The Evangeltag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//32010-03-17T20:00:48ZEvangel articles and weekly worship informationMovable Type 4.31-enHere's Life: Easter at First Baptist Nashvilletag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27462010-03-04T20:39:48Z2010-03-17T20:00:48ZThe hope found in the Easter story is not like anything you've ever heard before. It's not dependent on how hard we work, how much we have, or how smart we are--actually, it's not dependent on us at all. It's...Laura Meriwether Come to First Baptist Nashville this Easter and discover a hope that never ends. Experience an encouraging message and uplifting music where Hope is Alive!
Please call 664-6000 for more information about our Easter services.
Service of Word & Table 8:15 a.m., Chapel
Join us for a special time of worship focusing on the words of Scripture and the elements of the Lord's Supper.
Morning Worship 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary
Join our church family as we celebrate in music and message the promise of life offered in Jesus Christ!]]>
Coming Up...tag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27452010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T16:04:27ZLaura MeriwetherCHURCH FAMILY March 7 - Word & Table Service; First Night Business Meeting March 7-14 - Week of Prayer for North American Missions March 16 - EQUIP March 28 - Palm Sunday; Room in the Inn Concludes April 1 - TBL Organ Recital April 2 - Good Friday; Church Offices Closed
ADULTS March 14 - SAALT Spring Luncheon March 25 - JuniorSeniors March 26 - Men's Prayer Breakfast FAMILIES March 5 - Parents Night Out
CHILDREN March 21 - Church Bible Drill March 28 - Associational Bible Drill]]>
Mind, BODY, and SpiritPractical Personal Health Pointertag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27442010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T16:05:01ZLaura Meriwether
First Baptist Nashville has a Rapid Response Team of health care providers, led by Jason Jean, which assists the church proactively and reactively in matters of life safety and health. Each week a member of this team is present at times of church gatherings to assist members and guests with safety and health provisions.
From time to time, this team will provide health tips in order to encourage our congregation to healthy living disciplines. I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...therefore glorify God in your body."
Hold the Salt, Please!
Excess intake of sodium chloride has an important and probably predominant role in the development of raised blood pressure. On average, as salt intake increases, blood pressure increases. The importance of this cannot be overstated; the evidence is indisputable. Several medical studies have estimated the benefits of reducing NaCl intake to 5 grams, or less, daily.
One study estimated that across 23 countries with a high burden of chronic disease, 850,000 lives would be saved each year from a reduction in salt intake to 5 grams daily.
Another analysis reported that an average daily intake of 5.8 grams NaCl (2300 g sodium; the recommended upper limit in the US) would reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 11 million, save $18 billion in health care costs, and gain 312,000 quality adjusted life years. Other studies demonstrate a higher salt intake is associated with increased incidence of stroke.
Salt is a neglected aspect of the healthy diet. Few individuals calculate their salt intake. They pay less attention to salt than to fats and calories.
Additionally, those of us who eat commercially-prepared foods face difficulties in reducing salt intake. Ideally, to reduce salt intake food must be prepared at home, and the salt shaker removed from the table.
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The Unique Ministry of the CDCtag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27432010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T16:00:29ZOn May 25, 2007, we were blessed with the birth of our daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. While at times it seemed like the clock moved in 3-hour increments based on how empty her belly was or how full her diaper was,...Laura Meriwether She has been. Sarah has thrived at the CDC. Soon after Sarah started at the center, we began to receive encouragement from staff and other parents to visit First Baptist. We continued to visit the church and made friends with many members and their children through Sunday School, church events, and softball. We found a level of comfort and belonging that we had not found elsewhere. Now I am happy to say we are members and so very blessed to have such a wonderful and caring church home.]]>
Summer Opportunities for Studentstag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27422010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:59:32ZYouth Choir Mission TourChicago, ILJune 25 - July 4Our Youth Choir is preparing for their summer mission adventure to the Windy City. Exciting ministry opportunities are falling into place as we look forward to seeing how God will use our...Laura Meriwether
Youth Choir Mission Tour Chicago, IL June 25 - July 4Our Youth Choir is preparing for their summer mission adventure to the Windy City. Exciting ministry opportunities are falling into place as we look forward to seeing how God will use our students to impact lives. Sign-ups begin soon for all students involved in the choir. Please keep the Youth Music Leadership Team and Youth Choir in your prayers during these days of planning and preparation.
FUGE CAMP 2010 Glorieta Conference Center, NM July 10 - 17
Centrifuge is a discipleship camp for middle school and high school students. This camp includes graded Bible studies with students from other churches, recreation, and afternoon track times, all facilitated by Fuge camp staff. Check out www.fuge.com for specific camp information. More details to come!
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Men's Ministry BIG SKY BREAKFASTtag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27412010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-17T19:37:55ZFriday, March 267:00 a.m.Fellowship HallCost: $5.00Men, join us for a full, hot breakfast before heading to work! Doors open at 6:45 a.m. Plans and ideas for our Men's Ministry in 2010 will be shared, and we'll hear words of hope...Laura MeriwetherFriday, March 26 7:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Cost: $5.00 Men, join us for a full, hot breakfast before heading to work! Doors open at 6:45 a.m. Plans and ideas for our Men's Ministry in 2010 will be shared, and we'll hear words of hope and encouragement from Daniel Lambert, senior pastor at Easthaven Baptist Church in Kalispell, Montana. Start your day with prayer and fellowship!
Daniel Lambert is a renowned Montana hunter, hiker, and pastor. He grew up on a small farm in East Texas and received his Bachelor's degree from Baylor University, Master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Doctoral degree from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary. Daniel has been the pastor at Easthaven since 1991 and is married to Vicki; they have two children, Daniel William and Adrianna. Daniel is an avid hunter and has a deep commitment to mission work. ]]>
Crow's Cornertag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27402010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:53:21ZFirst Baptist Nashville is a great place to be this winter and spring! Several highlights of ministry and outreach include the following:Career TransitionsThis support group for job-seekers meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. in Room 360 under the leadership of Marcus...Laura Meriwether Career Transitions This support group for job-seekers meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. in Room 360 under the leadership of Marcus Marasco, Scott Allen and Sim Hassler. Seminars, speakers, encouragement and support are important ingredients of this ministry. A new offering in the ministry is Life Coaching. Join us if you find yourself in a career transition mode. And if you are a business person seeking well-qualified, capable employees, contact us today and we'll be more than happy to supply you with a resume or data on persons possibly qualified to fill your positions. For more information, contact Scott Allen at scott.allen@firstbaptistnashville.org or call 664-6000.
Young Adult Bible Study Our newest Bible study class, The Well, is healthy and growing and meets Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Pastor Frank's Bible teaching teams up well with the live music leadership of Alan Farris. A team of terrific young adult leaders and good fellowship for singles and marrieds alike make The Well a great opportunity to introduce your young adult friends to First Baptist Nashville!
Family Mission Trip August 5 - 8, 2010 Elizabeth and Jason Rogers announce the 2010 Family Mission Trip to Elizabethton, Tennessee, to minister, care, and share God's grace with people of the community. Jackie and I had the privilege of participating last year--it is a GREAT experience! I hope you will consider participating. There are a limited number of housing accommodations available. Please contact Jason or Elizabeth soon at jasonandelizabeth@comcast.net for more information and to volunteer. Should we have enough volunteers to field two teams, we will provide a second date for this ministry.
Murmansk, Russia, Mission Trips Several groups of volunteers have participated in Mission trips to Murmansk, a city of 250,000 Russians located north of the Arctic Circle with fewer than ten evangelical churches to reach the city for Christ. We are participating in a church planting movement there and are linked with volunteer missionaries from North Carolina to work alongside a new pastor in projects of teaching English as a Second Language and providing basic church construction for an existing church. This year's trips are planned for May 20 - 31 and October 21 - 31. For more information about either of these trips, contact Fred Linkenhoker at flinkenhoker@hotmail.com or Lori Towns at 664-6001.
We are about serving a God who works the IMPOSSIBLE! What 2010 at First Baptist Nashville will be like is unsure, but we know this--nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26). He is able to heal marriages on the brink of collapse. He is able to rebuild relationships. The impossible for us is easy for God! Remember Jonah in the belly of the whale? God took Jonah (a coward at best, a traitor at worst) and transformed him into a people-reaching preacher in Nineveh. Remember Daniel in the lion's den? Wow! Who, but GOD, could rescue him, protect him, and save him? Not only did God provide the impossible, He made Daniel into the king's right hand man! Then, there was Joseph, and what about Abraham?
We get the point--NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD! It's a great promise to claim each day this year--for your life; for your relationships; for your Bible class, choir, fellowship group; and for our church. God bless you as we serve the God of Impossibilities!
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Frank and to the Pointtag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27392010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:51:08ZA few years ago on a Sunday morning when I was visiting in another city, I attended a church of another denomination. I sat alone in the pew having arrived just a little early for the service until a sweet...Laura Meriwether Kent Ira Gruff writes in The Soul of Tomorrow's Church, "Seekers are craving to experience the three most popular lines around the world: Welcome Home, I Love You, and Supper's Ready."
We say "Welcome Home" every time we gather for worship and extend hospitality to one another and the guests in our midst. Let's not forget that the welcome we extend to others is really our greeting in the name of Christ to those who enter our church buildings each week. They need to experience a genuine, warm welcome.
"I Love You" is the message. It's what I try to communicate in sermon and it's what we communicate in song. It's God's message. If the sermon doesn't say that, the sermon is incomplete (the sermon I preach and the sermons we live).
"Supper's Ready" may be the actual experience of the Lord's Supper--believers gathered around the table of the Lord, remembering Christ's body, thankful for Christ's sacrifice. The sacred moments of worship celebrated in baptism, prayers, dedications, and more should remind us of the feast that is ours in Christian worship and experience.
We are in the midst of our Season of Prayer at First Baptist Nashville. For seven weeks, someone is praying on the hour, every hour, for the spiritual renewal of our nation, our community, and our church. 168 prayer warriors are making up our prayer watch praying at the same hour each week during our Season of Prayer. Others were not able to make the commitment but have joined us by finding various times throughout their week to pray with us. We thank each of you for your willingness to pray.
Easter Sunday is just around the corner. Please take advantage of the opportunity you have to invite someone to be your guest for worship and Bible study on Easter, April 4. It's one of the days that most non-churched individuals say they'd be willing to attend church if they only had an invitation from someone they knew. While our church is praying for the community, step out in faith toward someone you know who needs to experience Christ. You'll be glad you did.
The Service of Word and Table takes place the first Sunday of each month at 8:15 a.m. in our Chapel. It's an opportunity for us to participate in the Lord's Supper more frequently, and to listen to the words of Scripture, responsive readings, and guided prayers.
You are always welcome! You are always loved! Supper's ready!
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VBS Volunteer Round-Uptag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27382010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:49:49ZYee-Haw! Vacation Bible School is set for June 14 - 18. Will you join us at Saddle Ridge Ranch? Kids will be ridin' the range and hollerin' the motto, "Need answers? Ask God!" Ranch Hands are needed at all the...Laura Meriwether
Yee-Haw! Vacation Bible School is set for June 14 - 18. Will you join us at Saddle Ridge Ranch? Kids will be ridin' the range and hollerin' the motto, "Need answers? Ask God!" Ranch Hands are needed at all the sites--from the Bible Study Bunkhouse to the Big Sky Grill. If you've got the time, we've got a place for you! To volunteer, contact Sarah Galloway at gallowaysx4@comcast.net.
First Baptist Scholarshipstag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27372010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:48:38ZThe Scholarship Committee is grateful for the thoughtfulness of First Baptist members who have endowed scholarship funds to honor loved ones. Due to the loss of market value of the funds as a result of the economic downturn, we have...Laura Meriwether Thank you, Glenn Yarbrough, who established the Marion Yarbrough Scholarship to honor his wife's love of First Baptist Church and its students who attend any post-secondary institution. Thank you, family of Mr. and Mrs. James R. Cox, who established a scholarship to benefit FBC Nashville members attending Belmont University. We as a committee and as a church are grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity in providing for so many students in years past and for years to come.
If you would like to designate a gift to either of these scholarships, please list either "Yarbrough scholarship" or "Cox scholarship" in the designation box of your offering envelope.]]>
SAALT Spring Luncheon for Senior Adultstag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27362010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:47:36ZSunday, March 14, all those 55 or older are invited to the SAALT Spring Luncheon following morning worship. For just $10 per person, you'll enjoy a tasty lunch, plenty of fellowship, and entertainment from an 8-singer barbershop quartet and James...Laura Meriwether The theme is A Taste of Yesterday. During lunch, we'll run a slideshow of pictures from our folks' high school days. Watch and see how many friends you can pick out!
Call 664-6015 to make your reservation today!
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Alleluia! Amen! A Festival of Hymnstag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27352010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:46:23ZFeaturing: Dr. Albert L. TravisThe Kings BrassThe Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist NashvilleSunday, April 18 - 7:00 p.m....Laura Meriwether
Featuring: Dr. Albert L. Travis The Kings Brass The Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Nashville Sunday, April 18 - 7:00 p.m.
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Next in Our 2010 Organ Concert Series: tag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27342010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:37:23ZLaura MeriwetherThursday Business Lunch Organ Recital April 1, 2010 - 12:15 p.m. featuring Kenneth Brewer
Join us for the second in a series of noonday Thursday Business Lunch Organ Recitals featuring Mr. Kenneth Brewer on Maundy Thursday, April 1. Mr. Brewer served as Organist for over 26 years at the First Baptist Church of Franklin, Kentucky. He currently attends First Baptist Nashville and is the owner of Kenneth B. Brewer Antique Keyboard Instruments where he practices his craft of restoring antique keyboards. Bring a friend, enjoy lunch in our Fellowship Hall, and experience some inspiring music played on the magnificent fifty-nine rank Schantz organ. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
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Reflections on Our Schantz Organtag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27332010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:34:18ZWhen I arrived on the scene in 1964, there was already buzz about a new sanctuary. Russell Brothers chaired the Building Committee, and Dr. Hines Sims represented the musicians. We contacted five major pipe organ builders for bids and decided...Laura Meriwether
When I arrived on the scene in 1964, there was already buzz about a new sanctuary. Russell Brothers chaired the Building Committee, and Dr. Hines Sims represented the musicians. We contacted five major pipe organ builders for bids and decided on the Schantz Organ Company in Orrville, Ohio, to build our instrument.
For those of you who remember the last service in the old sanctuary in 1967, Hardie Bass asked me to pull out all the stops and play "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" one last time. The next day the old instrument was removed by Sam Lott and friends, and three years later, our new Schantz organ arrived for our new sanctuary.
When I saw the Schantz truck parked on 7th Avenue, I started screaming and probably cried, too. I was the most excited organist in the world that day. Widener and Company of Atlanta, Georgia, installed our 59-rank, 4-manual instrument and constructed an electric pulley to hoist the larger pipes to the four openings on the east wall. After all of the pipes were in place, but not tuned or voiced, I begged Mr. Widener to let me play a note or two. I'll never forget it--Mary Kate Brothers was standing in the choir loft above the organ console, and I began playing the softest stops on the organ. It was a piece that I would later play for numerous weddings in our sanctuary. The sounds were beautiful, so Mary Kate and I shared a sweet moment among our tears. We were so happy.
The first service in the sanctuary was scheduled for Easter Sunday, March 29, 1970. The organ was not finished, but it was tuned well enough to play the first notes for Vince Johnson and Pat Halsell's wedding the night before and then for the packed house the next day. Throughout the building project, Dr. Paschall promised that our first hymn in the new sanctuary would be "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," and it was. I played the Widor "Toccata" for the Easter postlude, and afterwards, the Sneads and I hugged in the organ pit and cried tears of joy. That night Mr. Snead led our choir in a major work, Of Time and Eternity, and it was the first time the mighty Trompette en Chamade (horizontal pipes) was played.
John Schantz and Breck Camp arrived in April 1970 to voice/finish the organ in time for my dedicatory recital on May 24, 1970. I played German and French music, including J. S. Bach's "Passacaglia" and Alain's "Litanies."
The one and only major refurbishment of the organ occurred in 2005, when the Milnar Organ Company of Eagleville, Tennessee, brought it up to date. Thanks to Mark Edwards and the Sanctuary Choir, a Zimbelstern was added on the occasion of my retirement. After 40 years on the First Baptist bench, it was my pleasure to pass the baton to Vicki Wright, who celebrated her fifth anniversary last June. And, did I mention, she is doing a fabulous job?!
What a privilege it was to play our wonderful instrument from 1970 to 2004 in a room built for music--aurally and visually. Thanks to the Schantz and Milnar Companies, it still sounds as great as it did when I played the first notes.
Don't miss the great organ concerts planned by Joe Fitzpatrick and our Music Committee for our sanctuary's 40th anniversary. I know all of the artists and highly recommend them to you. Happy Anniversary! Soli deo Gloria!
*Image: The Day the Organ Arrived -- February 17, 1970
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EQUIP: A Professional Enrichment Seriestag:www.firstbaptistnashville.org,2010:/evangel//3.27322010-03-04T16:00:00Z2010-03-04T15:26:16ZEQUIP is a professional enrichment series designed for the Nashville professional. Each monthly opportunity includes a time for networking and an informative seminar relative to the workplace. As a Building Bridges initiative, EQUIP offers an excellent opportunity to mentor colleagues...Laura Meriwether
"Workplace Conflict: A Counter Move" Tuesday, March 16
Disagreement in the workplace is common--it's how coworkers test out new ideas, improve relationships, and reach the best decisions. When disagreement escalates into conflict, we need to be able to resolve it constructively in a way that meets both parties' needs. In this session, you will learn about your preferred "conflict management style," the situations in which it is most effective, and how to adapt it when necessary. The seminar will be presented by Deborah Tobey, an organizational and human performance consultant.
Come early for breakfast and networking. EQUIP is free and open to all workers and businesses. EQUIP meets in Room 150 on the first floor. Enter at the door adjacent to the Sommet Center. Complimentary parking is available in parking lot D. The transition to Q&A and Networking allows anyone wishing to exit early to do so at their preference. Email Scott Allen at scott@solutionstochange.com or call 593-3927 for more information.
Additional EQUIP dates for 2010: April 13, May 11, June 8, July 20, August 24, September 21, October 19, and November 16.
Featuring: