Long before they began dating one another, John and Kathy Nugent both knew they were called to cross-cultural work. After marriage they continued to prepare for and pursue that direction. In 1990 they were matched with an appropriate opportunity to work overseas.

John grew up in a Christian family and came to know Christ at a young age. His family was always active in the local church. John holds a music degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and an M.Div. from Golden Gate Seminary. John worked in the computer industry for 10 years prior to moving to Asia, first as a technical writer and eventually as a senior programmer/analyst.

Kathy grew up in a family where church and Christianity was for Sunday morning. Her father was in the Marine Corps and was away from home about half of her early life. The family moved every year or so. Even though Kathy knew the Bible stories and could say the verses, she did not come to a true place of repentance and Lordship of Christ until she was a senior in high school. Kathy graduated from California Baptist College (now University) with majors in biology and P.E. Kathy worked as a Xerox field technician and later as a registered nurse.

John and Kathy met at the Church on Brady (now known as Mosaic). Over several years their relationship developed from coworkers at church and friends to dating. They were married in November of 1986. While at Brady, John and Kathy served in various roles such as Sunday School teacher, choir member, choir director, small group leaders and singles small group director.

The Nugents left Los Angeles for Asia in May of 1991 with their 1-year-old son David and have called Asia home ever since. All grown up now, David plans to enter Belmont University in the fall. His passions are music and the internet.

The Nugents have two other children, Amy and Christopher, both born overseas. Amy will be a junior in high school this year. Christopher will be entering the 6th grade. Both Amy and Christopher are avid readers.
The Nugent family will be in our residence through December of this year. Join us in welcoming them to First Baptist Nashville.

"Deacons of First Baptist Church, individually and collectively, are to prayerfully and consistently undergird and support the mission and ministry of the church through moral, spiritual, and servant leadership."
That is the purpose statement for our deacons. But what do our deacons actually do?

(Check all that apply.)

Deacons should . . .

__ 1. Set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
__ 2. Encourage and build up the pastor and other church staff members, one another, and all other church members.
__ 3. Serve as the church's chief administrative board of directors.
__ 4. Be peacemakers within the church body.
__ 5. Assist in the caring and service ministries of the church through faithful service on deacon committees.
__ 6. Regularly police church parking lots during Sommet Center events.
__ 7. Be mindful of the well-being of the church and, as requested or led, give counsel and recommendations for consideration as appropriate to the pastor, other staff members, committees, and the congregation.

Correct answers: 1., 2., 4., 5., 7. (Deacons do not serve as a board of directors nor do they police church parking lots during Predator games.)

Read the correct answers again. What common characteristic runs through these statements? The answer can be summed up in two words: servant leadership. And that is why I agreed to be a deacon if elected.

As I observed the spiritual leadership of our deacons and experienced their service to me and my family, I was honored when set apart as a deacon. But it's more than an honor; it's an opportunity to serve. "Therefore, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith" (Eph. 6:10, HCSB).

First Baptist Nashville turns 188 on July 22. We look good for our age! Thank you for all you do to make our church great!

Construction volunteers are needed in New Brunswick. The first group will leave July 18 and the second, July 26. Those interested should contact Wilburn Honeycutt at 661-5743.

Our Wednesday evening meals will be held in Room 100 of the East Building.

As our kitchen will be closed, our meals will be catered from outside sources. RSVPs are needed on or before noon Monday of each week.

Adult meals will be $5.00 (children's meals will continue to be $2.00).

We appreciate your patience and flexibility during our remodel of Fellowship Hall this July and August. The Wednesday evening menu schedule and reservation sheet are posted on our web site -- click here!

Student Ministry Assistant Bonnie Holmes Bruner has resigned to accept another position. Bonnie has served us faithfully and joyfully, and we are sad to see her go. Please join us in praying for her as she transitions to her new career.

Josh Owens will serve as interim student ministry assistant. He can be contacted at 664-6008.

Help us expand First Baptist's recycling effort, remember to use the collection bins that were recently placed around the church. 

Help us show that First Baptist cares about the environment!

When I heard about the first FBC Game Night in February, I thought to myself, "Do I want to go?" I kept thinking about it and talked to Joe and we decided, "Yes, we'll try it."

At first we thought it was probably just for families with children but we decided that it would be a great time for us older folks without children to intermingle. We called two other couples (who weren't planning on going). They like to play Mexican Train Dominoes so we invited them to come. We took our dominoes and set up a table and had a great game. In fact, we all had a great time.

There were lots of things going on for the children and for young people, too: games to play on TVs that were set up [Wii Sports] and various games at tables. We all took snacks and had a great variety of fun things to eat.
All in all we think it was a great opportunity to get to know some people that aren't in our age group and have a fun time--second only to the church picnic. We are looking forward to the next FBC Game Night on Friday, August 8. Hope to see you there! [Watch for more information in your Sunday School classes and around the church building!]

It is only by God's grace that we are able to share. And the message that we share is about God's grace and his fulfillment in our lives. Every time you think of us and miss us, please pray for us. Pray for our hearts, the hearts of those who we come in contact with, the spirit to move, and Christ to be glorified.

We love you, church family, and will miss you while we're gone!

Peace,
Josh Crosby

Pray for the Mission Trip Participants: Josh Crosby, Frank Lewis, Patsy Buckner, Jason Rogers, Caroline Sloan, Garrett Schlosser, Danika Schlosser, Caleb Rankin, Lauren Lewis, Abby Bronaugh, Hannah Rogers, Emily Simpson, Susan McNamara, Megan Wilson

Certainly! Since the early 1990s... It has not been very vocal or visible recently but it is present, operational, and available to members of the church and Sunday School, as well as their families. Services are provided on request by members and for non-members upon referral by the ministerial staff.

The counseling ministry provides assistance for a variety of problems or difficulties: depression, anxiety, marital or other relationship problems, parent/child concerns, self-esteem issues, addictions, codependency, or stress. This service can provide the help and support that you need.

All services are provided by an experienced licensed professional therapist. All sessions and information is confidential--consistent with current HIPPA law. For more information or to utilize the service, call 664-6070 (a confidential voice mail that is answered by therapists not church staff). Watch the Evangel for further articles and information.