2015 Where: FBC Athens Children’s Area Time: 8:00 a.m. -12:00 noon, Monday through Thursday Ages: Children who will be in first through sixth grades
Important information for families regarding camp registration: 1. Children will enter/exit through the Branyon Foyer daily. 2. Children need to arrive for camp daily at 8:00 a.m. 3. Children need to be picked up at 12:00 noon daily. During the week, the children will be singing, playing instruments, moving to music in various musical styles, making musical instruments, and listening to minimusical concerts provided by UGA students, church members, and community musicians. Our featured guest for the week is Dr. Arvin Scott, Professor of African Drumming and Percussion at UGA.
imagined which became for me a holy and sacred moment. When we feel that nudge to speak a word of gratitude to another, or share with someone how he or she has made a lasting impact on our lives, what we anticipate as awkward may actually be the opportunity for a sacred moment, an experience of God’s blessing. Take the risk to be awkward, because someone will be blessed by it.
WORSHIP Children’s Music Ministry – Fall 2015
Children
Margaret McDonald
Extended Session Schedule
Our theme for the Children’s Music Ministry this fall is “Choosing God’s Way.” This curriculum is published by Growing in Grace. Please look at the Youtube link to see and hear some of the songs for this year. The link is https://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. Please mark your calendars with the dates listed below for Children’s Choirs at First Baptist Church this fall. If you have questions about the children’s choir program, please contact 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.
July 5: GiGi Lastinger and Jennifer Baxley July 12: Rob and Leslie Gordon July 19: Clare and Travis Eggleston July 26: Julie and Kenneth Linsley
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.
Children’s Church Schedule
Date
Teacher
Helper
July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26
No Children’s Church Margaret McDonald Kathryn Fountain Jeff Randa
Julie Linsley Margaret McDonald Anna Randa
Important Dates:
College Corner
Vacation Bible School
Amanda Lewis
Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped make VBS a big success! The theme was “Camp Discovery” and we learned Bible stories, played games, sang songs, and did arts and crafts.
Throughout the summer, our students are coming and going as they work, take classes, and go on vacations. Those who are in town are meeting for Bible studies and activities. We kicked off the summer’s activities with a Memorial Day lunch. We have also enjoyed a trip to Bear Hollow Zoo, ventured to Ikea, and played cornhole at the church picnic! Amanda is working to plan monthly luncheons and Sunday night dinners for Fall and Spring. These meals are a wonderful way to get to know the students! If you are interested in providing a meal, she’ll be circulating a sign-up sheet throughout the month!
Youth-Middle & High School Brandon Pendry
BRING YOUR FRIENDS THIS SUMMER!
All FBC Youth events are open to everyone and a great opportunity to get to have some fun and learn a little bit about who we are as Athens FBC Youth! Tuesdays: Lunch with Brandon, 12:00 Noon. Meet at FBC. If you need to meet at the restaurant/be picked up OR if you need $ to eat, let Brandon know. July 7 Grindhouse Burgers, Lumpkin Street July 21 Jason’s Deli, Beechwood July 28 Teriyaki 101, Epps Bridge Aug 4 Brett’s Casual, Atlanta Highway
July 9 12-18 21/22 22 24 28
7:00-9:30 p.m., Pre-Passport Devotion, Dinner, FIRE at Brandon and Stacey’s, 232 Whisperwood Lane PASSPORT CAMP, Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC 9:00 a.m. Youth at Emergency Food Bank, 640 Barber Street 5:00-7:00 p.m. Church Dinner and Mission Trip Report at FBC 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Kayak Broad River, Cost: $20, bring a sack lunch and canned drinks! 6:35 p.m. Gwinnett Braves v Durham Bulls, Cost TBD Leave FBC Athens at 5:00 p.m.
August
2 Back to School Pool Party, Time and Location TBA
community SUMMER NEIGHBORHOOD BIBLE STUDIES
coming together and helping one another.
Christian Community is… What Are Your Interests? Who Else Shares These in the Church?
Are We There Yet?
Stories of Journey and Unexpected Discovery Adults have been taking part in the opportunity to gather in someone’s home this summer for fellowship and Bible study. Each session is a separate session. You can join in with a group for only one session or as many as you can, even if you did not participate in the first one. Join in with a group that best fits you and your schedule.
Session 1: Is the GPS Working?: Joseph Session 2: Lessons from the Trip: 40 Years in the Wilderness Session 3: Should Have Turned Right: Jonah Session 4: Inspired by Redirection: Saul on the Damascus Road
This past year, members of our congregation completed surveys responding to a number of questions, including activities in which they were involved. The surveys have been completed and the results correlated by our Community Team. In the weeks leading up to First Sunday on August 19, the Community Team will have on display parts of the survey results. The first display board is up showing those interested in outdoor activities. Please look to see who you might contact to enjoy the same outdoor activities you do.
FBC Outdoor Activities
5 Points Area Host Home: Rick and Jill Dawson Address: 290 Lullwater Road, Athens 30606 Facilitator: Ray Austin Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30 p.m. July 14 - Session 3 July 28 - Session 4 Westside/Watkinsville Area Host Home: Fred and Amy Young Address: 1211 Founders Blvd., Athens 30606 Facilitator: Jason Williamson Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30 p.m. July 2 - Session 1 July 9 - Session 2 July 23 - Session 3 August 6 - Session 4 Women’s Group Host Home: Teresa Granger Address: 274 Hunnicutt Drive, Athens, 30606 Facilitator: Jennifer Baxley Mondays: 7:00-8:30 p.m. July 13 - Session 3 July 27 - Session 4 Young Adult Group Host Home: Emily O’Rear Address: 1440 Tanglebrook Drive, Athens, 30606 Facilitators: Amanda Lewis and Frank Granger Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30 p.m. July 14 - Session 3 July 21 - Session 4
FBC Walking Group: Sunday Evenings, 6:00 p.m.
The Recreation Team invites you to join in Fitness and Fellowship by joining the FBC Walking Group each Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This group is open to all ages and fitness levels. Meet outside the Fanning Foyer and don’t forget to bring your water bottle!
Adult Sunday School Teachers Annual Adult Sunday School Teachers Retreat Saturday, August 29, 2015 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
RETREAT LEADER: DR. MICHAEL MCCULLAR Teaching Pastor at John’s Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, GA
community
50+ Strengthens Community Unplanned twists and turns are often what makes the best Montreat in North Carolina, and Myrtle Beach to name a few. Many memories. That was the point of the story Dallas Cannady told about would include some time for shopping and, with a chuckle, Jackie a 50+ trip to South Georgia a few years ago. “The thing I remember said that there were a few of the women who would fill the back of the most about that trip is that there was no air conditioning on the bus with their purchases. She declined to name names, but said the bus, and it was July in South Georgia. It seemed like it was 110 that the group had a lot of fun teasing them a bit. degrees and everyone was very uncomfortable.” But Dallas said God Vicki Horton said that she can’t remember exactly how long she was there with them on that trip. “Everyone on that bus became has been involved with this group, “I go all the way back to Len closer to God because we knew that we had been on a bus ride that Willingham–so it’s been quite a few years.” She always enjoyed the was hotter than… well, you know where. We knew we didn’t want to museum trips and said that the group found unusual activities. “One take that ride again,” quips Dallas. He went on to say that the rest of year, we took a trip to a Kangaroo Farm up in Dawsonville. When we the trip was uneventful and enjoyable. arrived, we hopped on these jeep type wagons that took us through Lois Gibbs recalls a broken down bus on one of their trips to North the fields to a petting zoo. We were able to pet the kangaroos and Georgia. Not that anyone really wanted to be sitting on the side of learned so much about them.” She went on to say that there was the road, the group still rallied to make their own fun and got some always a lot of laughter when the group travelled together. games going while they waited for the bus to be The 50+ Group is open to anyone in the fixed. Lois said, “I was part of a similar group in church who is over the age of 50 or would like my church in North Carolina, and when I moved to enjoy fellowship with folks in that age group. 50+ Outing to Athens and started at First Baptist, I knew I Joyce Fleeman is the current Team Leader and wanted to get involved. It was a great way to encourages everyone to get involved. Joyce said truly get to know people in the church who I that her memories of being involved with the and would never have spent time with.” She went on group include some hilarious stories, like the time to say that the most rewarding part of the group Dallas Cannady needed help locating his bag–he was simply spending time together–laughing, didn’t recognize it because his granddaughter July 23, 8:30 a.m. joking, and telling stories–whether on the side had packed for him. She cherishes the beautiful of the road or in a comfortable restaurant. Dallas of Jim McKillip playing piano, laughing Dutch treat at Ila Restaurant sounds concurred that the fellowship has always been at Vickie Horton’s jokes, playing games with followed by blueberry the best part of the 50+ gatherings and “there Jan Brown and Lois Gibbs, and a host of others. picking at the Fleeman’s. might have been a story or two told on our trips.” “There are just so many memories filled with so In the past year, the group has done many special times with the senior adults of First everything from assembling hygiene kits for the Baptist,” says Joyce, “Oh, what love, joy, wisdom, Mercy Nurses Clinic to a visit to Currahee Museum, Toccoa Falls, and and grace flows through these friends.” Traveler’s Rest Historical Site. Jackie Thomason has been an active While some of the memorable trips mentioned may have hit a member for nearly 30 years. She says that the mission projects that small bump in the road, Joyce assures folks that most trips go off the group has accomplished have come about because members without a hitch. The next gathering is a Breakfast and Blueberries have a strong desire to serve God. “I have gotten to know people Outing on July 23. This will be a Dutch treat breakfast at 8:30 a.m. that I had not spent time with in the past. The activities that we do at the Ila Restaurant. A private full breakfast buffet will be set for together have meant so much to me. Each year we try to do two $8.97 including tax and gratuity. Afterwards all who would like may major projects to serve others. And we have a lot of fun working pick blueberries at the Fleeman’s. Of course, the blueberry picking together.” depends upon the weather and how the crop is producing at that Jackie recalls that in the early years, there were a large number of time. So call the church office by July 16 to sign up for some fun, out-of-town trips. The group has been to Cape Cod, Washington, D.C., fellowship, and great eats!
Breakfast
Blueberries
MISSION Mission of the Month
Athens Nurses Clinic
Interfaith Hospitality Network® an affiliate of Family Promise®
About: The Athens Nurses Clinic is a non-profit safety-net health care clinic providing free evaluation, treatment, and education for acute and chronic medical and dental conditions to uninsured low-and-no income residents of Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding counties. FBC supports the clinic via $3,000 each year, as well as through providing hygiene kits from Sisters on a Mission, the 50+ Team, and roughly 200 hygiene kits from our 2015 VBS mission project.
Sign up online at www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d49ada822ab9-ihnhost4 or contact Kim Rogers with questions.
Ways to Serve: The Athens Nurses Clinic always welcomes volunteers–nurses and other healthcare providers, students, educators, and clerical assistance. If you feel called to serve at the clinic, go to their website: www.athensnursesclinic.org. You can also contact Melanie Burden at volunteers@athensnursesclinic.org.
Food Bank Needs: Canned Pasta, Stove Top Stuffing, Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, Ramen Noodles, Sweet Peas Food Bank: Youth on July 14/15 and July 28/29 Our Daily Bread: Disciples on July 9
Next IHN Hosting • July 19-26, 2015
Who’s Serving:
Mission
A Look Back in Time – Habitat for Humanity You don’t always get to know the end of the story, but there is one from our church history that needs to be told. In the early 90’s, Jon Appleton was the pastor at FBC and had developed a wonderful relationship with the pastor at Hill First Baptist Church. When Dr. Appleton approached church members with the idea to form a partnership with Hill members (Hill FBC was founded in 1867 with 129 former members of FBC who were all African-American and desired their own place to worship), someone suggested that a Habitat build would offer a wonderful way to collaborate. With that idea, “Hands Across Hancock” was formed. Linda Lacy recalls that it was a wonderful project because it included everyone in the church–older members, Pictured are photos of families, and young members–all coming construction, Beth Lacy Heffner and Hunter Hargrave helping together to participate. out, and the finished product. Habitat requires a significant amount Mrs. Battle still lives in this home. of sweat equity to be the recipient of a build, so the prospective owner needed a strong support group of family and friends to invest time in the construction. With the selection of Mrs. Battle and her grandchildren as the prospective homeowner, we joined with our partners in Hill FBC and were on our way to building a home. About the same time, our youth group went on a mission trip to Sarasota where they participated in a “Blitz Build” for Habitat with seven houses going up in seven days. Phil Caskey was part of that trip and recalls that he had more than a few concerns on the drive down. “You see, there were hardly any boys on the trip, and we were going down to work construction in Florida with a number of teenage girls. I was concerned that they might not be up to the rigors of construction in the Florida heat. I have never been so happy to be so wrong.” Phil went on to say that the girls became very adept at roofing. “They were up early and on the roof by 7:00 a.m. each day,” said Phil, “those girls became very skilled at roofing.” So everyone was all pumped up and encouraged about Habitat for Humanity, and the plans began to come together for Mrs. Battle’s house. The girls who returned from Sarasota helped complete the roof of the first Habitat house built in the project area–it was another “blitz build” and was completed in seven days. By the time construction started on the Battle house, those young ladies were virtual roofing experts. It was all coming together. “One of my favorite memories of the build was watching Dr. Joel Giddens up on that roof with the girls,” says Phil, “Dr. Giddens was in his mid-70s at the time we were building the house. He spent a lot of time up on that roof. I just thought ‘there is my hero.’ He was so energetic in his commitment to the project. You could always count on him. I don’t know how many hours of volunteer work he put in on it.” Habitat in Athens had acquired a heavily wooded property at a very reasonable cost–not far from what was known then as the ‘Iron Triangle’–a pretty sketchy and dangerous place in those days. Phil’s wife, Marcia, recalls quite another story about the Battle build. “Late one night, the guys weren’t home. This was in the days before cell phones were common, and we had no way to know where they were or if they were alright. The area of the build was one where you wouldn’t want to be alone late at night. We were getting worried.” “It was raining and getting very late, but we were determined to finish the sheetrock. When a police officer showed up at the Battle house and came in asking for Phillip Neal Caskey, I knew I was in trouble! Marcia only uses my full name when she’s mad,” joked Phil. In their haste to finish the sheetrock, Mike Lacy lost one of his prize possessions–a brand new tape measure. The men looked everywhere
for that tape measure and finally decided that it somehow got closed up into the walls of the house, never to be found again! Another story Phil remembered about the Habitat build was working on the exterior siding. Charlie Hooper was working on the siding, making sure it was done correctly. Phil said, “The siding would go up and Charlie would say, ‘That is not straight!’ So the vinyl would come down. The vinyl would go up, the vinyl would come down.” It took more than a few tries to get that vinyl siding on correctly. Marcia remembers the painting. Janey Cooley, a long-time member of FBC was determined to help paint the house. “Janey always looked impeccable,” said Marcia, “She painted the interior for an entire day without a drop of paint getting on her clothes and not a hair out of place. I don’t paint quite so neatly!” Phil concurred, adding that Marcia was typically covered in paint by the end of the day. Everyone interviewed for this story agreed that the Habitat build was a wonderful experience for the whole church. “People could get involved for just a day or for the entirety of the project. It was a way for parents to show their children how to serve. Families were able to do it together,” said Marcia. Linda Lacy fondly remembers organizing the 4th and 5th graders to serve the construction workers lunch. “We would gather together and make sandwiches for the workers,” said Linda, “it was a wonderful way to get the kids involved–I think the workers called them the Lunch Angels!” The house was completed in a few months of intense work, and after the dedication, Mrs. Battle and her grandchildren moved in. According to Marcia, Mrs. Battle said that the biggest blessing of that house was that her grandbabies were no longer sick. They had suffered with terrible allergies for years due to problems with their previous living arrangements–once they moved in, everyone’s health improved significantly. All expenses related to construction for a Habitat House are tallied up, and the mortgage is simply the total of all of the expenses, divided into a 20 year mortgage with no interest. Even with such generous terms, homeowners sometimes have problems keeping up with their mortgage. Habitat works with the homeowners to help them figure out a budget that works. After his experience in Sarasota and with the Battle house build, Phil Caskey went on to serve on the Habitat for Humanity Board. He recalls how important it was to help homeowners stay current. One fellow board member, a gentleman from Green Acres Baptist Church, was particularly determined to help keep homeowners on track. And that is where we get to the happy ending! Phil was delivering some items to the Habitat offices earlier this summer and chatted with one of the administrators in the office. “I was so thrilled to find out that Mrs. Battle had paid off her mortgage!” said Phil, “She made all of her payments and now owns that house!” First Baptist and Hill First Baptist began construction on the Battle house in August of ‘93. The house was dedicated in November of the same year. The total cost was somewhere around $40K for a three bedroom house. Former Youth Minister at FBC Lex Horton said, “From the family who invested sweat equity, time, and finances to those who swung hammers and the toddlers who “helped” onsite, this is a milestone worth celebrating. As Millard Fuller put it so aptly, ‘Working together as God’s people in the world–I don’t know of anything that’s more rewarding.’ Good work truly does ripple through time.” Sometimes, stories really do have a happy ending.
MISSION
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 19 to see how just a little bit of your time and energy goes a long way toward fulfilling God’s mission.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Serving Together Co-Deacons for the Weeks of:
June 28-July 4 July 5-11 July 12-18 July 19-25 July 26-August 1
Joyce Gravely, Daniel Haygood Al Henderson, Andy Hogan Charlie Hooper, Donna Hopper Mike Lacy, Shelby Lacy Sharon McArthur, Evelyn McNair
Counting Committee Schedule:
Sunday, July 5 Sunday, July 12 Sunday, July 19 Sunday, July 26
Lewis Shropshire, Fred Young Brad Lastinger, Ray Noblet Bill Hopper, Dallas Cannady Charlie Hooper, David Matheny
Fellowship Team for June Mary Barton, Pam Bickley, Becky Adams, Tom Brown
Usher Team for May
Jerry Gouge, Carl Hedrick, Chris Scarborough, Milton Mills, Randan Ashmore, Steve Smith
Welcome Center Team for the Weeks of:
July 5
July 12 July 19 July 26
Branyon Foyer: Karen Price, Cindy Haygood Fanning Foyer: Charlotte Crowe, Pam Bickley 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
Church Family News Military Samuel J. Campione, 18, of White, GA, graduated from the United States Marine Corps, Boot Camp, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island on March 13, 2015. Campione successfully completed 14 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD Parris Island as one of 264 recruits in Training Company GOLF, 2nd Battalion. During his training, Campione achieved the sharpshooter rifle qualification badge and the National Defense Service Medal. Following Boot Camp, Campione completed 8 weeks of Military Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC. Campione is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC, serving in an Infantry Unit, where he is attached to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. On June 1, 2015, he was promoted to Private First Class. Campione is the son of Judy and Joe Campione, also Marines, and the grandson of Bill and Judy Adams.
New Life We welcome Annelise Lane Inman, the daughter of Erin and Allan Inman, born Saturday, June 20, 2015.
Sympathy We extend our Christian love and sympathy to Brad, GiGi, Gracyn, and Bradley Lastinger in the death of Brad’s father, John Lastinger of Valdosta, GA, on May 28, 2015. We extend our Christian love and sympathy to Malcom Skinner in the death of his wife, Margaret Watson Skinner, on Friday, June 5, 2015. We extend our Christian love and sympathy to James Halligan and his family in the death of his grandson, Andrew Soloman, on Thursday, June 18, 2015.
First Aid Phone – July
Contributions & Participation
Shawn O’Rear
summer Supper Adults $7.00; Children $3.50 You may call the church office to make reservations, or you can make reservations on the church website at firstbaptistathens. org/wednesday.
MENU Wed., July 22: Sandwiches, Chips, Fresh fruit, Salad Ice Cream with Desserts from the Men’s Bake-off
A Note of Thanks
Dear First Baptist Family, We would like to thank you for ALL you did for us during Phil’s most recent illness, hospitalization, surgery, and recovery!! Your MANY expressions of love and support truly “made the difference” to our entire family. THANK YOU for all the calls, cards, visits, food, ETC, ETC, ETC. We were blessed by you, OUR FBC FAMILY, in so many ways EACH day of this “adventure!” And we are also blessed in that we can say that Phil has fully recovered!! Phil, Marcia, and Nathan Caskey
Weekly Needs: Received week of May 31 Received week of June 7 Received week of June 14 Received week of June 21 Received week of June 28
$27,140.67 $22,108.49 $20,630.00 $17,349.37 $14,764.33 $14,409.47
Year to Date June 21, 2015 Needed: Received: Expenses: Balance:
$588,047.85 $476,180.26 $514,293.05 ($38,112.79)
11:00 a.m. Worship Attendance May 31, 2015 191 June 7, 2015 191 June 14, 2015 185 June 21, 2015 191 June 28, 2015 156
DEADLINE FOR INCLUSION IN THE AUGUST NEWSLETTER IS WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 AT NOON.
Worshipping Together
Paul A. Baxley
Senior Minister
Ministers
Frank Granger
Randy Brittain Brandon Pendry
Minister of Minister of Music Christian Community
Minister of Youth and Mission
Amanda Lewis Margaret McDonald Anne Brittain Alan McArthur Jon Appleton
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP IN JULY Sunday, July 5, 2015 Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Sermon by: Dr. Bryan Whitfield, Professor of Christianity at Mercer University, previously member of First Baptist Church, Athens, GA Sermon: Strength from Weakness Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 Sunday, July 12, 2015 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost Sermon by: Dr. Roger Paynter, recently retired pastor at First Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
Minister of College Students 706-548-1359
Children’s Ministry Intern
Organist Music Associate
Pianist
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
Periodicals POSTAGE PAID Athens, GA 30601
Sunday, July 19, 2015 Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Sermon by: Dr. Roger Paynter Sunday, July 26, 2015 Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Sermon by: Dr. Tripp Martin, UGA alumnus and pastor of First Baptist Auburn, Alabama
Community announcements
Men’s Cake Bake-Off July 22 The Recreation Team is calling all males (any and every age) to enter the Men’s Cake BakeOff in conjunction with the Summer Family Night on Wednesday, July 22. Now is the time to start thinking about your favorite recipes for the following categories:
• SHOWSTOPPER
(judged on appearance and presentation)
• SCRUMPTIOUS (judged on taste)
• SIGNATURE
(best all around) The competition will begin at 5:00 p.m.
Summer Family Night Supper, Wednesday, July 22 5:00 p.m.: Supper and Men’s Cake Bake-Off 6:00 p.m.: Special Presentation by the youth on their Mission Trip to Shaw, Mississippi