Frank and to the Point

Join us Sunday night, March 2, for First Night. We will conduct business, pray together, and worship to celebrate God’s blessing on our church. You will leave with a clearer image of how we are fulfilling our call as a church on mission. Discipleship classes will follow an abbreviated schedule. First Night begins at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

March Message Series: A Death Foretold, A Resurrection Promised

Three times in the Gospel of Mark as Jesus talks with his disciples, he makes a prediction about his death and resurrection. The pivotal event in salvation history is summarized in these short little paragraphs remembered by Peter, and they hold a special message for the church today. Join our Pastor and the members of
First Baptist Nashville for this new series of messages leading to Easter.

March 2: Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Mark 8:31-33

March 9: What Does Jesus’ Death Accomplish? Mark 9:30-32

March 16: Why Did Jesus Take Our Place? Mark 10:32-34

March 23: What Difference Does a Resurrection Make? Mark 16:1-8

Impact for Christ

We each want to be impacting our world for Christ of course. We want to make a difference with our life in trusting Jesus Christ.

Sunday, March 2, in all adult and youth Sunday School classes, teachers will distribute to each person an "IMPACT CARD" and ask each to pray seeking those in our world God might allow us to impact for Christ. Who do you know that is searching for Christ or for something better in life than they have found so far? Who do you know that does not have a church family of believers? Who do you know that is not active in a local church? These friends, family members and acquaintances are all possibilities for your Impact Card, and ultimately for your reaching.

This little card encourages the holder to Pray, Invite and Tell:
Pray for the people you list on your card. Pray that the Holy Spirit will be working in their life.

Invite them to Bible study and worship with you--EASTER SUNDAY, March 23, is a great opportunity to do so! It is a recognized faith holiday when many people will attend church if invited. Pastor Frank will be preaching an IMPACT SERMON that day including a very clear explanation of the plan of salvation--how we can know Jesus Christ personally and what difference it makes to accept Christ into our life.
Tell them--share with your friends what difference Christ makes in your life. Share your story in simple form, what life was like before you met Christ, how He changed you, and what your life has been like since Christ. It's really that simple!

We'll have other good Impact opportunities this year--including Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas season, and others, but none more opportune than Easter Sunday. Be part of the answer to someone in your life who is searching for Christ. God bless you.

Scholarships Available

Beginning on March 2, 2008, the First Baptist Church Scholarship Committee will be receiving applications for the Yarborough and Cox Memorial College Scholarships. Applications will be considered for full-time college, technical, or trade school students. Decisions will be based upon student involvement (church, community, school), academic standing, career goals, an essay, a letter of recommendation, and an interview with the committee.

An applicant must be a resident member of FBC Nashville for one year or have been a member for one year prior to entering college.

Application forms, along with scholarship descriptions, are available from Student Ministry Assistant Bonnie Holmes or by clicking here.

In order to be considered, an application must be received by the church office on or before April 16, 2008.

Week of Prayer for North American Missions

Week of Prayer for North American Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, March 2-9, 2008

National Goal: $61 million
Theme: Live with Urgency
Scripture: John 9:4-5

Week of Prayer Missionaries:

• Daniel and Marta Caceres, Oklahoma
• Dewey and Kathie Aiken, Vermont (MSC)
• Melanie Lawler, Nevada
• Jon and Mindy Jamison, Iowa
• David and Shirley Proffitt, Virginia
• Jon and Linda Hodge, National Missionaries
• Brad Lartigue, Montana
• Chris and Monica Woodall, Hawaii

Not Too Late for LCU!

LCU (Life Change University) has begun! Make plans to attend one of the following:

• Stepping Up by Beth Moore, Rm. 360 led by Judy Latham
• Financial Peace University, Rm 370 led by Mark Brown
• Building Bridges Through the Centuries: A History of the Church on Mission, Rm 140 led by Andrew Smith
• Servant Warriors, Fellowship Hall led by Frank Lewis
• Modern Parables: Living in the Kingdom of God, Rm 150 G led by Ronnie Boling
• Weight Watchers, Rm 470 led by Dana Haddock
• Caregiving for Aging Parents, Rm 150F led by Sam Sanders

Insight Groups

• Adults, Rm 150B led by Jim Shull
• Adult Women, Rm 150A led by Sharon Herrera (will begin Sunday, March 2)
• Women Ages 20’s/30’s, meets off-campus Tuesday evenings

DiscipleNow Report

WOW! Our students experienced their first, full-fledged DNow in years. "Why are we staying in homes?" one student asked. They soon realized that their small groups in homes were the best place for real discussion. With experienced small group leaders facilitating, the students dealt with one of our absolutes, Healthy Friendships. The students were strongly challenged to think about their personal walk with Christ.

We also had an amazing opportunity to shine Christ's light in our very own city. Saturday morning, we spent some time in KIPP Academy of East Nashville. Students and leaders painted, cleaned, sorted books, and moved furniture for the school. What a blessing it was for the teachers and administration there. You should have seen their beaming faces. They felt God's love. Even more impressive was our students' response to such an opportunity to serve. For those of you who were a part of helping this weekend take place, thank you! For those of you who get excited about hearing about such a weekend, join us next year!

Check out our photos online: www.firstbaptiststudents.org

Reading for a Cold Winter's Day

For Moms & Dads

House Beautiful Decorating School. Tessa Evelegh. Hearst Books.
Need some ideas for a little or a major redecorating project for your home? This new title offers simple and elegant suggestions.

For Boys & Girls

Officer Buckle and Gloria. Peggy Rathmann. Putnam's.
Officer Buckle took Gloria, his dog, with him to present safety rules in elementary schools. The children paid more attention to Gloria than to him, so he decided not to visit the schools. A major accident occurred and everyone recognized the importance of Officer Buckle AND GLORIA.

Both of these titles are new in the church library. You'll find something you enjoy.

Compassionate Children

When we were asked to write an article about developing a compassionate heart in children, we felt extremely under-qualified. So how does it happen? Certainly it is a continual process that takes time. For children to understand compassion or love, they must first experience it. Fortunately, it's easy to love our kids--most days.

Of course, that's only part of it. We must also demonstrate how to love others. Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37-39 to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. But without pausing, He tells us that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. Those two commandments make all the difference in the life of a parent and child. When we as parents submit to God, our children will see the fruits of the Spirit in all we do.

Additionally, exposing children to opportunities that teach life lessons about compassion fosters the loving spirit that comes naturally to them. Sunday Bible study and Mission Friends are great opportunities for our children to experience the building blocks of what it means to love and show compassion.

It is good for us to be part of a body that comes alongside to foster goodness in our kids. It delights us to hear stories from teachers and friends at church about how our children are growing in this regard. We learn a bit about love and compassion from them daily, too.

We as church members make a commitment during every parent/child dedication. Do not take that commitment lightly. It directly impacts our children and the future of the Christian church.

Staff Stuff

Join us in celebrating these milestones among our staff.

March Birthdays
3/6 - Rickey Sullivan
3/21 - Sam Sanders
3/26 - Nathan Green

March Anniversaries
Mary Sullivan - 1 year
Lori Towns - 1 year

Welcome Amanda Poff to Our Staff!

Have you met Amanda Poff First Baptist Nashville’s new Pastor’s Assistant? Amanda is a “people person,”and you will enjoy getting to know her as you call and interact with her. Come by and say hello as you have opportunity. She’s a graduate of Trevecca and is married to Benjamin. She’s originally from Sandersville, GA. She enjoys reading, scrap booking and baking!

Help Us Welcome Our New Volunteer Greeters

Help Us Welcome Volunteer Greeters Keith Compton and Steve Sparks

We are very grateful for the ministry and service of Keith Compton and Steve Sparks as reception desk hosts. They will serve in this capacity on Sunday mornings before and during Sunday School and Wednesday evenings during dinner and prayer meeting. Keith will host on Sundays and Steve on Wednesdays. They will help us welcome guests and members, answer questions and answer telephone calls.

Thanks, Keith & Steve! You’re terrific!

StudentLife Tour is April 4 - 5

Speakers: David Platt, Darren Whitehead
Worship Leader: SPUR58
Concert Artist: Jeremy Riddle
Where: Long Hollow Baptist Church, Hendersonville
Cost: $100, includes event registration, transportation, lodging, and t-shirt

Student Life Tour is a weekend experience that incorporates challenging teaching and intimate worship with the hope of renewed focus on God’s Word. Although there will be great music and plenty of fun, the goal is not to entertain, but to bring the teachings of Scripture to life.

This provides an excellent time for students and their leaders to get away for a couple days and invest in their relationships—with each other and most of all, with Christ.

Sign up online at www.firstbaptiststudents.org

Questions? Contact Bonnie Holmes, ministry assistant 615-664-6008 / bonnie.holmes@firstbaptistnashville.org