THE CELEBRATIONS

 First Baptist Church                        Evansville, Indiana

  Vol. 56, No. 47                                                         January 30, 2008

Vision Statement

We are building on our heritage and approaching the future with a vision relevant to our changing world while creating an atmosphere where Christ can bring healing, hope, and joy to all.

 
I have been asked about office hours that I am keeping, so here is the low down. It is my intention to be in the church office Monday through Thursday mornings. There are several things that might impact that schedule, so if you are coming to the church with the intention of talking with me, then it is always best to make an appointment. I always will welcome walk in visits but priority will be given to appointments or work that is required for an approaching deadline. 

I feel that it is important for me to be actively involved in the Downtown Ministers Association. Their meetings are mornings at 11:00 AM, so those days I will be leaving in time to attend those meetings. These types of events will effect the time I spend in the office. 

There may also be times when I am at a conference or other event and I am not in the office at all. This week I am attending the “New Baptist Covenant” meeting in Atlanta, GA so I will be away Wednesday through Saturday. The New Baptist Covenant was formed under the leadership of Former President Jimmy Carter and is an effort to bring together Baptist of all types to celebrate all we hold in common and explore how we can best work together for Christ’s Kingdom. Presenters beside President Carter include Baptists like, Tony Campolo, author John Grisham, President Bill Clinton and others. In the next Celebrations I hope to tell you a bit about my time there. (For more information go to www.newbaptistcelebration.org). 

Another thing that may effect my being in the office would be visits from Family. April 19^th we are planning a special installation service to formalize and celebrate my call as pastor. I am hoping that my  parents, George and Gertrude Huffsmith, will be able to be here for that, and I hope they can stay for a couple of days to take in this area. The week following the installation service I will probably be in the office Wednesday through Saturday mornings instead of Monday through Thursday giving me time to spend with them. 

I hope this helps. If there is an emergency Vada can always reach me on my cell phone. If you are at church and the door is open you are always welcome to stop in and say “Hi”. 

                                                                                                                                         Grace and Peace, Pastor George

Dorothy Rapp Music
Scholarship Opportunity

Annual scholarship created by the First Baptist Church of Evansville in honor of Robert and Dorothy Rapp to assist young people with their pursuit of education or development of music skills consistent with Christian principles. May be used for college, camps, or private lessons. 

Application deadline is February 1, 2008. Applications are available in the church office. 

For additional information or an application, please visit the Community Foundation Alliance website at www.alliance9.org and click on Scholarships in the left-side menu or contact Barbara Dicken, Vanderburgh Community Foundation, 18 NW 4^th St., Suite 306, Evansville, Indiana 47708, phone (812) 422-1245 (email:  info@vcfoundation.org). 

ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF 

It’s time to get your favorite chili recipes ready for the Annual First Baptist Chili Cook-Off! Mark your calendars for Sun., Feb. 17^th, following the morning worship. No need to register early, just bring your chili and you appetite! The menu will be sandwiches, drink, dessert, and all the chili you can eat for a $5.00 donation. The Silver Ladle Award will be given for the Judges Choice and the People’s Choice. Bring your friends and family.

Do You Like Basketball?

How about joining us for an FBC “Old Timer’s” basketball game? We are looking for any First Baptist men or women, aged 55 and over to play. This will be a NO RUNNING (shuffling is allowed), half-court game in the Family Life Center. Concessions and lunch will be available from the FBC youth. We also need our half-time entertainment! How about a free throw contest? We’ll divide you into age groups and fin dour champion free throwers. Mark your calendars for Sat., Mar. 1^st at 1:00pm. See Bob Hollis or Joannie Hollis-Smith if you have questions. We’re calling it FBC March Madness!

SENIOR CITIZEN MINISTRY

First Baptist continues to reach out and minister to our senior citizens living in Kennedy Towers, Buckner Towers, Liberty 1 & Liberty 2. Every Saturday we take them to the grocery store. On the first Saturday of the month we take them to the bank, the Dollar Tree and occasionally the Post office. On an average we have 8 people per week. Our drivers for this very important ministry are Hal Bloss, Dennis Don, Matt Dillon, Scott Smith, Bob Hollis and Diane D. Legler. If you are interested in being a part of this important outreach, call Diane.

SUNDAY Van Drivers for FEBRUARY

  3^rd – Steve Winternheimer & Becky Arvin

10^th – Doris Harris & Jamie Mills (pick up)

           Regina Garnett (return)

17^th – Steve Winternheimer & Becky Arvin

24^th – Diane Legler & Cheryl Bingemer

WEDNESDAY Van Drivers for FEBRUARY

  6^th – Diane Legler, Jenny Fenwick, Joan Turley

13^th – Jayne Mills, Scott Smith, Rose Williams,

           Charlie Grable

20^th – Diane Legler, Jenny Fenwick, Beth Gilles

27^th – Jayne Mills, Scott Smith, Rose Williams,

           Charlie Grable

  FROM . . .

The Staff & Students    of CAZE  ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

“Thank you very much for your generous clothing donations to our school.”

~ ~ ~

FROM . . .
The Staff and Students of LODGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Wow!  What a nice thing you have done for our boys and girls. So many of us take for granted others do not have. 

Lodge staff, children, and families say “THANK YOU, in a huge way.”

UPSTAIRS RENOVATION

It’s time to finish our upstairs renovation project.  We had such a success when we worked on the children’s room, youth rooms and the large commons room, that now we are ready to complete the project. We began working on the 3 final children’s rooms on Tuesday, January 15^th at 6:00pm. We’ll meet on Tuesdays until we get the jobs done. All skill levels are  needed. We need to move some furniture, spackle and paint. If you are able to paint a wall - - we need you! We have a  great time of fellowship while we’re working too.  Join us on Tuesdays!

FREE MOVIE  NIGHT           

Our next free movie night will be Saturday, Feb. 9^th at 7:00pm. We will be showing “Evan Almighty”.  Free popcorn and drinks will be served.

Church Superbowl Party
We’re having a church superbowl party in the Family Life Center on February 3^rd at 4:00pm.  We’ll be watching the game on the BIG screen!  Bring a snack and join us - -  all ages are welcome!

PrimeTime Wednesdays

Join us on Wednesday evenings for dinner at 5:00pm and then “Videos that Teach” at 5:45pm. The middle schoolers are meeting with Scott and the Senior High and YAUT are meeting with Joannie. We’re taking a look at scenes from some current movies and seeing how the Bible can help us apply them to our daily lives. Bring your friends and join us!

Church Staff:    Dr. George Huffsmith - Reverend,  H. Posey Gaines - Pastor Emeritus, Julie Lauer - Music Director, Olivia Yates - Organist, Marge Baker - Pianist, Beth Bloss/Sarah Bloss - Nursery Attendants,Tom Kinner - Sexton,  Rhonda Wilson - Financial Secretary, Vada Chrockrem  - Church Secretary, Donna Waller - Saturday Secretary, Nelya Palamarchuk - Custodian