| June 3, 2008 | published in The Evangel |
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Arts Festival: PURPOSE FULFILLED
by Paula Barnes, Arts Festival coordinator
 The Downtown Task Force developed the art festival to glorify God and build bridges with artists, patrons, and our community. We had no idea what to expect or what kind of response we would get, but we felt called to make this a part of our ministry.
In April, 45 artists from across Tennessee participated in our very first arts festival. About 85% of the artists were non-church members, and they entered 94 different works of art! We estimate that about 75 people came to look at the art, excluding our own Sunday morning crowd. Visitors were a very diverse crowd: some heard about the show from their friends, some just saw our signs, and others were in town for the marathon.
I've been blessed to meet some wonderful people in connection with this festival. All who attended gained new insight into the 23rd Psalm. Here are some comments, from the artists themselves... "Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in the 23 Psalm exhibition. It is very moving and a wonderful expression of faith and worship." "Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the 23rd Psalm exhibition. I was so excited to see the show up and see the talented artists and their work." "I am amazed at the opportunities you are providing for the artist by incorporating art in the worship environment. This is so refreshing for me." Thank you to everyone who made the art show a success! Purpose Fulfilled! |
Make Some Noise!
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We thank you for your prayers during our journey and hope you will join us this Sunday evening, June 8, as we share our week of ministry with our home church. We'll begin in the Sanctuary at 6:00 p.m. with a program of music and testimony. Afterward, we will gather as a church family for Summer Sundae Night Fellowship in the drive-thru and patio and will view pictures from the trip in the Fellowship Hall.
CLICK HERE to view photos and read a daily journal from the trip ... |
This Sunday evening, 65 students and adults will return from an incredible week of ministry in the Charleston, West Virginia, community. These talented students will have spent six days leading children in after-school Vacation Bible School; performing and ministering to juveniles in three separate detention centers; sharing our testimonies through song and word at a retirement complex, a downtown outdoor community area, a minor league baseball game, and a church neighborhood cookout; and leading in worship at First Baptist Knoxville. Our students will have been stretched outside their comfort zones as they shared the love of Christ with hurting individuals. Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary Mission Trip
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Plans are underway for the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary Mission Trip. Our church will send volunteers for one week July 26 to August 3 and two weeks July 26 to August 9. This will involve painting and repair, landscaping, some office and /or work in the Library. Contact Fred Turner, 615-665-0284, ggpapa3@juno.com for more information. |
Upcoming Events
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Church Family Children Students Seniors |
My Nashville Family
| by Cherilyn Crowe, FBC member I have no relatives in the state of Tennessee. When I moved to Nashville to try and make it on my own, I worried if someone would be there to catch my hat when I threw it up in the air. Sure, I get my share of Ted Baxters, Mr. Grants, and Murrays at work, and I connect with many other singletons in the area. But, when the going gets rough, nothing takes the place of people who feel like family. I look around First Baptist Nashville and see my fun little brothers and sisters, compassionate cousins, authentic aunts and uncles, and wise parents and grandparents. These are the people who help me move, give me career advice, feed me meals, and pick me up when I'm down. I look forward to seeing them at weddings, and I'm comforted when we share hugs and tears at funerals. My family sees me at my best and worst. They stay with me when others flake out. They ask me tough questions. They let me learn from their experiences. They help me in the everyday and the everlasting. I am lucky to have such great work relationships and so many caring friends here. But, I am constantly amazed and overwhelmed when I think about my adopted family that shares service, laughter, tears, debates, and crises with me. A sense of belonging washes over me when I walk through our doors. Love is all around First Baptist Nashville, and I know that I don't have to make it completely on my own. |
Rooftop Ministry
by Rus Roach, minister of Pastoral Care First Baptist joined with several other congregations two years ago to begin Rooftop Ministry. It is designed to prevent people from becoming homeless. A participant church refers people for rent or mortgage assistance to Rooftop. A social worker follows up on all requests and meets with the candidates. The social worker (Cathy pictured above) can grant up to $300 towards candidate's rent. The couple in the photograph ran into a bind when their baby was born. Her work did not have maternity leave pay. The increasing cost of transportation, combined with the loss of revenue put them in a temporarily difficult situation. Rooftop is designed for them. We helped and they can stay in their home and be back "in charge" soon.
First Baptist contributes a total of $500 a month from several of our crisis funds to this ministry. Thank you for your budget gifts and your crisis donations. They are helping to make life a little easier for some families every month. |
College Mission Trip New Orleans
 June 19 - 24, Cost: $60
We will be working with the Baptist Crossroads Project to help rebuild homes in the 9th Ward devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This project will be an awesome opportunity for college students to reconnect with the ministry of First Baptist for the summer! Contact: Josh Owens, call 289-8407 or e-mail joshua.r.owens@gmail.com |
Father's Day
 On Sunday, June 15, we will honor all our men with the gift book Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. It's our way of saying thank you for your ministry to your families, friends and church. Please consider inviting a friend to church with you or giving the book away to someone you've been praying for. |
Crow's Corner: Church Updates
| by Tom Crow, executive pastor In recent business sessions, the church voted to support the Property Management Committee recommendation for up-fitting our campus including the remodeling of several different areas. This committee (and Allen Adcox) is doing great work. Thanks so much! WORK HAS BEGUN! Several facility upgrades are underway. See article below for more details. Financial support was recommended by the Finance Committee and approved with sources from various means including accumulated property improvement accounts. YOU WILL NOTICE steps towards improving our colors around the church, a little more GREEN! That is, recycling containers are being placed for paper as our first step toward improved waste management. Even your Sunday School literature (after you've read it all!) is acceptable in these containers. INVITE A FRIEND. Share the Love of Christ with good deeds, an invitation to Bible study, and prayer support. Build a bridge of love with someone nearby... "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." II Corinthians 9:11 |
Staff Announcements
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Thanks to Diane Parish, outreach assistant, who has served for over ten years in various capacities of ministry in First Baptist Nashville. Diane has served as children's ministry assistant, assistant to the education minister, assistant to the executive pastor, and most recently as membership records and outreach assistant. Diane has served faithfully and diligently but has tendered her resignation. Diane and Aubrey will continue to be an active part of First Baptist Nashville. We are so thankful for the impact Diane has made for the Lord on staff of the church. We will really miss her. Congratulations to Tim Morrison, our interim minister of adults, who will begin seminary in August and take on the position of minister of facilities and administration for Erlanger Baptist Church, Erlanger, Kentucky. Tim will complete ministry with us July 31. Tim has done and is doing a fine job with our Foundations Adult division in this interim time, and we will always be grateful for the way he stepped in and helped. |
Facilities Upgrades Underway
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Our church has approved six priority areas for upgrading our facilities. Fidelis (Room 150) is nearing completion making it a first class conference center. Work is progressing on our young adult Sunday School area (Room 370) which will have larger classrooms, new walls, ceiling, lighting, carpet, doors, and video monitors. We will soon upgrade our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade departments with new furniture, ceiling, lights, and paint. Thanks in advance for your flexibility in order that the church campus can be improved and made even more enjoyable for all. |
Catch a Wave at VBS 2008
 Registration is underway for our Outrigger Island Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School is for children age four (child must have turned four before October 1, 2007) through grade 6. Pick up a form from the bulletin board outside the Children's Ministry office. Forms will also be available outside Fellowship Hall on Wednesday nights and at the big table in the foyer on Sunday mornings. You may also register online by clicking here ... Mark your calendars! VBS Family Night is Wednesday, June 25! Dinner will be served in Fellowship Hall starting at 4:15 p.m. and our Outrigger Island Family Night program will begin in the Sanctuary at 6:10 p.m. After the program, we invite you to go to your child's room and see what they've been learning. |
| © 2008 First Baptist Nashville |