| May 8, 2008 | published in The Evangel |
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Congratulations Graduates
| by Josh Crosby, minister to students
It has been an incredible journey with this group of seniors who were sophomores when I arrived and weren’t even driving at the time. Yikes! Much like iPhone, iPod, and other techno-toys whose future is inconceivable, I believe the future for this class is inconceivable. Why? Because there is someone who plays a big role in their life, in all our lives. He is our God of mystery. Seniors, everyone, no matter what your future holds, leave God in the unresolved equation. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17b-19) These are the words that were selected for their mission trip to New Brunswick. Our Class of 2008 will be memorizing and meditating upon this prayer from Paul, and I believe it is perfect for their new beginning. Only if our faith is rooted in God can we truly be fulfilled and satisfied. I understand that we all seek satisfaction, fulfillment and purpose. We all have goals and dreams for our future that mostly include career and family and the great friendships that are established in college life. But our prayer for you, Seniors, as your church family, is to continue to be rooted and established in love so that you might experience just how amazing God’s love is. Like the passage above says, you can be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, and that is our ultimate satisfaction.
Encourage a SeniorWe are collecting note cards to present to the graduating seniors on Senior Recognition, Sunday, May 18. These note cards offer a way to share memories, appreciation, encouragement, a favorite Bible scripture, or a promise to remember them in prayer. In the church lobby you will find mailboxes for each graduating senior. Blank cards and envelopes are available. We will collect cards through Wednesday, May 14. Please show you care and fill out a card! Contact: Bonnie Holmes, 664.6008, bonnie.holmes@firstbaptistnashville.org |
Children's Choirs to Present End-of-Year Program
| by Barbara Sanders, children's choir coordinator "Music Is a Wonderful Mystery" has been the theme studied by our children during choir this year. Now, at the conclusion of the choir year, the children are ready to show you they have solved many mysteries about music: mysteries about how to read the music, how to accompany songs, how to sing beautifully, and how to sing together as choirs. But perhaps the most significant solved mysteries have been about the texts of hymns and songs. The children have discovered more about how much they are loved by Jesus and by the caring adults who guide them each week to make new discoveries and solve mysteries. They have learned that: Music is the same in any language, making us happy and making new friends. Music is a way to tell of Jesus; join in our singing and clap your hands! Join our children as they share their musical discoveries on Sunday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. |
Mother's Day: Becoming a Woman of Purpose
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"All of us wonder, at one time or another, who we are and why we're here. While society emphasizes wealth, success and the pursuit of pleasure, the truth is that we are created by God in His image, and our fulfillment is found in pursuing His purposes for us. Becoming a Woman of Purpose will guide you to a better understanding of God's intended purposes for Himself, for us as His people, and for you as His unique creation. As you grow toward genuine peace and fulfillment, you'll learn the joy of loving God and others, waiting on Him with hope, trusting Him through suffering, serving Him with reverent fear, and fulfilling His purposes." On Mother's Day, May 11, each woman present receive Becoming a Woman of Purpose by Cynthia Heald to keep or give away. It's a gift that First Baptist Nashville wants to provide to let you know we're thinking of you! Please bring a friend that you've been praying for, a friend that needs to be introduced to the Father. Thank you, moms, daughters, sisters and friends! |
Providing Care and Honor
| by Jean Benton, FBC member The phone rang and it was my sister. "The ambulance is here and we are taking Daddy to the hospital again," she said. Although they live 125 miles from us, we went immediately. I strongly believe that the care of elderly parents should not fall on one sibling just because they live in the same town. As parents age and encounter health problems, assistance from children can allow them to remain in the home as long as possible. But there comes a point when roles begin to reverse and children must make decisions about the care of their parents. It may be assuming management of finances, limiting driving privileges, or deciding on where they must live. It is wise to give thought to this care in advance of the need. Power of attorney to make both financial and medical decisions should be discussed, decided, and obtained. Visit and obtain information on care facilities in your area. Talk with doctors and review finances. At least one child should know the location of parents' important documents. Parents should have a will and a living will. Maintaining dignity and independence is the goal. If parents move into assisted living or a nursing care facility, work closely with the staff to be sure the proper level of care is given. If parents live with you in your home, utilize help from outside sources in order to maintain your own health. The care of elderly parents is difficult emotionally, physically, and sometimes financially. But I believe it's part of God's command to honor your parents. |
Annual Church Picnic is June 1
 The Joe C. Davis YMCA Campground will again be the site of our church picnic. If you’ve never been to our picnic, you will see one of the finest facilities of its type anywhere—an ideal place for our church to get together and have a good time. It is located on Percy Priest Lake, east of the airport. All the events will begin at 3 p.m., food will be served all afternoon, and the conclusion will be a worship service on the lodge grounds. Plan now to come and bring friends.
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Sunday School Leaders
| Director Brad Dunn is taking a group of Sunday School leaders to Sunday School Leadership Week at the wonderful Ridgecrest training center July 11-14. Please consider attending, especially if you have never attended or if it has been several years. It will help you think new ways about your Sunday School ministry, open some new people-reaching possibilities for you, and help charge your batteries for the new year of discovering, inviting, and connecting with others for Christ. For more information visit www.lifeway.com/ev or call Lori Towns at 664-6001. |
Living Free Training
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These small groups will exist as part of our Life Change University in the fall. Training will take place in Room 150 Friday, May 16 from 6 - 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Cost $14.00 pp. Our own Sharon Herrera, will facilitate our training and enable us to assist those dealing with "past or present problems or loved ones in need." CONTACT: Lori Towns, 664-6001, lori.towns@firstbaptistnashville.org |
"Living Free's purpose is to provide Christ-centered small group training and focused discipleship curriculum through local churches to help people turn to God and His resources when dealing with life's problems.reDiscover Sunday School at Ridgecrest
July 11 - 14, 2008 at Ridgecrest in North CarolinaWe want to help your Sunday school become more inviting. You will learn how to invigorate your learning environment, incorporate ideas to increase visitor "traffic," intercede more effectively, invest in people, invite them to come, then involve them in fellowship, ministry and Bible study. Attendees can choose from dozens of elective conferences each afternoon. Inspiring worship and preaching sets a spiritual mood. Plan now to bring a team of workers to this exceptional training experience.
Who Should Attend:Sunday School Teachers Worship Leadership:Tom McCoy, pastor of Thompson Station Church in Thompson Station, TN. The mountain settings provide a unique retreat environment, but with fun, vacation attractions just a few miles away. Activities are available for the whole family: childcare for children birth through preschool, Day Camp for grades 1-6, Centrifuge for grades 7-12, and VBS Camp for persons with special needs. Make this a family affair as you combine some days of vacation with a time of training and spiritual renewal. Age Group Leadership TracksPreschool
Registrationby phone: 800.588.7222 by fax: 828.669.9721 by mail: LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center Reservation hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday Program Fee (does not include lodging):$75.00 per person for adults and students Ridgecrest Housing:All rates listed are for up to 2 adults per room. Children under 18 stay for free with parents. Deluxe hotel - $99.00 per night Meal Rates:Meals serviced Friday dinner through Monday breakfast. Children under 6 eat free. 3 Meals-a-Day Package (8 meals) 2 Meals-a-Day Package (6 meals) Cancellation Deadline:Receive full refund of deposit if you cancel 60 or more days prior to event; receive on-half refund deposit if you cancel 59-29 days prior to the event. LOCATIONLifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center FOR MORE INFORMATIONContact: 800-588-7222 or ridgecrest@lifeway.com Let your Division Director know of your plans to attend! Contact Lori Towns for any questions or concerns. 664-6001 |
| © 2008 First Baptist Nashville |