Frank and to the Point

The beginning of a new year always gives us the chance to set new personal goals. Often called New Year’s Resolutions, these goals summarize our best intentions to grow in the areas of self-improvement, personal enrichment, and spiritual growth. I enjoy the opportunity to set goals because it requires that I spend some time reflecting on the past year as well. I hope and trust that you will be engaged in setting some new goals along with me.

To help you just a bit, let’s talk about Bible Study. Each year in January we study a book of the Bible in a little more detail on Sunday mornings following the Southern Baptist emphasis called January Bible Study. This year’s Bible study focus is Paul’s letter to the Romans. It’s a great book and will help us as a congregation as we continue to talk about personal revival and renewal. Romans is a book that is very practical in places, yet very theological in other places. It’s both deep and applicable. You’re going to be challenged and comforted.

You can participate in at least two ways. First, plan to be a part of the Sunday morning worship experience and walk through Romans with your church family. I’m preaching from Romans during January and February. Second, plan to participate in your personal Bible study using the January Bible Study guide from LifeWay Christian Resources on Sunday nights at home during the month of January. You will come away with a greater appreciation for the Book of Romans, you will understand God’s amazing grace (the theme of the study), and you will reacquaint yourself with the joy of letting God speak to you through His written word.

Once again, I’m closing my column this week with the words “good-bye” to another individual who has left an indelible impression on First Baptist Nashville during her time of service here. Lacy Tite joined our staff five years ago and in that time brought our church forward into the computer and internet age. Most people visit First Baptist Nashville on the web before ever walking across our campus. Lacy is responsible for that...and our publications and computer network. We’re going to miss her in the office but are very thankful that she and Steve will continue to be active here in our ministry. She joins the staff of Vanderbilt University this month. Be sure to say a word of thanks and appreciation to Lacy when you see her!

2008 Church Calendar

Grace, Life Changes & Living Free in 2008!

January Bible Study--God's Amazing Grace: Study in Romans

First Baptist Nashville will participate in a study of Romans during January and February. Pastor Frank will teach from Romans during worship on Sunday mornings. We encourage our members and guests to purchase an accompanying learner guide, God's Amazing Grace, Studies in Romans, and do independent study, study with a friend, or gather with a group of Sunday School friends or neighbors to study.

We can learn so much through the study of this wonderful book of the Bible, which includes verses that are so near to us such as "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8); and "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Learner Guides are available for purchase following morning worship in the foyer and Wednesday in Fellowship Hall at a cost of $7 each.

Life Change University

Our Sunday evening discipleship programming, Life Change University, begins with a preview on Sunday, February 3, in the foyer. Classes begin Sunday, February 10, from 5 - 7 P.M., including classes for children, students (Chapel Choir and SMART), and a wide variety of classes for adults. See our website for information on various class offerings, and pick up a brochure at information centers around the church!

Living Free

We will be offering more classes in small cell group dynamics with curriculum from the Living Free organization. Training for facilitators and assistants will be offered January 11 - 12 by registration (to register, contact Lori Towns at lori.towns@firstbaptistnashville.org or 664-6001). Courses in a a number of topics will be offered--check it out at www.livingfree.org. We are looking for volunteers to help facilitate a group of ten people with materials to guide and direct discussions--it's a great ministry that provides Christ-centered small group training and discipleship curriculum to help people turn to God and His resources when dealing with life's challenges.

Sunday School Leadership Xtravaganza Is February 3

Task Force 1 Team Leader Brad Dunn and Tom Crow encourage all Sunday School leaders to attend the February 3 Sunday School Leadership Lunch Xtravaganza in Fellowship Hall. Our featured speaker is Mr. Terry Turner, longtime Sunday School teacher, Belmont University Trustee, and CEO of Pinnacle Financial Partners. Terry will be speaking on the subjects of leadership and growth as they relate to Bible study and church life as a whole.
Division meetings will be held for 15 minutes as part of our mid-year gathering. Lunch is provided by reservation. We will dismiss by 2.00 P.M.

Please make reservations by emailing lori.towns@firstbaptistnashville.org or calling 664-6001 (be sure to include reservations for childcare as needed.)

Parents Night Out

• For babies – grade 6
• Friday, January 11
• 6:00 – 10:00 P.M.
• $7 per child (payable at time of registration)

Your child must be registered in order to participate. To register, fill out one of the designated envelopes located on Pam Nail’s office door, in the preschool suite, and on the third floor. Place your money in the envelope and return it either to Pam’s office or the church office. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, January 9.

2008 Church Committee Orientation

Church Committee Chairpersons will meet Sunday, January 13, at noon in Room 140 following morning worship for an orientation meeting. Lunch will be provided and the meeting will conclude by 1:30 P.M.

All committee chairpersons are encouraged to attend and receive material pertinent to their committee assignments of 2008.

ALL COMMITTEES of the church will meet Sunday, January 20, at noon in Fellowship Hall for lunch (you can’t beat $4/person for a great spaghetti lunch meal!), brief orientation and first kick-off meeting of each committee separately.

A Consistent New Year

We had it all planned. My brother-in-law had given us a devotional for Christmas, and we were determined to jumpstart our family devotions in 2007.

And we did--for about a month.

Then, life happened. The hustle and bustle of the immediate distracted us, and we ended up on the wrong end of the family devotion habit. Maybe you've been there too.

The problem is that good intentions rarely flesh out into life change when it comes to leading family devotions. We all know it's the right thing to do; we just have trouble making it happen.

If you're committed to breaking the cycle in 2008, here are a few ideas that might help:

1. Set aside a consistent time and place. This creates a culture of expectation and a degree of accountability.

2. Find a resource that fits your family's needs. You might use what your kids get in Sunday School or a family devotion book from the store. You might read straight from the Bible and discuss it as a family. The key is finding what works for your family.

3. Don't feel intimidated or inadequate. Few of us are Bible experts. Your kids will appreciate your honesty if you tell them you don't know it all and will enjoy working with you to find answers.

4. Don't be discouraged by bumps in the road. When life strikes, don't give up. Start again and be as consistent as possible.

Thank You Christmas Parade Float-ers!

Put a float in the Nashville Christmas Parade??? Sure, it can't be that hard! Well, it was hard...and it was well worth all the effort! It couldn't have been pulled off without the commitment of FBC members. From the first ideas around a table and at the drawing board, we made many trips to Home Depot & Wal-Mart, cut, sawed, nailed, staple-gunned, painted, costumed, sang, created beautiful banners, walked, rode or drove, donated trailers, generators, sheep, refreshments and wreaths. And the list could go on!

Would all our hard work pay off? The answer to that was apparent within seconds of starting the parade route. Our church was the official starting point for the 55th Annual Nashville Gas Christmas Parade. And we were greeted by many familiar faces of our FBC family who were braving the cold to support and cheer us on. We received warm reception to our handouts...and even had people chasing us down Broadway to get a copy of our Advent book. There were loud applause & heartfelt "thank yous," "Merry Christmases" and "Happy Birthday, Jesus" shouted at us as we passed by the crowds. Young children looked in total amazement as they spotted the baby Jesus. Amidst the Grinch, Santa, Rudolph & snowmen, First Baptist's float showed the real reason we celebrate this wonderful holiday! So we'd like to express a mighty THANK YOU to all who gave of their time and talents. Our float did make a difference. I hope this is the beginning of a long tradition at First Baptist Nashville.

Welcome Tim Morrison, Interim Minister of Adults

Please help us welcome Tim Morrison for an extended contract period as full-time Interim Minister of Adults. Tim began work full-time January 1, and will continue through mid-August in this role, helping us with specific assignments in the young adults Sunday School area. He will tend specifically to ministry/organizational needs in single adults and young married adults. We are thankful for Tim and his wife Jenny and look forward to serving together for the Lord! Some very exciting opportunities are on the horizon for our young adults! You can reach Tim at 664-6063 or via e-mail at tim.morrison@firstbaptistnashville.org.

Congratulations to graduates Bob Bunn and Nathan Parker!

Congratulations to Nathan Parker who received his Master of Divinity degree from Beeson Divinity School in December.

Congratulations also go to Dr. Robert Bunn. Bob received his Doctor of Education degree from Southern Seminary in December as well.

While we will not continue to mention their names on a regular basis, the Seminary Student Assistance Committee asks that you continue to pray for these men as they follow God and serve Him wherever and however He leads.

Reserve Sanctuary Flowers for 2008

You may place a memorial or honor someone special by donating flowers for worship. Please sign up on the 2008 flower calendar posted outside Fellowship Hall with your name and phone number, call Laurie Hall at 664–6030, or sign up using the online form for Sanctuary Flowers available by clicking here.

Winter Warm-Up

DISCIPLENOW: January 18 – 20

Winter Warm-Up / DiscipleNow will be an awesome time of Bible study, true discipleship and extreme fun! Students will stay in homes across the city Friday and Saturday nights, returning home on Sunday. Students will not want to miss this, so come and bring your friends!

SIGN UP ONLINE AT WWW.FIRSTBAPTISTSTUDENTS.ORG